Cornell Nature-Study Leaflets by New York State College of Agriculture

(1 User reviews)   3086
By Robert Nguyen Posted on Jan 10, 2026
In Category - World Cultures
New York State College of Agriculture New York State College of Agriculture
English
You know those moments when you're out walking and see a plant or insect and think, 'What IS that?' This book is your answer. It's not a novel—it's a collection of field guides from 1904, written by Cornell University scientists. But here's the cool part: it's a snapshot of a movement. It captures the exact moment when America decided to stop just using nature and start really looking at it. The 'conflict' is quiet but huge: it's about changing how we see the world right outside our door, turning everyday curiosity into real understanding.
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publications are out of print and the call for them still continues. These publications have practically all arisen under your supervision, and under the directorship of Professor I. P. Roberts. Nature-study work should begin in the primary grades. It is a fundamental educational process, because it begins with the concrete and simple, develops the power of observation, relates the child to its environment, develops sympathy for the common and the near-at-hand. By the time the child has arrived at the fifth or sixth grade he should be well prepared for specific work in the modern environmental geography, in the industries, or in other exacter common-life subjects. Nature-study is a necessary foundation for the best work in biology, physiography and agriculture. Since it is content work, it is also equally important as a preparation in all expression work, as in English, number and reading. In most present-day rural schools it may well continue through the eighth grade; and, if well taught, it may even take the place very profitably of some of the "science" of some of the higher schools. Its particular sphere, however, in a well-developed school, is below the sixth grade, possibly below the fifth. But even if the term nature-study ceases at the fifth or sixth grade, the nature-study method will persist throughout the school course,--the method of dealing first-hand and in their natural setting with objects, phenomena and affairs, and of proceeding from the simple and undissected to the complex and remote. The reader should bear in mind that the College of Agriculture has no organic connection with the public school system of New York State, and that its nature-study work is a propaganda. From first to last the College has been fortunate in having the sympathy, aid, and approval of the State Department of Public Instruction, and now of the new Education Department. The time is now near at hand when nature-study will be adequately recognized in the school system of the State, and then the nature-study work of the College of Agriculture may take new form. In these reprinted leaflets the reader will find many methods of presentation of a great variety of subject-matter. A wide range has purposely been included, in the hope that any interested teacher may find at least one or two leaflets that will be suggestive in his own work. Our own ideas as to what is a valuable leaflet have changed greatly since the work was begun; and it is to be expected that they will continue to change with the progress of the work and the development of the schools. It would be an interesting review if we were to summarize our own experiences with our own work. The leaflet that is most praised by the critics may be the least useful in practice. The greatest danger is that of making the work too complete, too rigid and too formidable. L. H. BAILEY, _Director College of Agriculture._ CONTENTS. PART I. TEACHERS' LEAFLETS. Leaflet. Page. The Schoolhouse 9 L. H. Bailey. I. What is Nature-Study? 11 L. H. Bailey. II. The Nature-Study Movement 21 L. H. Bailey. III. An Appeal to the Teachers of New York State 31 L. H. Bailey. IV. What Is Agricultural Education? 45 L. H. Bailey. V. Suggestions for Nature Study Work 55 Anna Botsford Comstock. VI. A Summer Shower 81 Ralph S. Tarr. VII. A Snow Storm 93 Anna Botsford Comstock. VIII. A Handful of Soil: What It Is 99 Ralph S. Tarr. IX. A Handful of Soil: What It Does 115 L. A. Clinton. X. The Brook 125 J. O. Martin. Introduction by L....

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Forget everything you know about dry textbooks. Cornell Nature-Study Leaflets is something else. It's a time capsule. Published in 1904, this isn't one story but many: a series of short, illustrated guides on everything from common weeds and garden pests to birds and weather. Each leaflet was designed for teachers and parents to help kids (and themselves) learn by direct observation.

The Story

There's no traditional plot. Instead, the 'story' is the birth of the nature-study movement. Scientists at Cornell's agriculture college were worried. They saw people, especially kids in growing cities, losing touch with the natural world. So, they created these simple, clear pamphlets. The goal was to make science local, accessible, and hands-on. The narrative is the journey from ignorance to noticing—from seeing a 'bug' to understanding it's a ladybird beetle that eats aphids and helps your garden.

Why You Should Read It

I loved it for its humble wisdom. The writing is direct and surprisingly fresh. It teaches you how to look, not just what to see. Reading it feels like having a patient expert by your side, pointing out the secrets of a meadow or a backyard. It reawakens a sense of wonder for things we often overlook. In our age of digital overload, this book is a quiet call back to tangible, real-world discovery.

Final Verdict

Perfect for gardeners, homeschoolers, history lovers, or anyone with a curious mind. It's a fantastic resource for simple, project-based learning with kids. If you enjoy the feel of old field guides or love the idea of seeing your local environment with new, educated eyes, you'll find this collection deeply satisfying. It's less of a book you read cover-to-cover and more of a friendly reference you'll return to season after season.



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Donald Walker
1 year ago

Good quality content.

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4 out of 5 (1 User reviews )

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