The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1894-11-24
CHEAP ENJOYMENTS.

People Of cultivated tastes in art. music
or literature are rendered so sensitive to
false quantities that they may suffer more
at times than tine uncultured, but they
have compensation III having opened to
them world OF cheap enjoyment that is
closed TO those who have not been trained
to see the beauties OF nature, to appreciate
the harmOnies Of sound or understand the
imagery OF the poet. The cheapest enjoy
hent comes, perhaps, to those who have
had their sense OF beauty cultivated. Ma
ture spreads before them an ever-changing
panorama OF delightful scenes, and even in
the cities, built by men, picturesque scenes
are presented to those who have eyes to see
and imagination to project the view shown
OF its surroundings. The man of cultivated
taste finds at the seashore or in the noun
tains fresh beauties daily, while the uncul-
tured native sees only ii dull monotony the
sea and sky always the sea and sky, the
mountains always mountain. 1t is not
only the uncultured residents of places
which attract tourists who are insensible to
the charms Of nature. \ busy man of
affairs who had never had time to look
about him complained of the monotony of
the sea, which he was compelled TO view
daily during the fashionable season for the
qualification of his family. Even as he
spoke the lights and shadows We're shifting,
the waves were varying their hue in quick
response to the movement of the clouds
above them, and before his complaint had
died upon his lips the panorama had
changed its features But he saw it not.
To him sea and sky were the same as ever.
lie was shut out from the cheapest of enjoy
ments, one that may be had anywhere
without price by those who have cultivated
a sense Of the beautiful and have learned
to observe nature in all her varying moods.
Music and literature also afford cheap
enjoymentS to those who have been Guilt
waited to appreciation of their higher forms.
When far away from the sources of either,
memory will recall them and they will
yield fresh enjoyments without cost or
effort. One may pick out from literature
host of familars-friends who are always
with us and never change-with whom to
commune when alone, or about whom to
talk when in congenial company. 1t may
be that the uncultured find as much hap
g., tln, Ill
and artistic tastes but it is happiness of
lower order and less at command. 1t NAV
also be that the cultured, by reason of their
environment, find little happiness in this
world, but they have at least acquired the
means of enjoyment when they have had
their sense of beauty developed and their
minds illuminated by the good thoughts
and merry conceits of the worlds great
writers. For this reason, if for no other.
we should seek to educate our children in
broad way. While not neglecting their
book studies, we should teach them habits
of observation and cultivate their taste for
art and literature. Disregarding any direct
use that is to be made of such culture it is
cheap means of enjoyment which they may
carry with them through life Such cul-
ture may serve to make the poorest rich. so
far as enjoyment is concerned. Who has
not known OF families too poor to spend
money on theaters, concerts and the like
who have found equal pleasure in the home
reading circle, in the study of the natural
sciences or in the cultivation of a taste for
art? All parents have to look after the
future welfare of their children, and the
pressing importance of the means for their
support turns attention to the studies that
promise material returns, but while not
neglecting these we should all give some
thought to means OF mental culture, for
this culture will afford them in after years
the BEST as well as the cheapest, means of
enjoyment. Baltimore sun.