11 



the lily pads. A rustic bridge spans the little brook which is now 

 bordered with forget-me-nots. 



The well, driven deep into the rock past all danger of pollution, 

 has built over it a covering which affords a shelter in time of storm 

 and furnishes a refreshing draught to the weary passer-by. • Across 

 the side veranda hangs the week's wash, the line strung from end to 

 end, out of all danger of exposure to the housekeeper. 



The out-buildings have seemed to withdraw and retreat out of 

 view, but are still convenient to reach ; the pathway to the closet is 

 protected from the storm and shaded by a trellis covered with vines. 



If John had loved the old home, how much more could he care 

 for this one ? They all delight in the rest which comes at the end 

 of the day in the delicious coolness of the nights on the open veranda, 

 and in winter the reveries, the reading aloud, the stories told around 

 the fireplace with the weird shadows of the burning back log and 

 the crackling of the hickory. Farmer James said : " It is better to 

 have our money bringing health and happiness than yielding interest 

 at the bank." 



lY. What Our Correspondents Say. 



Dry wood is a saving of inoney^ thne and steps. — "We always 

 have dry wood. My husband thinks it is money out at interest. 

 If you want a good fire you can surely have it, and if you do not 

 need very much fire one stick with stove shut up good will burn a 

 long time. In summer I burn oil. This saves many steps." 



Heading adds to the j>leasu7'e of the farmer'^ s wife. — "The read- 

 ing of tlie farmer's wife may add more to- her pleasure than almost 

 any outside influence. A daily, a good semi-weekly, or even weekly 

 paper, keeps her in touch with events all over the country. It is 

 surely not extravagant to take one magazine for general reading. I 

 know that a farmer's wife has little time for reading, but, when tired, 

 ten minutes spent in reading is a good investment. The rest physi- 

 cally and mentally helps to make the next task so much easier." 



" I find by forethought I can accomplish a good deal before 

 breakfast. I try to get the beds made, rooms swept and dusted, 

 lamps cleaned and chickens fed before the men come in to break- 

 fast. We have a great deal of company and, of course, everyone 



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