CHAPTER I. 



THE HOME. 



This should not be a kennel, a sty, a stable, or a 

 barn. It is the dwelling place of immortals. It 

 should be the most sacred spot on earth. The residence 

 need not always be elaborate. There is much of cheer 

 often in the lowly cottage. The spirit of the home is 

 the presence of the wife and mother. If this is lack- 

 ing the place is a desolation. 



The new woman greedily seeks the new vocations, 

 trying by all means to avoid what she terms ^^domestic 

 drudgery." But there is no occupation more noble 

 than that which ministers to the wants of the loved 

 ones — no hand so beautiful as that from which fall the 

 benedictions of toil and cheerfulness. 



People, of necessity, are often restricted in home ar- 

 rangements. 



When our people moved West in '44 we lived for 

 years in a house 18x24 which cost just $50. It had a 

 chamber where our sleeping bunks were. We climb- 

 ed to it on a ladder. There w^ere nine of us. But as 

 means increased- home comforts grew. Times have 

 changed. Our farmers are well to do, or even rich, 

 and now^ can have home comforts and conveniences. 



What tremendous influences are all the while going 



