The Black Swans 



light of assured patronage and gen- 

 erous co-operation from the highest 

 sources, even the humblest "hewer of 

 wood or drawer of water" in all 

 Britain has constant inspiration to 

 stand by the soil and its choicest 

 products; and so it is that "over 

 there" a reputation for outstanding 

 skill in the gentle arts of agriculture 

 means certain reward and public ap- 

 preciation, and father hands it down to 

 son as a prized possession. 



When John McCormack, the Irish 

 tenor whose voice is loved by millions 

 of Americans, offered his services to the 

 government at Washington to serve 

 during the great war in any capacity 

 the President might deem best, he was 

 urged to sing our patriotic popular 

 songs throughout the length and 

 breadth of the land, and if so disposed 

 turn over the proceeds to the Red 

 Cross. In pointing out the real value 

 of this form of service the President is 

 quoted as having said: "Somebody 

 [176] 



