Middletown transcript., 1897-06-12
Of Interest
of Farmers
GIVE THE BOY A ROOM OF HIS

OWN.
A room Of her own Is q customary
privilege with girls at home, while the
boy of the house, even under the same
roof, has what might be termed only
ssbed and board" He ought to have a
place he can call bis own, furnished
after his own tastes-or at least after
good taste, suitable for growing, jolly,
fun-loving boyhood.
In it should be places for all his low
ed possessions. his bats and balls,
marbles and games, shelves for books,
and neat writing outfit with plenty of
white paper, and his inclinations should
be regarded, and any inherent tenden-
cies for special work encouraged to the
utmost.
Does he like to handle tools2 See
that be has them. Encourage him to
gather them, paying him for certain
labor about the farm to enable him to
do this with his own money, II neces-
sary. He will enjoy their possession
the more. Does he love muster Strive
to secure an instrument be likes and
let him master his own voice and sing
with the family or the girls. Music
hath power, not only to soothe the
savage breast, but to refine and soften
the rougher elements and boisterous
nature of the average boy. to his last
ing benefit. Does he like natural
history yPThe study of birds and fowersY
The grass of the fields, the insects of
the air, the leaves Of the trees, the life
of the woods and meadows? Then
thank God for 1t and aid the efforts he
may make to the end of better facili-
ties for knowing the wonders of Nature
which lie SO near to his hand in his
everyday life. and occupations. See
that he gets microscope Of good
power of enlargement. Nothing in all
the world of wonders but may become
more wonderful by the added know
ledge possible in its use. The drop Of
water under a magnifying glass in
stantly assumes a fascinating field of
study and interest, an ocean teeming
with myriad life aud vegetation. The
commonest flower beneath the magic
of this larger vision offe!s hours Of
pleasant Investigation aud study.
Stretched at length on the summer
ground by-and-by he may. with this
marvel of hum an ingenuity, observe
the more than human ingenuity of the
tiny ants, and discover strange things,
especially II y good natural history is
at hand. as it should be by all means.
Does your boy complain that country
life is dull for him? II SO, do you ever
ask yourself the question, us it my
fault2''
When I suggest that room be fitted
up especially for the boy or boys-I
hope there is more than one by the way
do not conjure an expensive outfit
and furnishings. Not at all. / will
venture the statement that home made
things will be more truly appreciated,
for in providing them You show a per-
sonal interest In the welfare OF your
boy, which is more 70 him, even though
be hardly realizes the fact, than gilded
polish and silken covers.
The more the boy himself is permit
ted to contribute toward the com plete.
ness of his ''dsn," the be ter. II a two
foot border can be painted all around
the sides Of The room, put rug, even a
simple square OF carpet, on the floor.
II tackled down. see .htt a heavy layer
Of newspaper is beneath to make it
warm and 'noiseless 10 Tie feet.
From clean packing case a book
case uf shelves may bs easily construct
I'd. ! viii give ,Anre explicit direc-
tions If asked to do 50 through these
e5lumns, but think tie Ingenious boy
Or interested parent, even the mother,
may manage this in some satisfactory
wy. Brightly.eololed print cloth may
be used To drape or tack over all, with
nails. Heavy picture cord
will answer to hang 1t up by;or, better,
may be set on another similar case
i ted with shelves aud pigeon holes,
'or the numerous outfits dear to q boys
leart. Ample room for books should
De provided, and 6lled. Books of the |
, st class are comparatively cheap now
sud to the Buys wh9 will learn to love
sood reading, all thing are possible.
Let hin4hr w hsck his bedcIothes |
q the IN ,ralaz I. AMI opsn TIL window |
md close Ills DIR in leaving the rnom.
Don't think such d lily care belongs |
'xclusiyely to the mother or sister.
rhe more Of The little homely duties
he by does, the better. / have no
ears for bis manhood, because, for
oUths be may put on his sisters apron
nd hslp his Tired molher wash dishesl
got Bit Of IT, When he has done it
nd his mother smiles gratefully In ap-
'recistion, there's stone laid in the
, sifs,ina of . nanar.,,,s k,.s,oa ,,.s..,s,.s