122 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



THE ETHICS OF BOOKS. 



BY MRS. AL0NZ0 TOWLE, FREEDOM, N. H. 



In the country home, upon the farm especially, the most 

 significant lack is the varied converse of congenial friends. 

 "Nobody to come in, no place of interest to visit, nothing 

 going on," is a quotation from scores. Yet just at hand are 

 friends innumerable, who will talk as much and as often as 

 we like, in words most proper, upon any subject we choose. 

 Clergymen, philosophers, statesmen, scientists and poets 

 are waiting to hold familiar discourse with every soul upon 

 these New England hills ; not idle, casual chatter, but stud- 

 ied, finished and wisest instruction. Those who have rec- 

 ognized and utilized the companionship as found in choice 

 books have received their best, truest and most helpful 

 friends ; for we must rise to their level if we enter into 

 their spirit, as they cannot, like our personal friends, de- 

 scend to us. In this way books are among our very best 

 means of discipline, as well as culture. 



It is far better to talk with great thinkers and reformers 

 than to spend our time gossiping even with our next-door 

 neighbor. The true ethical benefit of reading lies then not 

 only in the help to an every-day upward rising of soul and 

 mind, but in strengthening our powers in the direction of 

 making ourselves useful. If we wish truly to know our- 

 selves, we can in no surer way ascertain the facts than by 

 giving attention to the kind of books which give us the 

 most enjoyment and satisfaction. If dissatisfied with the 

 results of our investigation, then good courage must be pre- 

 served until by force of habit taste for the best has been 

 cultivated and established. We must have a healthy men- 

 tality, if we succeed in anything. As a help in this direc- 



