Litchfield enquirer., 1859-08-25
From Gleason's Pictorial Battle Ship. JOHN GROWERS LESSON.
BY HoRATIo ALGER, JR

BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.
 John Grover practised economy as he un derstood it but that is not always economy which is called so, and John Grover lost many dollars by his economical habits. He had once subscribed for newspaper fol the space of year, but at the end Of that time, much to the regret of his wife and chil drcn, who had learned to look eagerly for its weekly visits, he decided to discontinue it.
 But, Mr. Grovcr,' rcmonstrated his wife it only costs two dollars year, and l am sure it affords us that amount of pleasure. | That isn't the question: said her husband the main point is, whether we can do with out it. l take it, there's no questioning that. Now, it costs me the price of barrel of ap- pies every year, when the same money might be put into the bank, where it would go to- wards a provision for our old age.' Her husband being now upon his hobby, Mrs. Grover knew that it would do no good l to remonstrate farther, SO she gave up the ,, discussion with sigh The consequence may be easily imagincd.- The children grew up in ignorance, with very little general information, beyond what they acquired during the three months schooling which they obtained during the year. This l their father deemed sufficient for all practical purposes, not re1ecting what a slender prepa- ration it would give his children for the ap- proaching conflict with the world. Mr. Grover had at least the merit of being consistent and thorough-going in his economy l One day he came in from the field complaining of dull headache, and feeling feversh :: this increased as the day advanced. His wife was quite alarmed.
 Let me send for the doctor John,' she ur- ged.
 No, it wouldn't pay,' said he, feeby. I shall feel better by-and-by'
 But he did not feel better. Nevertheless, he strenuously refused to have the physician called, declaring it would be useless expense
 The next day he became derious then his wife determined to take the responsibility of calling the physician. The doctor looked at the patient gravely, aud felt his pulse.
 'Whcn was he taken ? he inquired.
 Yesterday, early in the morning. was the reply. tus XhH dhY54a1 did YOU not call for me sooner ? said
 I wished to- said Mrs. Grover, but my husband was very much opposed to it. You don't think he is seriously ill ? she said, anx- iousIy.
 He is iu a high fever,' was the reply. If I had been called. in time, long sickness might probably have been avtrted. As it is, We must let the malaoy have its way
 John Grover was sick for six weeks, during which he required frequent visits from the physician. These were, of course, expensive, to which must be added the loss of so much time from his employment, as well as the wea- riness of sickness On the whole he did not gain uluch from his mistaken economy ill this case.
 believe have not stated that John G Gro> yer was farmer by occupation. His next neighbor was quite different man. Ephram Fairfield took several literary papers and ma gaznes for his family, besides an agricultural paper, to assist him by its useful suggestions in his business. His farm was about equal in extent and value to John Growers when he took it, but, while Growers remained station ary, his improved every year. One day, as Grover passed his neighbours 1 farm he saw him setting out large number of small trees.
 What arc you doing, Fairfield ? inquired he, leaning on the fence. Setting out trees, as you see.' How many have have you got there.' Two hundred of different kiuds' How much did you pay for them ? Fifty cents apicce.' That makes hundred dollars You are getting very extravagant' Not at all. expect they will pay me many times over.
 Grover shrugged his shoulders. Perhaps they will said he, very doubtful In hut I ,,1 %l,. ney on such an uncertainty. When I have a hundred dollars, put it in the bank and would advise you to do the same.' A bank of mother earth will pay better than any of your city bauks,' said Fairfield, smiling.
 A fool and his money are soon parted, , thought John Grover, although he did not see fit to express the opinion. Five years passed. The trees which had ! been set out grew and fourished under the generous care which was taken of them, and were now, many of them, in bearing condition John Grover could not help admitting that they very much improved the appearance of his neighbours five acre lot, but he thought can't afford to pay so much for ornament'
 A conversation which he had with Fair field somewhat altered his opinion.
 How much fruit do you suppose have sold off my piece ? inquired the latter of Gro yer one day.
 Il don't know said Grover. How much did your
 'Three hundred dollars worth.'
 Three hundred dollars worth ? exclaimed Glover opening his eyes.
 Yes and next year I hope to sell foul hundred. The trees are young, and of course their bearing power increases every year.
 Three hundred dollars ? repeated John Grover, bewildered
 Yes. You know you told me when was setting ont the trees, that it would have beer better to invest the hundred dollars in some