66 FROM A NEW ENGLAND HILLSIDE. 



and we view all changes as they may affect 

 that centre of our activities. 



But the day of debate seems to be over 

 past, and that of experiment is rapidly ap 

 proaching. The posts and ties lie along 

 our northern street, and we hear that the 

 unfruitful trunks, which are nevertheless 

 hereafter to bear the lightning, have been 

 planted close up to our borders. The neigh 

 bouring city is to be admitted to a glimpse 

 into our Eden, and expectantly, though a 

 little coyly, we await the approach of its 

 citizens. Do not, we pray them, bring with 

 you your city habits and city ways to mar 

 the fair tablets of our rural simplicity. 

 Come but as men and brothers (and sisters), 

 and we will receive you with open arms. 

 But remember that we are unsophisticated 

 folk ; that we do not know the wiles of the 

 great world, and that we rely upon you to 

 cherish as your motto, noblesse oblige, and 

 not abuse our ignorance and (comparative) 

 innocence. 



It has been one of my fancies that per 

 haps the extension of the electric railway 

 lines throughout our rural districts, in which 

 they seem to be forming, as it- were, vast 

 spider webs, might turn out to be one of 

 our greatest blessings, in serving to scatter 



