The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1904-08-11


who can and do avail themselves of
the opportunities offered Most of our
knowledge of the earth and the habi-
tants thereof is obtained from the
writings of more or less gifted travel
ers, who portray the impressions made
upon them during their journeys; and
we endeavor to picture in our own minds
these scenes and incidents as seen
through their eyes. This is all a means
of education and Improvement. 1t is
excellent in its way and must suffice to
a great extent for our general informa-
ton. But how much more beneficial
and lasting are the impressions made
upon the mind by visit to place of
which we have often read descriptions.
No conception of the grandeur of the
Rocky Mountains, the beauties of the
fruits and flowers of California, the
immensity of the Pacific Ocean, the
delightful climate of Honolulu, the
picturesque scenery of the Inland Sea
of Japan, or the awe-inspiring fury of
the typhoon IN the China Sea can be
gained from the printed articles of our
most charming writers. TO derive all
the benefit you must be there in per-
son, see with your own eyes and have
the impressions made directly upon
your own brain. The desire to travel
is natural to man, but men travel more
through curiosity and the pursuit of
pleasure than to attain knowledge.
While these motives are commendable,
they are of less Importance than the
improvement of the mind. They are
important, however, in making our
Journeys worth remembering. Curios-
ity is one of the foundation stones of
knowledge, and pleasure and happi-
ness assist very materially the action
ofthe mind and memory.
To attain the best results from our
journeys, all the faculties should be
constantly on the alert; memory should
be active and retentive; we should
strive to adapt ourselves to circum-
stances and surroundings, and to culti-
vate the friendship and good fellow
ship of desirable people with whom we
may come in contact; thereby gaining
the benefit of tneir experience and in
formation. 1t is quite noticeable in
conversing with different people who
have travelled in the same country,
that one is especially well-informed on
the architecture, another is most inter
ested in the scenery, another in the
people and their customs, while still
another is component to discuss all
these subjects and much more that has
failed to interest the others. 1t may
be said that each was educating and
improving his mind in the direction
which particularly interested him
That is true; but L believe a person de-
!, rives more benefit from the broader
field of general information. Fads anG
speclalties are all proper enough where
they tend to improve our condition
financially, but as means of menta
training, and consequently pleasure
to ourselves and our friends, and posi-
bly, of educational value to the reading
, public, we should endeavor to Absorb
as much knowledge and information
as possible. The probability that dur
ing our short lifetime we may only b'
permitted one opportunity to journe.
through strange lands makes this i'm
perative.
The fiowery description of som,
, scene, the marvellous tales told of some
incident and the apparently incredible
actions of the elements are oftime
! ascribed to flights of Imagination OF
q the part of the author, but experience
q teaches the traveller that each day ant
hour is full of surprises which Otter
surpass in interest and intensity tn
o most vivid fancies. Little things tina
!. would seem trivial and hardly WORT
/ noticing prove intensely interesting
: at times and furnish excellent materia
T for. thought. I cannot conceive of an
q science or branch of study that W
O may not materially perfect our know
d edge of by travel.
: As it is not possible for a man t
l. know and remember everything, W
l. should strive whilst travelling to fiji
?. away in the storehouse of the brain a
Is that may prove of value for aftel
It thought and consideration. Contrast