3. Animals: Mammals Birds Reptiles Amphibians Fishes Invertebrates 4. Geology. [Illustration: AN EGRET "ROOKERY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA. The demand for the nuptial plumes of this bird in the millinery trade brought it to the verge of extermination. Range: Temperate and tropical America. Habitat Group in The American Museum of Natural History.] 1. Introduction to Nature Study _To the solid ground Of Nature trusts the mind which builds for aye._ --_Wordsworth._ _To understand nature is to gain one of the greatest resources of life._ --_John Burroughs._ Nature Study means getting acquainted with the multitude of creatures, great and small, which inhabit the land, the water, and the air, and with the objects which surround them. Mother Nature has many, many secrets which she will reveal to sharp eyes and alert minds. It is, of course, impossible for any one to learn all these secrets, but the mastering of a few makes it easier to learn others, until finally it becomes clear that all life is related and that the humblest creature may be of the greatest importance to the welfare of the highest. It is for these reasons that the _Girl Scout_ should learn as much as possible of the Wonders of Nature. This study may begin wherever you are, but rapid progress will be made by rambles afield and by visits to the great Natural History Museums. For example, a visit to the exhibition halls of the American Museum of Natural History in New York will answer many of your questions about animals you have seen and will enable you to answer many others for yourself, when you go out into the country. Nature Study in its broadest application includes all of the natural sciences, such as zoology, botany, geology, meteorology, and astronomy. So, there are many fascinating fields for study and enjoyment, and it does not matter much where we begin, whether it be Wild Flowers, Trees, Birds, Butterflies, or Stars. [Illustration: THE BULLFROG IN ITS NATURAL SURROUNDINGS See Snake, Turtle and Dragonfly and notice the tongue of the frog. Habitat Group in Museum of Natural History] Of the more practical subjects especially suited to the activities of the Girl Scout are those civic problems which can only be solved by team-play; that is, by working together. Among these may be mentioned: The preservation of birds, wild flowers, and forests; control of mosquitoes, house-flies, rats, weeds; diseases of plants and animals, including man.