A Book of Natural History: Young Folks' Library Volume XIV.

"A Book of Natural History" by David Starr Jordan is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The volume is part of a larger series intended for young readers and aims to explore various aspects of the natural world, addressing topics such as plants, animals, and their behaviors in an engaging manner. This particular work serves as an introduction to ecological principles, focusing on the importance of nature study and factual learning. At the start of the book, the editor David Starr Jordan lays out the foundational purpose and philosophy behind nature study, emphasizing the need for children to engage with real-world phenomena rather than abstract concepts. He argues that the study of nature can foster wisdom and character-building, encouraging direct observation and interaction with the environment. The opening portion also introduces various exciting topics such as the wonder of life, the growth cycles of frogs, and the behaviors of different animal species, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of natural history that combines scientific rigor with enthusiasm for the subject.