By this we do not mean for boys and girls to learn the classification of birds and plants. In the broad sense the naturalist is one who enjoys the out-of-door world. Then, surely, some one will say, we are all naturalists, for who does not take delight in nature? We grant this, but, on the other hand, how many of us get the full measure? It is just as reasonable to expect a young person to get the utmost enjoyment amid a party of strangers as to believe that the uninitiated boy or girl will derive the full pleasure from a walk in the woods. In the unlearned, what interest is awakened by the little pink flower half buried by last year’s leaves, or the unknown bird-note which comes from the leafy maze overhead? They are but as the casual voice of the stranger whom we pass unheeded in the city street. But learn to know and welcome them as friends, and each tiny flower and cheery bird-note will bring with it a charm that deepens with every return. On our part two things are needful. First, we must cultivate our powers of observation, that we may see and hear and know the beauties of the animate world about us. Next, that we look upon each bird and butterfly and flower as a friend bringing to us direct from nature that simple joy and inspiration which is always new and--to those who live in the city--always necessary. EVENT AND COMMENT The West Indian Calamity A catastrophe which has not been equaled within recent times, and which can certainly be compared with the greatest in history, occurred on May 8 on the Island of Martinique, one of the French West Indies. By a volcanic eruption of Mont Pelee, the entire town and population of St. Pierre, which, according to recent estimates, reached 40,000, were destroyed in the space of a few moments. For three weeks previous, the crater of the volcano had been pouring forth clouds of black smoke, but up to May 5 no serious outbreak was even suggested. At that time an eruption of mud took place, the hot ashes of the interior having mingled with the water in the crater. Three days later, while the population was debating the question of its danger, the volcano suddenly burst forth in a torrent of molten rock, ashes, and flame. Before the unfortunate people could escape, they and the whole town were buried by the seething overflow. Shortly afterwards, and almost before the world could comprehend the calamity at St. Pierre, the volcano La Soufriere, on the neighboring island of St. Vincent, broke forth, causing the death of nearly two thousand people. * * * * * In the face of this great calamity, it is touching to note the prompt and generous response of the neighboring nations to the cry for help from the survivors of a hitherto almost unknown people. The Trial of Airships