Reading in the Farm Home 1083 



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lives over the scenes that were visited in last night's reading. Pleasant 

 thoughts are good companions. 



Efficiency in the grange, in the institute, In the lyceum, in the literary 

 club, is gained by the increase of power to stand before the company and 

 speak. It is true that he who ventures may be overcome by fright; but 

 let him persevere, take five full breaths, say he does not care what 

 anybody thinks as long as he does his best, get on his feet and say some- 

 thing, and he has contributed to the success of the meeting, has gained 

 power for himself, and is ready for a greater effort next time. Or, in a 

 more retiring way, when he is one to be heard because of his gray hairs 

 or because he has associated with the writers of the day, has read their 

 thoughts and has lived in them, he may recite choice passages of good 

 literature, and the young are the happier for his being with 

 them. 



The life of hurry and rush precludes sufficient meditation and reflec- 

 tion. Books are not thoroughly digested. It is not the number of books 

 one has skimmed that cultivates the mind; one's power is lessened by 

 reading books or articles that do not require thought. Language and 

 thought are so closely related that we cannot express ourselves well un- 

 less we have thought as we have read. It is a good habit to write out, 

 now and then, what you have read, repeating in your own words, if need 

 be, the thought of the author. Improve on it, if possible; make it clear, 

 simple, forceful. Too many words hide the thought. Nearly every one 

 is called on nowadays to speak in public, to write a notice for the paper 

 or for a meeting of some kind, and he needs to read clear, concise, simple 

 statements in order to learn to think and to express himself clearly 

 and concisely. Literature to be simple need not be devoid of strength 

 and of thought. The ablest works are the easiest to read because they 

 are clearly expressed, showing that the author was a clear thinker. Strik- 

 ing examples are Caesar's three words, " Veni, vidi, vici" ("I came, I 

 saw, I conquered"), or Lincoln's Gettysburg address, also " And God 

 said, Let there be light, and there was light." 



VALUE OF THE READING HABIT IN LATER LIFE 



Favorable surroundings increase the habit of reading. — A good light, 

 properly shaded, an easy-chair, books and magazines convenient to pick 

 up, a room comfortable to sit in, a plate of apples at one's elbow, all con- 

 tribute to real literary enjoyment. Everything possible should be pro- 

 vided to increase the literary atmosphere in the home. It is a sad picture 

 to see members of the family growing old without the desire to read. 

 With the advance of years and the lessening of activity, a person may 

 find great comfort in books, while one with folded hands, not interested 



