1889.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 4. 257 



college. There is but one answer. If civilization pays, if 

 education is not a mistake, if hearts and brains and souls are 

 more than the dress they wear, then, by every interest dear 

 to a Christian republic, by all the hope we have of building 

 finer characters than former generations have produced, 

 give the girls the widest and the highest and the deepest 

 education we have dreamed of, and then regret that it is not 

 better, broader and deeper." Then, too, they ought to have 

 the chance to secure a special education. Why should not 

 an education, practical in character, be provided by the 

 State, for farmers' daughters as well as farmers' sons? 



Let not our girls look down upon the simple, womanly 

 tasks that bring joy and comfort to the household. When 

 at home, where they are always welcome, let them play the 

 part of hostess, and entertain the mother as they would their 

 dearest friend. Let her live the day without a care. Per- 

 haps it is her turn to have a vacation now ; and, if you give 

 her one, you will be repaid many-fold by speaking eye and 

 happy face. 



" Be good, fair maid, and let who will be clever ; 

 Do noble deeds, not dream them all day long; 

 And thus make life, death, and the vast forever, 

 One glad, sweet song" 



What, husband, ought you to do for the wife who does so 

 much for you? Why, make the best of everything, of 

 course. Don't fret, don't worry. Anybody can do that. 

 The distinction will be in keeping an even keel in troubled 

 waters. Remember that that Avife of yours is human, usu- 

 ally more sensitive than you. Give her, without the asking, 

 all the helps you can. Surely you will give her her fair 

 share of the income from the farm? She will no doubt 

 spend it wisely. What better diversion for her and you 

 than to travel as extensively as time and means will permit ? 

 Travel near home. Learn the histor}'^ and geography of 

 your own town. Then go farther ; explore as far beyond as 

 possible. Money spent in this way will pay a dividend in 

 information obtained, and pleasant recollections for after 

 days in chimney corner and in field. 



In selecting your meetings for social and intellectual im- 



