4i8 Reading-Course for Farmers' Wives. 



ideal exists in the object, but it exists first in us and we, like Psyche, see 

 in the object the reflection of the ideal that is in our own minds." 



It is the purpose of art to help us see at least a partial reflection of 

 ourselves in the things about us and it is at once a comforting and an 

 inspiring thought that not alone in human companionship, but also in the 

 contemplation of nature and art we can find the joyous reflection of our 

 best selves, our highest aspirations, our brightest hopes. Every home 

 should reflect the best aspects of the soul of its mistress. 



WINTER READING FOR THE FARM HOME. 

 A Song of Books. 



" Oh for a booke and a shadie nooke, 



Eyther in doore or out; 

 With the grene leaves whispering overhead 



Or the streete cryes all about. 

 Where I niaie reade all at my ease, 



Both of the newe and old; 

 For a jollie goode booke whereon to looke, 

 . Is better to me than golde." — Old English Song. 



December, 1906, should see at least one book read and thoroughly 

 enjoyed by each member of the Reading-Course. It may be history, a 

 book of travel, biography, science, a novel, a poem or a religious book. 

 What is your December contribution to your store of knowledge and 

 culture? Twelve books a year do not require a large library space, but 

 if rightly chosen, they will fill a mind with inspiration and sweet com- 

 panionship. 



Have you read a book within the month? Write on the discussion- 

 paper your impressions. Did it give you any uplift? If not, read one 

 that will, and let us have the benefit of your reading. A lack of time 

 to read is one opposing factor to this plan. We shall never be readers 

 in this busy work-a-day world if we do not take small parts of time for 

 this purpose. Twenty minutes a day is a small amount of time to take 

 away from any program of the day's work. Multiplied by 365 days, it 

 makes 121 hours in a year, or approximately as many hundred pages. 



Traveling libraries. — In order that our readers may have what books 

 they desire without expenditure that they do not care for the present to 

 make, we arc always glad to urge the use of the Traveling Libraries. 

 The New York State Education Department under the division of Educa- 

 tional Extension offers House Libraries to meet the need for books in 

 rural communities. Ten books may be sent to any household in New York 

 under proper guarantee. Recent fiction is used but rarely. Any good 

 books will be sent so far as possible. If books applied for are not in the 



