Look, Listen, Discover.
I am a Natural Historian but you may call me The Naturalist. This is The Anatomy of Small Things, A Field Guide.
Some things are very large. They are so large they can only be seen from far away. Some things are very small. We can make the large things small by squeezing them into words and pictures. The best instrument for looking are the eyeballs. The best instrument for thinking is the brain.
To be a popping good Field Naturalist, here are some things to know. First, always carry a butterfly net and squish about in some Wellies (also known as Wellingtons). Second, the “field” is basically just outside. Whenever going on walk-abouts, treks, bop-alongs, or bicycle jaunties, make sure to leave a note for your Mother. The note should read something like this:
MOTHER,
I have taken ill. That large-ish, pillow-shaped lumpy mass covered up by the bedspread that isn’t moving is actually me. Please leave a tin of vanilla digestive biscuits and coconut jam on the bedstand and I will attend to it when I am feeling up to snuff. Excuse me if I am tardy for dinner. Under no circumstances should you poke, prod or otherwise push the lumpen mass under the bedspread which is me. That would elicit an animal-like response over which I have no control.
Thank you,
Horace, Aged 56
After you have left a note for Mother, assemble your kit. It should include the following:
