Show NG OUTSIDE OP OF SCHOOL from the Y A bicycle tour last july brought to our notice a feature of public education in germany which might wisely be imitated I 1 in stated in this country we arrived one day clay at goslar on the northern ern edge of the harz mountains the proprietor of our ou r hotel was busy busk prewar ing for the coming of sixty boys they arrived the next evening with their knapsacks oh foot and accompanied by three or four teachers ets in the large dining ball after their beer brief addresses were them and they sang lustily miemi patriotic and folk songs they were lively but orderly company nejat morning they gathered in the i square near the most ancient history building in the town the events of interest which had there transpired pima were recounted to them and other songs were sung in praise of the fatherland we afterward saw them in various excursions in the neighborhood such companies of students were often met with in the harz and in the forest we learned that these journeys are an important part of school life the pupils come same sometimes from small villages sometimes from the larger towns the proposed route is laid out weeks or even months beforehand the pupils draw maps ma pa of oak the region through which they are 0 to o pass its features of geographic hs literary and geologic interest we ace pointed out to them they are am tom tad what they may expect to see and ho how to see it I 1 usually each pupil makes a weekly contribution toward the cost of the trip till the amount needed Is in secured of course strict economy to is practiced and the expense is small SMAIL often they sleep in barns or in large halls covered with straw they are instructed as to their outfits and each boy carries what he requires strapped on his shoulders they divide themselves into several groups one group marching as an leaders another bringing up the rear another acting as scouts and so BO on they study botany natural history the roads broadd and how they were made the raising and moving of crops and many other things they visit the homes where men famous in war government or literature have lived they learn poems associated with places Prom From such a journey lasting three days to three weeks they return to their own corn e muni ties with many new things of in terest to talk about and much valuable information they write essays on their travels and observations this outdoor study in germany is considered important enough to be made the subject of an extended report in a volume just issued by the english education office there are many parts of our country where such school jour journeys might be made especially instructive and enjoyable massachusetts has many places especially along its seacoast rich in historic associations and beauty of natural scenery many of the leading aspects of education find ample illustrations trat ions idour in our hills and valleys our towns buildings museums monuments and factories the crisp air of these autumn days the rapidly changing splendors of field and forest invite and allure the student out of doors A tramp of a single day under suitable gul guidance dance might be made to give zest to 16 weeks of school life while a journey of a week might prove an unceasing inspiration to study and patriotism such a plan included in the prospectus of a private school when properly set forth would be sure to prove a great attraction we believe that the ex pert ment might be tried in our public schools with promise of excellent results such stich object lessons as would abound on every side would intensify the interest of the pupils would fix in their minds important knowledge and would poster oster love for or their own state and country |