H. M. Forces and natural history

ABSTRACT As individuals, fellows of the Society may have an opportunity of doing something, though not in a very spectacular way. There are many in H.M. Forces who might be helped over

difficult periods if they became interested in natural history. Many of these men are seeing the common plants, birds and insects of the countryside for the first time, others in

circumstances when their interest is easily aroused. Entertainment of the troops is usually of a certain type, excellent in its way, and nowadays the most popular of its kind. But some need

more than mere amusement. It is not a matter of previous education but of temperament. The need may be met with music, or poetry, or other literature; for some it is in natural history. What

can one say in answer to a letter asking whether the enclosed flower is a cowslip ? It may be to settle a bet-but it at least shows an interest and it is up to us to encourage any such

interest, not with the intention of popularizing our special subjects, or for any other purpose whatsoever beyond helping these men to think of things other than evil ones. There is no need

to organize such efforts. The more informal they are the better. Dr Ramsbottom suggests that any fellow who is prepared to help in this direction should get into touch with the Y.M.C.A. or

similar organization at the nearest camp; or with the padres at the military hospitals. Here they will find a knowledge of individuals which is amazing, and an offer to talk to one or two

men or to give a lecture on some aspect of biology which has a popular appeal will invariably be accepted. Access through your institution Buy or subscribe This is a preview of subscription

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ARTICLE H.M. Forces and Natural History. _Nature_ 145, 1012–1013 (1940). https://doi.org/10.1038/1451012d0 Download citation * Issue Date: 29 June 1940 * DOI:

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