Starting with buds and seeds, Uncle George inspires Tom, Frank, and Dolly to observe changes in plant growth over days and even weeks. By setting up an aquarium for their finds from the pond, Uncle George faciliates their observation of the life cycle of frogs, toad, and newts. And building a larva cage with multiple compartments provides housing for caterpillars and caddis worms so his youthful companions can watch their transformation into butterflies and caddis flies.Throughout Uncle George asks questions to prompt their discoveries and guide their comparisons.

Whether they encounter a tulip in the garden or gulls at the seashore, Uncle George encourages Tom, Frank, and Dolly to observe carefully, and make comparisons. In their travels they spot weasels and otters along a stream and mice in a cornfield. They witness the harvesting of grain and discover properties of hot air, and water in various forms.

How still it is! Nobody in the village street, the children all at school, and the very dogs sleeping lazily in the sunshine. Only a south wind blows lightly through the trees, lifting the great fans of the horse-chestnut, tossing the slight branches of the elm against the sky like single feathers of a great plume, and swinging out fragrance from the heavy-hanging linden-blossoms.