"In nature study, the work begins with any plant or creature that chances to interest the pupil. It begins with the robin as it comes back to us in March promising spring, or it begins with the maple leaf which flutters to the ground in all the beauty of its autumnal tints... Nature study is for the comprehension of the individual life of the bird, insect or plant that is nearest at hand."

The Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Comstock