Exploring Nature
We need to learn about nature for our survival...
by Manpreet
Illustrations by Amarjeet Malik

"Environment" is a much-used world today. This is because all over the world we have come to realize that man does not live alone, but in delicate balance with the wild animals and plants of the natural world. We need to learn about nature for our survival. Nature is not dull. Things are happening around us all the time. Even if you spent your whole life studying nature you could never hope to know everything, so there is plenty of room for amateur naturalists to make their own studies. Amateurs have found many important discoveries.

This topic of 4to40.com will help you to find out how nature works.

Basic equipments

A nature table: it should be strong enough to support the weight of your aquarium and big enough to allow you to sort out the masses of shells and seaweeds, bones and caterpillars that you bound to collect as you become more and more interested. If you haven't got room for a whole table a nature shelf will do fine, and a piece of soft board on the wall behind will display some of your collection splendidly.

A notebook with a pencil attached: It should be always in your pocket. This is to jot down casual observations in the field. It's no good trying to remember things when you get home. Try to make a few rough drawings as well. You can keep a proper Nature diary on the nature table in which you write up your findings and make more careful illustrations. It's good idea to use maps and photographs if you can. This adds a really professional touch.

Hides or blinds: They are useful for observation and photography. You can make a simple hide out of greenish brown cotton or canvas stretched over a frame of sticks.

A hand lens or magnifying glass: It is indispensable to real nature watchers. Use one to take a look at the detail of a butterfly's wing or the sting of a nettle or a wasp.

Binoculars: They are absolutely necessary for bird watching; 8 x 30 magnification is ideal to start with.

A good torch: It is invaluable for nighttime explorations.

A fishing net: This is required for pond dipping can be made with a circle of stiff wire attached to a long pole and covered with netting, or cheap one are easily available. For catching very small aquatic animals you can attach a plastic containers to the bottom of the net.

You will need a number of containers -
Boxes, small tins, saucers and other containers, in which, you carry your discoveries home. Fungi, flowers and feathers are very fragile. Each needs a special traveling box. You will need a plastic bucket with a lid for expeditions to the stream. And don't forget your rubber boots.

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