Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-11
THIS AND THAT
BY CHARLES E. TRACEWELL.

his own for half year or more the
prospect Of having from four to sir
months without the expense or trouble
of heat is something to look forward
to. Undoubtedly it helps make him
enjoy Summer.
In Summer there is plenty of hea,
supplied by Nature for all practical mr.
poses. Often one feels as if he would
be wiling to spare a part of it, Surely
If some of Summers heat could be
condensed and stored for Winter use
the lucky inventor would make a for
tune, and probably might be able to
write several books about it into the
bargain
Heat undoubtedly makes cold drinks
taste better-at least while they are
going down. The solemn assurance OF
medical experts that cold drinks are
bad for one has not made the least
dent in the habit.
Pernicious or otherwise, the consump-
ton Of iced drinks has gone along mer-
rily to the tune of clinking glasses
throughout the American world. The
habit is not new. The Romans cooled
their wines with snow. We of the
United States simply have overdone the
habit, as we dc almost everything else
The pleasure of open windows and
doors has much more to it than the
admittance of fresh air. The prospect
up and down the street and across the
way is more enjoyable. Somehow we
feel more at one with humanity during
the hot months when houses are open.
The excellent plan of some engineer
to keep windows perpetually sealed and
to supply moistened and cooled air
through ducts overlooks the psychologi-
cal factor involved in the average lik-
ing for open windows.
We question whether human beings
viii ever be able to feel at their ease
sealed up behind glass which they
know is irremovable.
x X x x
The pleasures of outdoors sports are so
widespread and universally enjoyed that
they merely need mentioning. Yet they
constitute one of the true Joys of the
Summer season, one which can come
only at this time of year, except to the
fortunate few who are able to move
around with the sun.
Playing at gardener is another Sum-
mer happiness. The grass grows only
during warm and pleasant weather.
Now, If ever, one gardens. Now is the
time to make lawn and to care for
the same.
The happiness of roses, gladio1i and
lilies comes to the amateur. as to all
men, during the hot weather. To get
the beauties of these flowers he must
be able to appreciate Summer.
Summer tolerance, and especially
actual Summer liking, comes as a mat
ter of appreciation. One must be able
to forget the heat. as the phrase has
it, in enjoyment of the good things the
season brings.
Leafy shade, unknown at other times
OF the year, enters into the life of
humanity, helping both eyes and minds.
The race Is tree-minded and cannot get
away from it. When trees are bare the
world waits for them to be covered
with leaves again. Those Of us who
live in and near Washington know the
beauty and help of trees.
AS for a general and helpful "let-
down" in living, we mean the very
spirit of the season, which rather rele-
gates the heavier aspects of life to the
cold and darker seasons. Many serious
institutions are shut entirely.
Our last two reasons for enioying
Summer hinge upon a certain sensuous
enjoyment of rapid contrasts. Although
based upon things physical, they in
Volve the use of intelligence, and their
proper enjoyment is the final crown of
Summer living.