[naturelover]

Originally Posted by Nettle Runner

I believe that the best naturalists are children, if given the opportunity.

When I was young I watched creatures in and around water, as there were a lots of wild places where standing water remained all year, like on flood planes, etc., unlike today. I knew the names for most of them, but could only have learnt that from other children, not having access to books, TV, etc. Children then (in the 1940's) had more freedom to roam the countryside and exercise an enquiring mind.

Of course, bird nesting was acceptable, and the ways of birds were studied so that one could find their nests. Nettles and thorns were no deterant to boys in short trousers, bent on adding to their egg collection. New shoes (which didn't come very often) provided a box, which was stuffed with cottenwool, to made the ideal repository for ones egg collection. My most memorable bird was the Nettle Runner

I had a wonderful childhood, despite rationing (or was it because of).
les

i think you are right in saying less,kids today have far too much, my three boys didnt have bikes till they got their own not because they didnt want one i just couldnt afford it,money was tight them days and i didnt belive in getting in debt,now kids get cars for their 18th birthday.