The colored American., 1900-09-15

l
coops to the old mother hens eIucks
shows plainly that these boys, in favor
aple environment, are not differen
from other boys. There are IS or 2,
COWS and calves and many horses ant
colts-among them some thorough
breds-as we'll as pigs and sheep, t.
which the boys are much attached
Feeding time when the cattle staut
longingly about the barnyard, cranins
their necks toward the stable door
with merry faced set of youngsters i,
their midst,1s picture Of rural simple
ity that can but uplift them above theil
unfortunate Inheritance of race and
condition. There is genuine honey
corner, where long deal table does
service for childish elbows when study
time comes. On the walls are picture:
OF eminent men and battle scenes O
colored soldiers wearing the blue anC
fighting under the starry flag A hand
some npossum skin, the result of the
boys first hunt, is tackled against the
amb There are huge split-bottomed
rockers, and a great yswning fireplace,
with room for an old fashioned back
log, that burns from Sunday morning
until Saturday night at the proper sss
son, diffusing lis mellow glow through
out the room.
While every effort is made to yield
the influence and cultivate the appreci
alton OF genuine home life, there is q
strict routine laid down for each day
and only sickness prevents its being
carried out At 5 q. m. the boys are
up, and each dresses, washes and turns
his bed for airing. Aspecified number
Of them, those best adapted to- it, then
assist in getting breakfast, which is
ready at o'clock. After breakfast de
tails Of boys in regular assignments
perform the dining-room and dormltory
work, while hers enjoy an hour of rec
restion. AT z 80 the regular morning
military drill takes place, and then they
go to the school room for two hours
study and recitation. After that all
but the sick and those assigned to spe.
cial duty about the rouse, yard and
outbuildings go to the fields. At 10 the
great farm bell calls them all in, and
dinner is served. few Of the boys wait
ing on the others This is followed by
an hour Of rest and recreation. and chen
half the boys return to the schooI'room
and the detail OF the other half go to
the fields. Supper comes at 5 80, and
that ever they rest and play until 7
O'Clock, when Mr.. Evans, the superin
tendent, calls them into the evening
assembly for an informal talk and re-
igious exercises and music. At 80
they all go up stairs to their clean bed
The Sundays are spent with simple re
ligious exercises, reading, talking and
quiet intercourse All possible work is
avoided on that day.
In all the work of house and farm the
boys help perform the duties. enter
them freely and willingly, and appreci'
ate the plaudit of well done.' It is
wonderful to ob-erve the aptitude W hich
these children OF the gutter show for
special kinds Of work, and the marvel
Gus way in which they respond to the
affection and example and instruction
of tneir teachers, all of which Is new to
their former experiences. The house
bow ia not at loss in the fields, and vice
versa. An effort is made as far as pos
sible 10 give to each boy the duties fol
which be is best adapted. Just now
they are laying in wood for the winter
nights, whep. instead of sinking uI
90 d, dark alleys, they start q roaring
fire in the great open mouthed tirepla re
and pop corn raised by their own in
dustry, and crack nuts gathered in idle
moments, listen to stories sing songs
and talk until turning in time. Visions
of pumpkin pie make their mouths wa
ter as they gather In the golden fruit
and in the cornfields, where they watch
with wonder understanding for The
first time-tha oncoming crop from the
time of the fIesh.turned earth, until
the corn stands shocked ready for husk
ing; the thought of great squares OF