Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1860-04-06
John Growers Lesson.
ny HORATD ALaER, JR.

NJ AOAAA~ AAuNAt SNs
John Grover practiced 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 for
the space Of year, but at the end of that time,
much to the regret of his wife and children,
who had learned 10 look eagerly for its weekly
visits, he decided to discontinue it.
"But, Mr.. Grover" demonstrated his wife,
''it only costs two dollars year, and 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 WITHOUT
it. take it. there's no questioning that
Now, it costs us the price on barrel ofapples
every year, when the same money might be
put into the bank, where it would go towards
provision for our old age"
Her husband being now upon his hobby, Mrs.
Grover knew that it would do no good 70 re
monstrate further, SO she gave up the discus
sion with a sigh.
The consequences may be easily imagined
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
their father deemed sufficient for all practical
purposes, not rejecting what slender prep
parati on it would give his children for the ap-
preaching conflict with the world.
Mr. Grover had at least the merit of being
consistent and thOrough>going in his economy.
One day he came in from the field complaining
Of dull headache, and feeling feYerish this
increased as the day advanced. His wife was
quite alarmed.
'Let me send f,r the Doctor, John" she
urged.
"NO, it wouldn't pay" said he feebly. al
shall feel better by-and by"
But he did not feel better. Nevertheless, he
streneousIy refused to have the physician call
ed, declaring it would be a useless expense.
The next day he grew delirious; then his
wife determined to take the responsibility Of
calling the physician. The doctor looked at
the patient gravely and felt his pulse.
when was he takenl" he inquired.
Yesterday, early in the morning" was the
'Why did you not call me sOOnsrl' said the
doctor
II 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~
iously.
'He is in a high fever" was the reply. "If
had been called in time long sickness might
probably have been averted. as it is, We must
let the malady have its way"
John Grover was sick for six weeks, during
which he required frequent visits from the ply
sioian. These were, of course, expensive, to
which must be added the loss of so much time
from his employment, as well as the WEAKNESS
of sickness. On the whole, he did not gain
much from his mistaken economy in this case.
! believe have not stated that John Grover
was farmer by occupation. His next neighbor
was quite a different man. Ephrim Fairfield
took several literary papers and magazines for
his family, besides an agricultural paper to ass
sist him by its useful suggestions in his busi-
ness. His farm was about equal in extent and
value to John Growers when he took it, but
while Growers remained stationary, his im-
proved every year.
One day, as Grover passed his neighbor's
farm, he saw him setting out large number of
small trees.
what are you doing, Fairfield" inquired he,
leaning OF the fence.
"Setting out trees, as yeu see."
"HOW many have you got therelD
Two hundred Of different kinds"
"HOw much did you pay for theml"
FIFTY cents piece"
THAT makes a hundred dollars You are
gettirg very extFavagsnt."
"Not at all, I expect they will pay me many
times over"
Grover shrugged his shoulders
perhaps they will, ," said he, very doubtful>
"; "but cannot afford TO throw away my mo-
ney on such an uncertainty. When have a
few hundred dollars, l 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 banks" said Fairfield smiling
ly.
"a fool and his money are soon parted"
thought John Grover, although be did not see
fit to express the opinion.
Five years passed. The trees which had
been set out, glew aud flourished under the
generous care which had been taken of them,
and were now, many Of them, in bearing con-
dition. John Grover could not help admitting
that they very much improved the appearance
Of his neighbOr's FIVE acre let, but he thought
81 cannos afford to pay so much for orna-
ments''
A conversation which he had with Fairfield
somewhat altered his opinion.
'tHow much fruit do you suppose have
sold of my place" inquired the latter OF Grover
one day.
q don't know" said Grover. "HOw much
did yOu!"
''Three hundred dollars worth"
"Three hundred dollars worth !" exclaimed
Grover, opening his eyes.
g Yes; and next year hope to sell four hun.
dred. The trees are young, and of course their
bearing power increases every year"
Three hundred dOllarslp repeated John
Grover, beWildered
''Yes. You know you told me when was
setting out the trees, that il would have been
better to invest the hundred dollars in some
bank. If had, they wouldn't have amounted
10 one hundred and fifty yet"
''John Grover reluctantly acknowledged that
bis neighbOr was right.
''Then. besides, my land is worth very much
more. How much do you value your hve acre
lot at!"
4lt would fetch hundred dollars an
4 was offered two hun Ired for mine ysster.
aYOu wsrslp exclaimed Grover, in great sur
prlse; 'of course you accepted itlD +
fOi courss not. Do you think I4Touid sell
isnd yielang me a revenue Of three hundred
dollars year, with more IL prospect, for Z
thousand dollarsi"
John Grover began to think he had bach
acting IOolishly. His own fve-acre lot va
equally as good, naturally, as Fair6eld,s Nj
The lGtteF's would now fetch double tbe nv;es IN
market BE decided to get some trees I,mlTT1s-
ldi4tsiy he did 90, but could not be pFeyziied
S-a-l .s a.rs--g Il r.