II 



THE ESTHETIC RELATIONS OF MAMMALS 



A discussion of the economic relations of mammals would be incom- 

 plete without some reference to their esthetic status. The two are in 

 some respects inextricably interwoven. Whatever contributes in a proper 

 way to our entertainment or enjoyment, broadens our outlook upon 

 nature, or ministers to our craving for beauty, making life better worth 

 the living, is of distinct value to the human race. Recreation the en- 

 joyment of beauty in nature and art, providing temporary relief from 

 the pressure of duty, from the routine and worry of daily life; taking 

 one for a few moments or hours or days into a different environment ; 

 changing the current of one's thoughts and actions for a time into 

 different channels "restores the soul" and sends one back to work 

 with renewed vigor, increased strength and hope, "mends the ragged 

 edges of shattered nerves," and makes one better fitted to cope with 

 the difficulties of life. 



As applied to tired brain-workers of sedentary occupation, this is 

 rather universally recognized. The physician, worn by a hard campaign 

 against a serious epidemic disease or many visits to a long list of pa- 

 tients ; the lawyer, fatigued by many days and nights spent in the effort 

 to protect the lives and property of his clients; the teacher, tired by 

 the relentless routine of teaching many restless children or young people, 

 grading numerous examination papers long after school hours and 

 helping backward pupils; the housekeeper, breaking down beneath 

 the burden of many household cares, the worry of the sick-room and 

 caring for her children; the secretary or clerk, confined day after day 

 in office or store; the merchant, fighting desperately to avoid bank- 

 ruptcy; the banker, diligently endeavoring to protect the interests of 

 stockholders and depositors; all, in short, who occupy positions of 

 responsibility or are too closely confined by business or professional 

 duties of any sort or are worried by discouraging and embarrassing 

 circumstances, would be benefited by a few days in the open, where 

 birds are singing, squirrels are chattering and flowers spreading their 

 colors and fragrance to the world. Workers in the field of manual labor, 

 even those whose lives are spent largely outdoors, also are often bene- 



8 



