River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1888-06-14
Practical Geography.
May 10th, 1888. Delayan,

IL ,. BAhElt, JEEfEksON StHOULs II. PAUL
No study in the common schools af-
fords 50 many opportunities for good
teacher to use all his talents in doing
good or extra good work, and for poor
teacher to do work that is worse than
nothing as geography. There is much
that may be taught by the LATEST, and is
taught that is really pemicious. Among
| such things, are the names and location
Of small towns, rivers, capes, bays, noun
tain peaks and all exports and vegetable
products, not referred to some physical
condition. as a cause. The knowledge ac-
quired should be made to hang together
by the chain of cause and effect, both to
aid the memory and strengthen the
reasoning faculties. Let us suppose the
pupil to have the state Of Wisconsin as
| lesson.
The facts relating to the latitude, slope,
composition Of soil, location Of all bodies
Of water and Of minerals, should usually
be accepted without asking why They
are not always able 10 understand much
geological history.
The climate should be shown to de-
pend upon physical features by such
questions as: Why does Wisconsin have
less ram than Maine, and more than Da-
kota? What determines the tempera-
ture Of Wisconsin? What causes the ex-
tremes of heat and cold? Why does not
| France, in the same latitude, have so
cold winters as Wisconsin?
OF course, climate determines yegeta-
ton, and it may be profitable to follow
the forty-ffth parallel around the earth
and see what plants, grains and fruits
grow under it. The class may be asked;
Why are not apples, grapes, pears, cher
ries, plums, peaches, &c, raised in Wis
consin as well as in France and Michigan?
| Why is wheat raised in Wisconsin better
than that raised farther south or nearer
the ocean?
In regard to animal life as: Are the
birds such as migrate or stay all the year
in the state Why? Do the wild quad
rupeds have fur, long hair, short hair, or
are they hairless? Why? win Wiscon-
sin ever have wild birds Of brilliant
plumage? Why?
No town or Ct v is located by chance.
Always ask, what made men build a
city named; for example, any seaport is
sure or a city. Any two rivers uniting
cause a town or city to be built. Why?
Why do people first settle near a river
The fact that part Of Wisconsin is wood
ed should be made prominent The
following questions are then in order:
Why was a city built at Prescott, at Mil
waukee, Ashland, Eau Claire, &c. Why
was a village built at River Falls What
will be the chief industry of Ashland IN
the future2 What cities win decrease in
population within a few years. Which
viii always be large cities. Why? In
what directions win most new railroads
run? Will grain OF stock be the leading
industry of farmers twenty-five years
from now? What towns in Pierce county
will be large in ten years. Which small
er? Why?
Railroads should receive much atten-
ton, both as to facts, and reasons Of their
existence. Ask. Why was the road
built from Hudson and st. Paul to Madi-
son and Chicago From what did they
expect most revenue? Why from Hud-
son to Lake Superior Why from Hud-
son to River Falls? What business gives
this road its largest income? VIII the
same business always be the largest If
not, what viii in the future?
The manufactures and commerce are
entirely dependent upon the agricultural,
mineral or animal products Of the coun-
| try, and when tho facts relating 10 the
latter are known, the forme- are merely
I consequences, and are not 70 be leaned
as a separate and detached act Of
memory.
/ There are various facts relating to 9op-
ulation, natural curi0sities, government,
tSc., that may not always form par Of
the chain from cause to effect, rs the pu-
/ pills are able to trace it, But in its main
/ features, geography is the ART Of reason
ing from physical features toward the
facts u mans social, moral, intellectual
} and economic and physical condition.