IO4 HEDGES., WINDBREAKS, SHELTERS, ETC. 



such a close retreat, and heartily enjoying the read- 

 ing of their papers. 



(3) Woman should have a cozy nook for some 

 outdoor household work, such as washing and hang- 

 ing clothes to dry. This is the meanest desecration 

 of a beautiful lawn a lot of shirts and socks and 

 "sich like" on exhibition once every week. Some 

 of these are not yet mended, and they are not attrac- 

 tive, at the best. A delicate housewife hates to pro- 

 claim to all the world the condition of the family 

 wardrobe. Why should not every beautiful home 

 have a retreat and shelter, behind a windbreak, or 

 high hedge, where family affairs of this sort may 

 be kept private. It is not a tax on a householder to 

 have a cistern in such a nook where the water can be 

 easily drawn, and where the clothes may be hung out 

 to dry without much walking or carrying. There is 

 also the safety of the clothes to be looked after, and 

 that is secured by such a retired spot. At any rate, 

 let our pleasant country homes get rid of the display 

 of their weekly cleansing. 



(4) Woman needs her particular flower nook, 

 where she can work a little, rest a little, think a little, 

 and sleep in a hammock if she likes. I assure you 

 I shall feel that my book has done some good if I 

 discover hereafter that I have induced some of our 

 housekeepers to take an afternoon sleep of a single 

 hour. Especially should farmers and farmers' wives 

 have a rest corner, shut out of sight of the ordinary 

 work of house and field, so that there will be sugges- 

 tions of rest and peace, and none at all of toil. They 

 will be able to do more in the long run by not running 

 life's machinery down in great speed. 



