17 



Nature's work in preparing the island for the residence 

 of man is, however, not discontinued, for as the Coral colony 

 stays its labours, other agencies commence operations. 



The ceaseless wash of the sea carries to this super- 

 structure of animal mass, deposits from other lands which 

 gradually bank up over the edge of the coral foundation. 

 The debris becoming solidified by the heat of the sun cracks 

 and distributes over the island. The birds of the air next 

 perform their part in bringing seeds to the desolate island, 

 plants make their appearance, and from the decaying leaves 

 a surface soil is produced. So the work of adaptation for 

 higher requirements proceeds. 



I should like, in conclusion, to say a word about this 

 nature study in view of the new Education Act, to suggest 

 that whatever be its merits it will be deficient in real worth 

 if it be a hindrance to the study of natural history ; it: should 

 be rather a help, for this is a study that should be the basis 

 of all true education. 



We are glad to have the assurance, which is fully 

 appreciated, that in certain schools and colleges interest in 

 the open-air study of Physiology has been aroused and is 

 well sustained. Excursions are made periodically, with the 

 view of instilling into the minds of the young the knowledge 

 which can best be acquired by outdoor studies. The natural 

 history museums ought also to be visited regularly by the 

 schools, to enable the scholar to become acquainted with the 

 fauna and flora of sea and land. 



The Ruskin schools, too, afford ample proof of the value 

 of this reformation in the educational system which we 

 advocate. 



There are agencies at work to make this training 

 general, in all our academies of learning, to aid our rising 

 generation in acquiring a clearer conception of nature's laws 

 and the better understanding of this attractive science. 



