The Washington times., 1904-10-09
Her Abode Is Permanent,
Though She IS Still
American.
Raises Vegetables and
Chicks; FOrgetS Stage
TriumphS.
By W. B. NORTHROP.

RS BROWN POTTER is now
AH running a farm. 1t is not ex-
VI aetly a new role for the fam
Gus actress; but il IS one ia
which the general public does not know
her at all.
About thirty minutes ride west from
London. in the neighborhoOd of Windsor
and not far from W. ", AsLOrs place
CIiveden-bIrs. Potter has purchased
farm which she has brought under
splendid cultivation with her own hands,
Every morning daybreak sees her at
work, aTayed in short skirt loose
blouse and jacket, q big hat on her hesd
and a big pair OF gloves on her hands,
There is not a detail Of farm life with
which Mrs. Potter is not thoroughly
acquainted. Though she does not her
self mend fences" or milk all the COWS,
stin it is under her personal supervision
that Bray LOdge-the name Of her coun-
try tstate-has won the reputation OF
being one OF the best conducted farms
in her district. AS this IS a well-known
farming center, the distinction Is not
easily won.
A Visit TO the Farm.
The writer had occasion recently TO
call on Mrs. Potter at her country home.
Instead OF being met IN the house in
conventional English style, Mrs. Potter
and was finally discovered in a field
surrounded by many Shetland ponies
TWO OF which she was training. The
animals were not all broken. but Mrs.
Potter managed them with consummate
skill
Mrs. Potter was not dressed in make
believe farming attire and the absence
OF Vatican effects and shepherdess'
crook was noticeable. A plain flannel
waist held at the neck by a simple clasp
formed her upper garment, while a
''rainy-day' skirt and brown shoes com
pleted her makeup. The only unfarm-
like thing Mrs. Potter wore was q large
picture hat. It was certainly becoming,
Possibly that IS why II was In evidence.
You See" she said, extending her
hand, which had on il a large gardening
glove Il 90 In for farming In earnest
Here are TWO little Shetland ponies
which ] have brought up myself. They
were born GA the estate" She pointed
TO a couple OF shaggy little creatures
which certainly seemed 10 be specimens
OF good health.
Trained Ponies.
Two Of my ponies-named respective
ly Ulysses and Calypso have trained
10 draw a road cart, tandem fashion,
and there is nothing I more enjoy than
going about behind them. They make
very good time, and a drive with them
In the afternoons IS one Of my chief
amusements.
But. 20 show you have other things
besides ponies, come and see my vege-
table garden and chickens-we Eaustn t
forget the chickens"
Mrs. Potter led the way across the
field with the sprightly step OF a young
girl and we were soon in the midst
OF a beautifully cultivated vegetable
plantation.
All the vegetables OF my own table
raise on nay farm" she said, laughing.
Rive acres. 10 be sure. is not a very
extensive farm: but II answers my pur-
poses extremely well.
you must not think" she continued,
as We walked towards the house-after
(of course) admiring the chickens
that I have Just discovered ft is my
vocation 10 be a farmer. Not at ALL
] have been all my life fond OF farm
ing. / was raised on a farm IN Lou
isiana. j love the outdoor hfe-howers.
horses, dogs; j never cared FOR the con-
fusion Of city ufe-and, 20 me. farming
in such a place as England IS simply
ideal"
Still an American.
Then you intend remaining the rest
OF your lie in England ] asked
well" replied Mrs. Potter. dubi-
ously. that S. a very hard thing 10
say Z love England, and / love the
English people. At the same time you
must not forget that am an American
always an American.
But for "a real country home. among
simple, loving people. england is tine
place Of places. have been around the
world three times and visited every
country where English is spoken and
my duaI choice has been England Tor a
home.
II have bought what is called ia this
~ .H
that is, own it ia fee simple. lt rs eN-
tremely difficult 10 purchase land CuZ-
right in England. owing 20 the peculiar
system OF holding landed property but
i finally managed 20 obtain my estate
and it Is scarcely necessary 70 say in-
tend 20 remain In possession Tor some
time.
mo; il does nos look as Il ] w0uI1
now make a. home In the United States
though j dearly love the country and
may. perhaps. visit IL before very long
just when j cannot say now"
Mrs. Potters Home.
BY this time We had passed through
the gate which separates the farm proper
from the shrubbery and grounds sur
rounding the house. AIrs. Potters housJ
from the outside looks ike a rambling
chateau OF the Elizabethan period. The
building ls low and 'half-timbersd. % and
Immediately suggests I1L---S- L ease al--
luxurious space within. IL is only rwc
stories, one section being somewhat
higher than the rest
Conspicuous up under the gable OF the
front end are three Initials. &C, ~, T.. '
standing for Cora UrQuhsrt Potter, be-
meath which is an oid-faEhioEed sun dial
with a motto 70 the effect that ''FrieGd-
Are welcome al All Hours"
Pretty gravel walks run down across
beautiful green lawns. which end al
the brink OF the river. This part OF tEe
Thames Is quite narrow and forms .