GARDEN STUDIES 125 



population from this vital source. From strong families 

 of six to ten cliildren we have dropped in a single genera- 

 tion to families of one, two, or none, so that writers abroad 

 are pointing to New England as the most glaring example 

 of sudden racial degeneration on record. And with our 

 few children, why is it that we see so many advertisements 

 " House to let to family of adults " ? Simply because 

 children are not properly trained, are idle and consequently 

 mischievous and destructive. Give them interests and 

 work to do in upbuilding the home, and they will not tear 

 it down. Formerly children were helpful members of the 

 household, and while sometimes they were forced to work 

 too hard, even that was better for them than idleness. 



In cities one of the hardest of family problems is how to 

 keep the children interested and healthfully employed at 

 home. Where even a little land is available this problem 

 may be solved in such wise that these advertisements will 

 be changed to read : " House to rent to family with two 

 or more children ; no family without children need apply." 



How this may be accomplished with only wholesome 

 exercise, without drudgery, is a problem which must be 

 worked out largely for each individual child, and upon 

 which the best thought and effort of both teachers and 

 parents should be focused. Only a few more general 

 elements of its solution can be here suggested. 



The element of prime importance is individual owner- 

 ship by the child. 



Probably the best way to teach selfishness is to try to 

 teach unselfishness too early. The passion for ownership 

 is coextensive with life. It is an expression of "The Will 

 to Live," It is as universal as hunger. It begins in the 



