716 ANNUAL. REPORT. OF THE Off. Doc. 



Hull oil lU'coiint of oiH- bi'Iii* associated with llie agricultural in- 

 dustry aud having our lionics located in the coutitry that they are 

 to be diil'erent from those of our city sisters. We admit that we some- 

 times hear i-t intimated and even read articles in some of our journals 

 that would designate or set apart the farmer and his family as a 

 distinct race, yet I think a little observation and association with 

 the average rural district would enable tliem to change their views, 

 for we find the principal elements uecessary to home-life are the same 

 in all places and it would be quite an easy task for many of us to re- 

 call instances in which we have been the recipients of hospitality, 

 comfort, sociability and charitable courtesy in the farmer's home. 



Of the modern conveniences, quite as many are adapted to the use 

 of the farmer's wife as those in other occupations, and of these we 

 find in use in her home, they are not a few. There are many of them 

 musical. " Kecognizing this talent as a gift in which there is much 

 power to cheer, we find it in many instances developed to the de- 

 gree that will add to the pleasure and happiness of that home, surely 

 there is power in the melody of the human voice. You will find 

 magazines and jpapers quite as numerous in our homes as among the 

 town people. Sure, we do not have access to the public library, yet 

 having possession or owning our books gives an opportunity to read 

 at leisure or again and again if we desire, and it is well to remember 

 that the benefit is not derived from the amount read so much as 

 from that which we retain. We should rather be proud, then, of 

 our location when we remember that so many of the leading char- 

 acters in every calling have been reared in the country, away from 

 the follies, the vices and enervating influences that are known to 

 exist in all large towns. 



Let us open our hearts then to every good feature of country life, 

 for it is rich in opportunities if we but improve them. 



Let us make our homes as beautiful within and without as It lies 

 in our power to do; and above all keep the beautiful home spirit 

 shining brightly. 



MODEL HOMES. 



By GRKTTA PARK, Marion Center, Pa. 



The word home is often incorrectly used for house, a mere dwell- 

 ing-place. No greater mistake can be made. Home means so much 

 more than this. "A home," says Webster, "is a place of refuse and 

 rest." Here after his day's work is done, the father joins his wife 

 and his children about the liearth where each recounts the incidents 

 .of the day. Here the boy just entering manhood finds strength for 

 the temptations that beset his way. Here the young girl finds coun- 

 sel and sympathy. Home is the joy of the mother's life. 



A little child said, when asked: "Where is your home?" looking 

 with wondering eyes into the speaker's face replied : "Where mother 

 is." And she was right. In the words of the old song: "What is 



