Practices in Natural History.—Take out Scouts to get specimens of leaves, fruits, or blossoms of various trees, shrubs, etc., and observe the shape and nature of the tree both in summer and in winter.
Collect leaves of different trees; let Scouts make tracings of them and write the name of the tree on each.
In the country make Scouts examine crops in all stages of their growth, so that they know pretty well by sight what kind of crop is coming up.
Start gardens if possible; either a patrol garden or individual Scout gardens. Let them grow flowers and vegetables for profit to pay for their equipment, etc. Show all the wild plants which may be made use of for food. Find yew trees; report if any good branches to make archers’ bows of.
Encourage the keeping of live pets, whether birds, animals, reptiles, insects. Show how to keep illustrated diary-records of plants, insects, birds, etc., giving dates when seen for comparison following year and showing their peculiar markings, form, etc.
If in a town take your Scouts to the Zoological Gardens, menagerie, or Natural History Museum, and show them particular animals on which you are prepared to lecture. Not more than half a dozen for one visit.
If in the country get farmer or shepherd to help with information on the habits of farm animals, e.g., how a cow lies down and when. How to milk, stalk rabbits, water voles, trout, birds, etc., and watch their habits.
The aim in your Nature study is to develop a realisation of God the Creator, and to infuse a sense of the beauty of Nature.
CAMPCRAFT
How to make a Fire.—You should learn how to lay and light a fire out of doors.