The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-04-10
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPL



TO the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
see that much interest is being shown just
now in the High-school course of study in Indi-
annapolis, and have received a copy of the pres
emit course, with the request that would state
what would want child of mine to study.
This is a move in the right direction, for al
though it would be an utter impossibiity, as
well as an absurdity, to please every one. lin the
multitude of coupselors there is wisdom" In
examining your present course Of study dis
cover one very serious mistake, mistake which
calls for some earnest criticism. In the pre-
scribed course there is no study which deals
with life, reference to the great subject or
biology, a subject which is attracting vast
amount OF attention In the world to-day, and
one that can be made most fascinating and dis
culinary to children. The idea of having re-
quired physics and chemistry and no required
biology is simply lopsided arrangement and
does not tend at all to the cultivation of that bal
ance of powers which is the true theory OF
liberal education. The observation of living
things is one of the most natural impulses of the
child and should be carefully cultivated. 1
would present most strenuous objections were
child of mine stunted in thus direction, for not
only does 1t develop part OF his mental muscle
which is not reached in any other way, but it
is of immense practical Importance in every pur-
suit in life. To Observe and to reason and act
upon observation, is the very secret of success.
The subject, too, is one SO easily presented to
children, for an impulse of nature is on the side
OF the teacher, and the study becomes, not
task, but a delight OF course this does net
have reference to the dry-as-dust details of
textbook but the study of nature as she ought
to be studied, by contact with living forms
themselves. OF the biological studies botany
suggests itself as by far the most convenient and
complete in its application. Plants grow every
where, easily obtained, are pleasant to
handle; things which are not always true of ZOO
logical subjects. A thorough course in botany
VIII develop all the biological PRINCIPLES neces-
sary, and the same principles can afterwards be
applied To animals il thought proper. Suggest
ing method of studying the subject children
can be set to examining seeds, such as beans,
corn, ETC., twigs of trees, buds, roots leaves,
and afterwards flowers, and can tell what they
lind. In this easy and interesting way young
pupils can be led along to both discipline and
Information, with very little that is distasteful
about it.
In looking over the scheme of study. / would
suggest that botany be introduced as re-
quired study into the first year, taking the
place, most probably, of physical geography
Three months In the spring will give an excel
lent start. and If that could be supplemented by
another three months in the fall, the course
would be very complete for High-school. The
method of teaching would have to depend upon
the teacher, but any one acquainted with the
subject can make it exceedingly interesting and
profitable. 1t should be distinctly understood
that this is not plea for botany in the High
school, but plea for the great subject of
biology, of which botany is the most convenient
exponent
With living nature all around inviting to
study, with the mind before it has become dis
torted by lopsided training. naturally inclined
to question it, it is not only unwise. but I'M
natural and wrong not to permit young pupils TO
enter upon it's study. JOHN NJ. COULTER.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Ind