The Grange Advance

For the Grange Advance:
Stray Thoughts for Autumn.

Berlin, Monday Eve, Sept. 7th.

The clear, calm autumn days are upon us once more, and who does not hail them with pleasure! Already the leaves are changing to the rich yellow hue that decks them before they drop to rest upon the mother earth, and the birds and bees seem to rest upon couches of gold as they nestle in the huge yellow blossoms everywhere.

Minnesota is noted for its delightful autumnal season with the balmy, fragrant air, so fresh and invigorating. Sleepy Indian summer throws us in a dreamy, restive mood; really exhilarating it is a specially favorite time and we anticipate visits to fairs, lakes excursions, with nice weather in our favor:

Though the farmer's work is not quite done he may take an occasional rest, for is not the main dependence the wheat in the stack.

The good housewife begins at this time an overturning of cellar and kitchen, and for a moment stops to make an estimate of the various dishes to be made up for winter's use. And if her knowledge in the culinary department is thorough she brings forth her jars, cans and bags, clean and well aired and prepares and fills them with delicious pickled vegetables, preserves, jellies and dried fruits, the wholesomeness and deliciousness of which none can dispute.

How far this necessary preparation of good things go to make cheerful the long winter we all know: The children have their work in gathering nuts and fruit which is duly cared for.

In olden times the autumns and winters were seasons of merry making and feasting, not in the style of now-a-days; far from it. To be sure we cannot boast of the apple paring, parties Corn huskings, with drinks of apple cider, pure from the mill. But how many ways akin to these for pleasure and amusement might we adopt and encourage, if our minds and natures had not gone so far ahead of the comparatively innocent and true principles and ideas of our forefathers.

We cannot help thinking at times, that if the world would be revolutionized back to former days, instead of progressing so fast, it would be better for at least two-thirds of humanity.

The farmers' movement will bring back in a measure, we hope, the old social feeling and the even tenor of morality. Enforce the "Golden rule" so necessary to make pleasant the hours of coming winter. With our planning through the beautiful autumn, laying by food for our bodies, we must not forget food for our minds. "Literature, pure, good reading. Women, this is your duty also, as you mould the character of your home, and are the presiding genius of the household. Select for your children such reading as will promote sound sense and impart excellent lessons, exerting your influence upon the tender natures you will with the help of good authors, plant lasting impressions of good, reaching to years of womanhood and manhood, and serving as safe guards, hallowed with the memory of mother. Your husband cannot dispute your supremacy; cheerfully consult him on the main questions of the day. Advise the best newspapers, and books of instruction. Something interesting for the quiet fireside of a winter evening. From these exertions will spring up a fountain of tenderness and love, and the home where these are found has God's blessing.

ALICE.