goethe] THE CALIFORNIA NATURE STUDY LEAGUE 207 



Two sources of such poison have indeed recently been removed 

 by legislation, the saloon and the brothel. Even here Nature 

 Study helps. Both saloon and brothel were social centers. We 

 have a responsibility to offer acceptable substitutes. The Nature 

 Study Field Excursion offers, without prohibitive cost, just such 

 a substitute. 



All this Nature Study makes for a sturdier citizenship. America 

 needs a citizenry trained to see clearly, to think accurately, to 

 play healthily. Anything that assists to promote both clean 

 recreation and popular interest in scientific education, makes for a 

 better world in the generations which are to follow. 



Song of the Meadowlark 



Carroll DeWilton Scott 

 Pacific Beach, California 



Greetings merry meadowlark ! 



Warbling whether sun or rain 

 From the dawning until dark. 



How I love to hear thy strain ! 

 Always pealing happily 



"Life is very sweet to me." 



Every bird is glad in Spring, 



Yet in August thou art gay 

 And thy golden warbles ring 



When December skies are gray. 

 Is it thy philosophy, 



"Life is very sweet to me?" 



Or the truth perchance is this : 



Dwelling in the meadows wide 

 Where the breeze and sunlight kiss 



Grasses into summer pride 

 Life must needs be "sweet" to thee 



Dear apostle of the free. 



When I linger in thy meads 



Where the luscious odors flow, 

 Little use have I for creeds 



When the w'nds your meassge blow; 



I too, whistle gleefully 



"Life is very sweet to me." 



