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LIFE on a farm has its bright and dark sides, as does life elsewhere. If all other things were equal, the pure air, abundance of sunshine, plentiful supply of good milk, butter, eggs, vegetables, and fruit should make the farmer’s family the healthiest and happiest of any class in the land. But to counterbalance all these advantages there are the monotony of life and food, and often unwholesome water, where one would expect to find only the purest. The farmer’s wife or daughter need not feel that she is buried; that she is nobody; that she has no mission in life; that she is largely a drudge. Every honest man or woman, unless we exclude some of the very rich, must do some work. Now, this work, whether it be in the kitchen, shop, on the farm, in the counting-room, store, or any of the professions, may become drudgery or may be made in some degree a pleasure. Everything depends upon the home life. The mission of the farmer’s wife and daughter is one of great responsibility. It means the physical, mental, and moral health of the entire family. I know of no class of women whose mission means more to humanity.
Have the home sweet and healthful. Remember that pure air and sunshine in the house are the greatest purifiers. Do not exclude them. Impure water carries poison through the system more effectually than if it were in solid food. Water may look clear and sparkling, yet be filled with the germs of disease. A well never should be placed where the sewage from the house or barn can filter into it. If the well be near the house, do not allow slops, suds, etc., to be thrown on the ground near it. If there be a drain to carry off the household slops and suds it should be laid as far as possible from the well and so constructed that there shall be no leakage. Whatever else you may lack, be firm in your efforts to have pure water, and pure air and sunshine in plenty in the house.
Try to get as much variety in your food as possible, especially in the matter of the more substantial things, such as vegetables, meats, fish, soups, and breads. Try to educate your family and yourself up to the point where pies, cake, doughnuts, etc. need not be a daily dish on your table. Instead of these, have plenty of fresh stewed fruits when in season, and canned fruits at other periods. These fruits, with good bread, rolls, rusk, buns, etc., are healthful, and so simple that one does not tire of them.