406 THE FAT OF THE LAND 



and sunshine, making redder blood and more vig- 

 orous development, to broader horizons and free- 

 dom from abnormal conventions ? Or does a close 

 relation to primary things give a newness to 

 mind and body which is granted only to those 

 who apply in person ? 



Whatever the reason, it certainly pays to be 

 country-bred. The cities draw to themselves the 

 cream of these youngsters, which is only natural ; 

 but the cities do not breed them, except as 

 exotics. 



If the unborn would heed my advice, I would 

 say, By all means be born in the country, in 

 Ohio if possible. But, if fortune does not prove 

 as kind to you as I could wish, accept this other 

 advice: Choose the country for your foster- 

 mother ; go to her for consolation and rejuvena- 

 tion, take her bounty gratefully, rest on her fair 

 bosom, and be content with the fat of the land. 



