ANNUAL MEETING AT LEXINGTON. 211 



full sympathy with all higher branches of study, yet when thereby the 

 practical and useful is overlooked and neglected, it appears unwise. 

 How often are large sums expended in sending young girls to boarding 

 schools, where they are trained in a channel, so that after they have 

 graduated, they know but little of that which is truly useful to them in 

 actual life. 



They have memorized a disconnected collection of algebra, geome- 

 try, chemistry, geology, etc., and perhaps are able to read a little French, 

 or locateinastereotyped way the principal mountains, rivers and lakes; 

 their conversational abilities are well adapted to entertain in their 

 paternal parlors, some soft-minded chap, commonly called a dude, at 

 the expense of their father's wood pile. The next needed accomplish- 

 ment, is to obtain and read the usual supply of nonsensical novels, and 

 carefully peruse the fashion bazaars, and to don all the appliances vain 

 fashion dictates, although it be at the expense of health and comfort. 

 Nature may have bestowed a beautiful suit of hair, yet it must be 

 banged, colored or otherwise disfigured, and though nature had given 

 them a beautiful face, they must paint themselves another. This is 

 also true of the modern dude. They have likewise been carried along 

 in idleness, by an indulgent father, through a schooling of theories, but 

 of no practical application. Their father, perhaps years ago, came 

 west, and with his own hands cleared up a homestead, or in some other 

 pursuit commenced at the bottom round of the ladder. The young 

 man, however, has never done an honest day's work in his life, and 

 don't expect to. He has been educated beyond that. He has accom- 

 plished the art of base ball playing, and acquired and excellent taste 

 for good cigars and kindred commodities, for which he spent his 

 father's money freely, and when this gives out he buys on time. ISTow 

 because this is true to a great extent, it is no proof that it necessarily 

 should be so. It only clearly demonstrates to me too much indulgence 

 on the part of the parents, and a misdirected education. 



In conclusion, concerning the subject of "Ornamentation of the 

 school yards" I shall not undertake at this time to enter into details — 

 how ttis much needed reform should or may be brought about. I only 

 wish to add, it is within our reach.' It can be done and should be done. 

 Let us therefore hoi)e that the school boards, and the public in general, 

 will give this subject proper thought and attention. By proper manage- 

 ment a plan may be devised, connecting the practical with the orna- 

 mental, making your school yards attractive, comfortable and useful. 

 Initiating a system of economy', order, industry and cleanliness, thereby 

 creating in the young mind a love and desire for the useful, retined and 



