Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-06-30

village and the surrounding country.
and devoted his energies to improv-
Ing the land he owned. To De sure
he now did little work with his own
hands but every detail was under his
careful supervision. He had a large
library we'll filled with books treat
ing OF every subject. and II is said
he had the finest collection OF agri-
cultural works In the county. II is
certain that he was considered an
oracle on that subject by all who
knew him. and he was in some way
connected with the State Society for
the Propagation OF Good Farming, as
we'll as with all the minor organiza-
tons OF the kind Being finely edu-
Gated he was made chairman OF the
School Board, in which capacity he
had served for many years. His resi-
dence was now surrounded by fine
lawns and well kept flower beds. while
his fields always showed the fruitful
results OF judicious culture.
II was in the middle OF November
in the year that Ned won the prize
for his squash field that he took from
the postoffice a note directed TO his
name. When opened he found il was
an invitation from Mr.. Sharp 10 visit
his library and also TO test the quail
ity of Neds squash when made into
pie.
Ii was not without considerable ire
pidation that Ned wendell his way to
the residence OF Mr. Sharp at the APP
pointed time.
He was received kindly at the door
IA
cred him into his library. and pleas
antly chatted. making Ned feel per-
fectly at home. Happy might any
young searcher after knowledge be
who succeeded in getting inside Mr..
Sharp's library and having opened 10
him the rich treasures of knowledge.
Mr. Sharp took great pains to point
out rare books and explain their con-
tents. There were handsome pictures
on the walls Of the room. some OF
which were obtained while on a trip
to Europe Bric-a -brac OF unusual
style statuary and articles OF orna-
mentation were TO be seen on every
hand. all of which were new and in
tensely interesting 20 our young
friend Thus engaged Ned spent an
hour OF uninterrupted pleasure.
After a time Mr. Sharp invited Ned
10 go out to his great barns and see
his fine cattle and horses. The house
was connected with the barn by sheds
and there was no necessity OF passing
out of doors TO go there.
We will pass through the kitchen.
said Mr. Sharp. Il think the ladies
will not object"
As they entered that department.
Ned saw before him both Mrs. Sharp
and Nellie Mrs Sharp had never
spoken 10 Ned before, but she gave
him kindly welcome and joked Mr.
Sharp about bringing company into
the kitchen.
My wife always makes her kitch-
en- like a parlor. said Mr.. Sharp.
Ned thought so, as he looked about
the room the big range was bright
ly polished. the dresser was scrupu-
lousy neat. the windows were kept
clear as crystal, the tinware retained
all the lustre il had when first pur-
chased, and there appeared 10 be a
place for everything, and everything
was kept in place.
But TO Ned the most charming sight
that had met his eyes since he entered
the house was Nellie, as she stood at
the table preparing biscuit for the ev-
ening tea. She had on a pretty calico
dress. the sleeves of which were rath-
er short so as not 70 interfere with
her work, and thus were to be seen
two we'll rounded arms. The dress
fitted closely around her neck. and be-
low the whitest OF white rufiies was
t.1 t,.Iy ,sfl
she wore but a calico dress. over II
was a white apron neatly rufiied and
very clean. Nellie's bright eyes look
ed out from under a pink sweeping
cap. which partially concealed her
coquettish curls. This was picture
that Ned continued 10 dream about
for long time afterward.
Nellie takes part in household du-
ties every day" remarked Mr.. Sharp.
Her mother and | think that a girl
or boy should be- early taugnl to work.
No matter how well of their parents
may be- there is no knowing how soon
misfortune may come and the children
he thrown on their own resources.
THAT is what my parents say. re-
piled Ned
Il think. Ned your father did a very
wise thing when ne gave you mat III
tie cid 10 cultivate, and made you
work ont your own problems. IL was
the making OF you. Ned.
II am satisfied. replied Ned
1T was no small self-denial to You.
no doubt" continued Mr. Sharp,
when You saw other boys spending
their time in ball playing and fishing
to have 10 give up the sport rs YOU
did. but it was the making Of you IS
| said before
do not call myself made yet r.
piled Ned Il mean to keep on doing
and growing
THAT is right. Ned have watch
ed your progress in school ever since
] have been on the Board OF Educa-
ton. and | must say that the time
spent on your farm in no way effect
ed adversely yo1r progress IN scnool,
on the Other hand ou appeared 10 Ell
ter into your studies with new zeal.
There was Wilkie Case, he once
stood above you In his classes. but he
is now running behind hardly
think ne Will De able To graduate Thu
year His parents made "A mistake
They have caused il Co appear &c him
as If there was no necessity of work