<DIV> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><I>Nature Journal</I> is an innovative presentation of the best columns and photographs from L. J. Davenport's popular column in <I>Alabama Heritage</I> magazine. Readers of the magazine have come to relish his artful and often witty descriptions of common species encountered in the Alabama outdoors. But <I>Nature Journal</I> is designed to be much more than a mere collection of entertaining essays; it is also an educational tool—a means of instructing and encouraging readers in the art of keeping a nature journal for themselves.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Each of the 25 chapters is a self-contained lesson in close observation of species morphology, behavior, and habitat; research in the literature; nondestructive capture of the subject by photography or drawing; and written description of the total observed natural phenomenon. At the end of each account, stimulating questions and gentle directives guide the reader into making his or her own observations and recordings.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">This book is intended for broad nature-study use in Alabama and throughout the southeast by the general reader and nature enthusiast alike, as well as visitors to museums and outdoor centers, and students of nature and nature writing at the high school and college levels. Beautifully designed to look like a personal journal, it is a perfect gift and treasured keepsake for all lovers of the natural world.  </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><B>Publication supported in part by Samford University  </B></p>