40 The Bulletin". 



approacli ours. These burdens are so well-nigh overwhelming that I feel 

 about child-rearing as I do about sorrow-bearing: I do not see how any one 

 can bear up under the weight of either without the Heavenly Father's help. 



In closing, I would add — because I could not do better— the Apostle Jan)p«' 

 advice: "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men 

 liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." 



THE COUNTRY HOME. 



By Miss Lucie T. Webb. 



The country home! how peaceful, restful, and quiet is the very thought 

 itself! Our mind's eye catches a vision of a cozy, comfortable home nestled 

 among the oaks and elms, a broad green lawn in front with trees and shrub- 

 bery dotted here and there, wide piazzas with inviting rockers, hammocks, and 

 swings that suggest rest and comfort. On the inside of the home we see every 

 evidence of neatness, refinement, and culture. The few pictures that are 

 artistically arranged on the walls suggest noble and inspiring thoughts. The 

 usual assortment of bric-a-brac and dust-catching receptacles have given place 

 to vases of fresh cut flowers that lend fragrance and beauty to every room. 

 No repulsive tly papers and fly killers are in view, for the tight-fitting screens 

 keep out flies as well as mosquitoes. 



The whole house is filled with a cheerful, cozy atmosphere, but by far the 

 most attractive and restful place is the "Living Room" — the gathering place 

 where the members of the family have spent so many happy hours in each 

 other's company. Here we see the signs of the inner life of the home — father's 

 easy chair, mother's work basket and fancy work, and the children's play- 

 things in their corner. 



[Many more things we could add to the picture of this ideal country home, 

 but we have seen enough to convince us that there is no place like the country. 

 Here nature has put many things close at hand to make us happy and 

 contented if we will but see, use, appreciate, and enjoy them. Grass, flowers, 

 trees, birds, are all to cheer our hearts and keep us ever mindful of the beau- 

 ties of nature : while fruits, nuts, and vegetables of all kinds satisfy the 

 cravings of a healthy appetite. You say it takes work to have all of these 

 things! Indeed it does, and there's where the secret lies. Are we not hap- 

 pier when we are occupied? Isn't the sweetest rest that which comes after 

 an honest day's work? Do we not appreciate more fully those comforts which 

 we have attained through our own labors rather than through the efforts of 

 some one else? Then let us do our best to have an ideal home. Consider 

 beauty and pleasing effects inside and out. Remove all of the barrels, boxes, 

 and rul)l)ish, for these give the place an unkept air. Clip the weeds off and 

 let the grass grow; plant a few flowers in a rich, sunny place, and a vine or 

 two to run up on the porches to brighten the looks of the old house. White- 

 wash is an inexpensive thing, yet how much it adds to the looks of a place to 

 see the outhouses, the posts and fences, all shining in the sun ; and a man with 

 a hand sprayer that costs only a few dollars can whitewash all the buildings 

 on an ordinary farm in a short time. 



The responsibility of the home of course rests with the mother, and one 

 can often look into her toil-worn face and see that it isn't her fault that 

 things are not kept neat, clean, and attractive. All of her strength has been 

 used up in doing what she considers the "necessary things," and she hasn't 

 had the time nor the will i)ower to give the little touches hero, there, and 

 everywhere that show unmistakable evidence of a woman's art. She naturally 

 loves pretty things, and the care of flowers, the making of downy cushions 



