A matchless handbook for decades this classic work has been the natural history bible for countless teachers and others who seek information about their environment. Written originally for those elementary school teachers who knew little of common plants and animals and even less about the earth beneath their feet and the skies overhead this book is for the most part as valid and helpful today as it was when first written in 1911and revised in the spirit of its authors by a group of naturalists in 1939. After all dandelions toads robins and constellations have changed little since then! And modern society's concern with the quality of life and the impact of people on soil water and wildlife makes this book even more relevant. Nature-study as used in this handbook encompasses all living things except humans as well as all nonliving things such as rocks and minerals the heavens and weather. Of the living things described most are common in the northeastern states and many such as the dandelion milkweed and mullein and the house mouse?? muskrat?? and red fox?? are so widespread that people living outside the United States will recognize them easily.

Anna Botsford Comstock very appropriately took the view that we should know first and best the things closest to us. Only then?? when we have an intimate knowledge of our neighbors?? should we?? journey farther afield to learn about more distant things. Teachers and children will find the material in