FARMERS" INSTITUTES. 87 



that the provisions of the law do not effect. But^ with all credit to the 

 law, superintendent and commissioners, it is a mother's duty not only to 

 her child, but to that other woman's child to see that the law relative to 

 the care and condition of the school buildings is enforced — the easiest 

 of things to do. When we remember that 80 per cent of all the knowl- 

 edge a child receives conies through its eyes, let the mother be sure that 

 there is nothing surrounding the school that shall leave upon the memory 

 of her child or any other child such a picture as shall bring ever to its 

 cheek a blush of shame. 



And not only this, but there are other things that claim the mother's 

 attention. Scientists and physiologists are telling us today that the pic- 

 tures upon which a child's eyes rest should only convey thoughts of 

 beauty; that the tints and colors of wall or paper should be of most deli- 

 cate shade and harmony, and that only soft tones and gentle words should 

 fall upon'the sensitive ear of a child. 



MOTHERS, HOW ABOUT YOUR TEACHER? 



Do you know her? Not merely as a casual acquaintance, occasionally 

 met in society; do you know her as the teacher of your child; a co-worker 

 with God and you? This teacher will have the care of your child for ten 

 months of the year and the major part of the hours of the day. Occa- 

 sional visits to the school are not as a general thing very satisfactory to 

 either parent or teacher. The relation must be closer than that. The 

 best interests of the child demand it; the usefulness and success of the 

 teacher demand it. Can yau conceive all that may be done for your 

 child by close, intimate and friendly relations with the teacher? And 

 knowing this, dare you withhold yourself and your influence? 



Up to the time of attendance at school you have been almost the sole 

 guide of your child; are you now willing to trust not only the mental, but 

 the moral development of your child in the hands of an almost entire 

 stranger, and that without a word of counsel, advice or tender solicitude 

 •on your part toward that teacher? Let them accept the charge of your 

 tender, sensitive child, or the forward, irrepressible, ambitious one — each 

 needing the most careful and judicious management. 



We know these teachers are longing for the helpfulness that only 

 mothers can give. Said a teacher but a short time ago: ''That boy is a 

 puzzle to me. I wish I knew his mother, his home and his surroundings. 

 If I did I think I could better understand and help the boy. I have met 

 'lier, invited her to visit the school, asked a few questions about her boy, 

 but she seemed so indifferent that all attempts to enlist her interest in 

 the care of her child were very unsatisfactory." Many mothers evince 

 but little thought in the training and teaching of their children at school, 

 and very frequently they are only sent because of a compulsory law. 



THESE ARE THE IGNORANT MOTHERS. 



Some times mothers of a foreign birth. And yet remember that just 

 liere the mother who is anxious for the best good of the commonwealth 

 must have a care over these mothers' children. This is a trust laid upon 

 you. It is not only for the sake of your child, but for the sake of that 

 other child, who, perhaps more than yours, needs the wiser training and 

 the larger growth. 



