FORTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT. 121 



systems. The city systems are put in with the expense spread over a 

 number of years by moans of bonds an<l every arranoement is made to 

 make it possible for eath householder to tal-ce advantage of tliem. 



In the country these things mean the installation of entire water, sew- 

 erage and light plants, complete in themselves at the expense of hundreds 

 of dollars. When as it is on many fanus, the amount realized in actual 

 cash above expenses is small, the price is prohibitive as long as the family 

 can be well and happy without the outlay. 



How many of our citv dwellers would have all these conveniences if 

 each household had to install for itself the entire systems and give them 

 all the care necessary to keep them in good running order, year in and 

 year out? Many of those who point so proudly to the possession of all 

 these in city or town are enjoying them in rented homes in constant fear 

 of being thrown out of work at any moment of business depression? 



It is pointed out that men have the machines and it is true, but among 

 the men I know, they do not get them to afford themselves leisure but 

 that one may do the work of two or three and bring more income to the 

 family purse. 



The saving- of woman's strength by vacuum cleaners, power washers and 

 machines of such kinds is most important and I have nothing but con- 

 tempt for the man who can and fails to procure everything possible to 

 make his wife's work easy, but the farmers, who in the struggle to care 

 for and educate tlicir farjiilics fail to get the necessary hundreds for the 

 extra things that are pleasant, should not be classed as selfish monsters 

 by outsiders. 



The regular v\Mirk in the home should be systematised so that each day 

 sees its share of the week's work done and every housekeeper should be 

 strong enough to kee]> to her plan for it is her only hope of having things 

 run smoothly. At the same time every homemaker should also be strong 

 enough to throw her schedule to the winds without worry or fret, if 

 some real need arises. 



One of the best things in farm life is the chance for real family life, 

 with every one gathered, reading, playing games, working or what you 

 will, instead of being scattered night after night to moving picture shows 

 or some such thing, Avith the home only a place to eat and sleep. Reading 

 means much in a farm home for it is through the books and magazines 

 the farmer comes in touch with the rest of the world. We should never 

 economize in this for our broadness or narrowness depends to a great 

 extent upon the way our reading- table is stocked with good papers and 

 magazines. There is always plenty of time during the routine work to 

 digest this reading. We may have to wash dishes but we do not have 

 to think dishes, or sweeping or dusting, even when working rapidly. We 

 can think over the new County Road System, a new book or some new 

 scientific discovery just as Avell and be much more helpful and interesting 

 members of the family or community. Every farm woman should be 

 vitally interested in the questions around her and should do her part 

 towards helping solve them. 



In the life outside the house our health lies larg-ely. Our chickens and 

 gardens are a care and we get very tired at times but they may cure or 

 prevent a nerve breakdown. The tiredness that gives us restful sleep at 

 night is a good kind to have. 



Who can fail to feel the delight of the disease known as catalogue 



