The Press., 1892-04-21

OANS s~A~AN SAAN Rs~p" ron of the National W. T. U., or of twenty-five dollars at one time life mem- Der of the same. ,4 s,a.z.,, n FRANCES E. WILLARD, Prest. Y CxBoLINE B. BUELL., Secy.
 THE BRIGHT SIDE OF FARM LIFE. I often wonder why so many who live in the country seem to look only upon the dark side of their home life. lived in the country until I was twenty five, and in the memory there is far more sun- shine than shadow; in fact, I often look back upon chose days with an indescriba- ble longing. Many farmers are so grasping and spend so little money on luxuries, or frequently even necessities, that to their families life is anything but bright. Or they may live on the frontier, far from church, schools or towns, and thus be deprived oi many privileges. But given good farm out of debt, the produce of which more than makes bare living, schools, good neighborhood,- and a farmer with soul above hoarding every dollar toward the purchasing of more land, and you have the happiest, most independent life inn aginable. ....-. Such home was mine. Twas the only sister with four brothers, and truth com- pels me to add I was shown no partiality or favors. I did about everything my brothers did. climbed to the top of cherry and apple trees to peep into birds nests. I rode foot on each side. waded in the creek. We would step in the mud two inches deep for slippers, above our ankles for shoes, to our knees for boots, and Oh the joyousness of riding into the barn from the fields on great load of hay, and hunting eggs in out of the way corners, and away up in the big haymows, and then sliding down hole to the floor below on to pile of hay! ] would not be behind the boys in daring exploits, and the hiding away of dozens and dozens of eggs in the wheat farmer or under the hay for Easter. s.. We walked just one mile to school, and we did not pass single house on the way We had to climb six high fences and go through three gates and cross a small creek without any bridge. If the creek was up we crept over 1t on the swinging swaying watergate. Many winter morn ing we had to trudge through deep snow which had fallen the previous night. Tn, boys would go first, single file, each try ing to step into the same tracks. I wal next to the youngest, and perhaps tn, snow would reach to my knees. neve had an overshoe nor gossamer. On bac mornings mother would pull pair O long, coarse, grey, home-knit, wooler stockings over my shoes. The holes 1T heel and toe did not matter, and onreach ing the school-house I would pull then off and be all dry, unless had been SC unlucky as to have slipped on the step ping stones in crossing thecreek If tha, happened itwas remedied by sitting be fore the fire till dry. Then going hom, we would track rabbits or have snowfall battles. ..r". .... -
 helped milk night and morning ane strained the milk into the big pans ant set it in the cool drain in the milk room with the cold water from the spring ane ice house flowing through 1t. Then tn, skimming and -churning and working O the sweet golden butter! If had dim, for every time milked and churned
 could buy myself something very nice, in deed. @ .a l was also the family chambermaid, ant had to do patchwork at night to teacl me industry. Ireally loved to darn, ant nothing pleased me better than to repai table linen, and see if could not do it st nicely it would scarcely show at all We had a good country brick churcl near us, and there we had as snccessfu ice cream socials, etc., as have eve seen anywhere since in large towns O cities. Never since have l seen in cit, life such table as our country neighbor set. Fresh eggs, chickens, ham, ricl milk, golden butter, delicious buttermilk cottage cheese, mutton, fresh sausage spare ribs and back bone (such as a cit, butcher never dreamed of, honey, Der ries, sweet corn, flakey biscuits, and botl plain and rich cakes that would do homo
 to the presidents table, fianked by sucl I jellies, preserves, sweet pickles, mangoe
 and marmalades as would delight an epi cure. . f
 l had a piano-a present from an uncl I for whom I was named. We all, fathe
 and mother, as we'll as we young folks enjoyed the music. Father would wall up and down the floor and sing bass, bu
 to hymns only. He was only plail farmer, and not rich man, but he'lovet to see us enjoy ourselves and be happy
 He was our step- p-father, but to each on
 of us he was loving and tender.
 | My mother loved to read aloud, and il I the long winter evenings we sat aroun, the big fireplace in the dining room, heap ed up with "back logs" till the who'll
 room was aglow. We ate nuts and roast ed apples. while we listened to mothe
 reading. The cook and two farm hands all of whom had been trusted servant
 and real friends, though colored, ha,
 been in the family many years. They sa
 with us in the background, and ofte
 had some thrilling reminiscences of slave ry times to relate. taught them eac
 to read. We had authors and othe
 games. Our friends enjoyed visiting us
 because we made them have g good time
 and many was the sleighing party tha
 was enjoyed by all. In fact, we seldoI
 ate alone.
 q always had 8 croquet set, and ofte
 we played till midnight by the moonligh
 or aid of lamps and lanterns, when ,twoc my brothers who were in the city in bus
 ness would be home on their vacation