502 INDIANA HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS 



of a widow, who have till now been so much engaged with 

 the labors of the farm, they have been unable to attend 

 the school in the day time, but are determined to loose 

 none of the evening opportunities to keep along with their 

 class. These will make honest, intelligent, industrious 

 farmers. The old folks welcome them heartily, and the 

 young ones are all rejoiced at their arrival. The old lady 

 inquires why in the world their mother did not come 

 along; and Mary, the kind-hearted Mary, is so sorry to 

 hear that it is because Sarah is not so well, and mother is 

 very busy getting their new clothes done so they can go 

 to school, as soon as they finish picking apples. "John," 

 says she, "let us hurry and get through our 'stent' and we 

 will go over to the widow's and while I help her with her 

 sewing, you shall read for the amusement of poor Sarah, 

 for an hour or two." "If that is the case" says father, 

 laying down his axe handle, "my good children, you shall 

 go now. I will finish your work." "And Mary, my dear 

 girl, don't go empty handed," says mother, "you know 

 from experience how sweet little delicacies brought by 

 friendly hands to the side of a sick bed, are to the poor 

 invalid." "Hitty, my dear, if you have done your dishes, 

 you must get your cards and make a few rolls, for I am 

 quite out of grey yarn, and we must have some more 

 stockings in the work." "Old man, don't cut that pump- 

 kin too thick." "Ada, daughter, get a plate of doughnuts 

 and some of those nice fall pippins and set on the table, 

 I guess these boys can eat a few while they are cypher- 

 ing. I do wonder if you have got light enough." "Sol, get 

 another candle, I am sure such industrious boys ought to 

 have all the light they want." 



Thus, my readers, I have given you a slight outline of 

 a farmer's home, such as it used to be, such as it might 

 be, such as it should be always, and such as I am proud 

 to say many an American farmer can boast of even in 

 these degenerate days of "boughten-stuff gowns" and 

 lack-a-daisical lounging of farmer's girls, who are miser- 

 able and tired of nothing to do. How do you like the pic- 

 ture? If well, imitate it. It is a happiness easily acquired. 



Solon Robinson. 



