Useful Hints on the Subject For Young and Old.

Manawatu Herald, 26 May 1898, Page 4

Useful Hints on the Subject For Young and Old.

llcsi countries owe their importance \-j tho fact that they produce something i iat mankind uses in one way or another. Study the pi<pciactions, at least the :. ost important on.es, and also give the vcaeons why certain have certain productions and others. This Will bring in matters p* temperature, rainfall, elevation, latifodo, nature of Soil, etc., and the children 1 will Bee why they aie required to le#rn these facts, and they will 6eem reai&ies. Find out what other countries have the same productions, and which produce the greater amount, with causes, etc. Many of the teachers w^nld astonish their pupils by asking thetf* why tie United States produces large quantities of corn, while England produces none, or why tHe coasts of Mexico have productions different from the inland regions, or why Russia is anxious to get control of Constantinople, etc. But the use of a country does not depend alpne upon what it can produce. It also depends upon its advantages for sending away what is not used at home, and also for getting the products of other countries which it does not have. The study of this question will involve the proximity of a country to the Beacoast, its navigable rivers, railroads, caaals, etc., thus bringing\out the vital points and showing their importance. ■i'iie pupils are thus learning the fact* as means to an end, and not as a large assortment of dry, disconnected ends. Ask them if they would rather live in Mexico than England", anfi why? Always why? Interesting and animated debateß may often be carried on in this way.