HOME ECONOMICS AND EDUCATION 671 



hub, the very center is lacking; without rim, the wheel has no sta- 

 bility. These domestic trifles are the condition of man's mightiest 

 achievements, or are very possible elements in his defeat. A soggy 

 potato has weighted many a man's soaring ambition. A complain- 

 ing word, a sour look, or bitter tone, has taken the heart out of a 

 man. Poor coffee has dampened the ardor of many a poet. 



We have seen how by proper selection and preparation of food 

 available, the body may be well nourished and rendered capable to 

 perform its duties; how by proper arrangement of our houses we 

 can obtain light and air and reduce the dangers of disease ; how by 

 scientific methods we can preserve ourselves and our children from 

 contagion; how by the use of suitable furnishing and decorations 

 we can reduce the labor in caring for our homes and at the same 

 time increase the beauty and restfulness of such homes. By the 

 thoughtful application of the principles governing each task or 

 activity we can so manage our affairs as to give time for study and 

 recreation. To be well poised, calm, and efficient will be conducive 

 to better domestic relations. When each member of the household 

 is kept in health and strength, lives in a quiet orderly home, has the 

 advantages of open air life, is suitably and comfortably clothed, and 

 has time from daily tasks for pleasant recreation, there is little to 

 cause friction and home will be a cheerful place. No one will care 

 to leave it. 



Eecreation and amusement are essential features of a normal 

 life and are as much the right of the farmer's family as of those who 

 live in larger communities, to whom music, art, and many other 

 forms of recreation involving high ideals are more conveniently ac- 

 cessible. However, by means of books, farmers' institute work, lec- 

 tures, traveling schools, clubs for home study, etc., much that is 

 really best is within the reach of all. The lightening of home bur- 

 dens by means of a well-equipped and hygienic house, by the use of 

 household conveniences, and by the proper understanding and sys- 

 tematizing of home work, means that the home maker and her 

 family may have opportunity for something beside the daily tasks 

 which too often leave neither time nor inclination for recreation. 

 (F. B. 317.) 



There is much that can and ought to be done with our leisure 

 moments. We may have more time to be the companions and asso- 

 ciates of our sons and daughters. Give them the right ideals of 

 home life so that they may go forth better equipped to make their 

 own homes ideal. We may visit a neighbor ill or in trouble, or visit 

 the teacher in her school and help her solve her problems by show- 

 ing a helpful intelligent interest in her work. We may read a good 

 book or magazine article, learn some song or poem, or prepare a 

 paper for our club. Then too there are the broader community 

 interests to engage attention. Have you solved some problem of 

 management in your home? Have you invented some labor saving 

 device or made new use of an old one? Pass it on. Perhaps some 

 one may need the result of your experience. Perhaps some one can 

 aid you ! Farmers' Wives Clubs, Women's Institutes, Study Cluba 



