CITY AND COUNTRY LIFE 31 



tists, has to gain seclusion to think out his 

 part, invent action, and memorize text. 



To leave that abode of greed, envy, anx- 

 iety, and excess, the modern town, with 

 its extremes of wealth and poverty, for 

 an hour of country life life with trees, 

 rocks, streams, and tuneful, uncomplaining 

 things is paradise. One gets back the 

 health of a tired mind, and more minds 

 are tired now than in our fathers' day. If 

 it wearies a man to be with gentler, wilder 

 organisms than men, the reason is that he 

 is incomplete and does not think, read, 

 study, observe, eat, sleep, walk, or work 

 as a healthy man should. He flings him- 

 self before society, and demands to be 

 amused. 



What is the cure, or is there none? 

 Persuasion accomplishes nothing. In hard 

 times, when thousands are asking food, 

 clothing, and coal from the thrifty, and 

 tramping the roads declaring their distress, 

 the farmers cannot get help, and families 

 in the country cannot procure service. 

 No offer of work is considered unless it 

 is accompanied by a promise of society. 



