Vermont Daiktmen's Association. 55 



structure on posts, no foundation to this magnificence. The re- 

 sult is quite apparent; he would receive and deserve the most 

 scathing criticism of those who passed by. Undoubtedly they 

 would remark : "Look at all that filagree nonsense and no foun- 

 dation. Surely the builder had more ambition than sense." Let 

 us build first a solid foundation for her future usefulness as a 

 homeniaker and then add the less essential features of music and 

 art to her education. What is education? Is it a little book 

 learning too often acquired at the expense of hand and heart? 

 The best and truest education is the knowledge gained where 

 heart and hand and brain have been developed in unison and 

 such wisdom used for the benefit of all mankind. We are riding 

 our educational hobby too fast and the unmistakable wood is ex- 

 posed every time the lash of progression chips from its flank the 

 gaudily painted dapples. 



the; ACCOMPLISHME;N'rs OF OUR GRANDMOTHERS. 



Let us turn back the hand of time and more carefully regu- 

 late the pendulum. Yes, even to the days of our great grand- 

 mothers, if need be, — to an age when women baked and brewed, 

 spun and wove, cooked and sewed and did not lose caste by doing 

 cheerfully and faithfully the manifold duties that by right of 

 dower fell to the mistress of a home and family. 



NEED OF RAISING HOMEMAKERS. 



Yes, let us raise a few generations of homemakers, rather 

 than the strong minded, ambitious, self supporting girls who, in 

 the hand to hand struggle of bread winning become heart 

 hardened and aggressive. "Look out for number one" is the 

 precept laid down for them to follow, and by so doing they grow 

 selfish and skeptical. "Look out for the welfare and comfort of 

 those about you and take no thought as to the fate of number 

 one," is the counsel that will come from the gentle heart and lips 

 of a wise mother. Why, it is like looking into a mirror, — what 

 you give to others will quickly reflect. No, she need not look 

 out for number one, let her best efforts be used for the better- 

 ment of her dear ones, and I promise you number one will in no 

 wise suffer. 



A quarter of a century ago it was not unusual to see brides 

 of sixteen and seventeen years. And while today we have just 

 as sweet, just as lovable and attractive girls, you may find many 

 at twenty-eight and thirty who have never received a proposal. 

 Why is it? Well, in spoiling our daughters, we have also 

 harmed our sons. We have taught them to admire the stylishly 



