FROM A NEW ENGLAND HILLSIDE. 249 



But reliance upon either of these sources 

 rather than upon fuel, implies great changes 

 in methods, I hope that we may believe 

 changes for the better, at least in some 

 respects. Let us pray that it may produce 

 a tendency toward a decentralization of 

 population, and this we have a right to 

 hope. The human being is a social being, 

 and he not only likes, but he needs society 

 for his proper development. But there are 

 degrees of intimacy, different grades of 

 nearness in social relations, as there are in 

 expressions of disapproval. 



Perhaps it was right to dissemble your love, 

 But why did you kick me dowu stairs 1 



You can have all the company that is 

 good for you without continually touching 

 elbows with your neighbours upon either 

 side. 



The question of the extent and character 

 of the mechanical power in use, is one of 

 the greatest questions affecting mankind, 

 as I have heretofore intimated, and, as I 

 have ventured also to assert, its increase 

 is not an unmixed benefit. I can imagine 

 the tone of the race as becoming higher, 

 while the proportionate weight of mechani 

 cal power in use becomes less, although I 



