PREFACE 
This set of laboratory exercises is intended to form an integral 
part of a year’s course in elementary biology. It is especially 
prepared to accompany and to supplement Waggoner’s Modern 
Biology: Its Human Aspects, and as such can be used to the 
greatest advantage. The exercises are so arranged that they 
can be employed almost equally well in the laboratory which 
has little equipment and in one which is complete in every re¬ 
spect. While the demonstration method of presentation is sug¬ 
gested as being the most economical of supplies and probably 
the most effective in results, the directions are so planned that 
in most cases the individual method of study may be used when 
so desired. Throughout the course, the availability of the ma¬ 
terial to be employed has been kept in mind. In the majority of 
the exercises where live specimens are to be preferred, it should 
be .possible to obtain them at the season of year for which they 
are suggested. To facilitate the use of the exercises, notations 
are inserted to call attention to the need of advance preparation 
of materials. It is advised that much of the work be done in the 
field, either by the class as a whole or by individuals. However, 
under conditions which make field work inexpedient, the ma¬ 
jority of the exercises are suitable for indoor use. Throughout 
the book the attempt has been made to conform to the recom¬ 
mendations of the Commission on the Reorganization of Second¬ 
ary Education appointed by the National Education Associ¬ 
ation (Bulletin No. 26, 1920). 
The suggested laboratory exercises are ones which have been 
in use or have grown out of work done in the high school de¬ 
partment of the Western Illinois State Teachers College during 
an extended period of years. The author wishes to acknowledge 
