Of love, of joy, of peace and plenty: where,
Supporting and supported, polished friends
And dear relations mingle into bliss.
JAMES THOMSON--_The Seasons_


When husband and wife are truly mated, they form a co-partnership in the
building of the home. In this work the man, occupied with his business,
must leave a large part of the direction, even in material things,
to the woman. And these material things are of primary consideration,
as they are apt to be in every problem of life. The happiness of home
is immediately and always dependent on the kind of a house used for
dwelling and its equipment for utility and comfort.

The first thing to be considered is the location of the home. The choice
of a good neighborhood, from both social and sanitary viewpoints, is
essential. Good neighbors are almost as necessary as good air and good
drainage. Even before the children have come, it is a limitation on the
function of a home for husband and wife to be forced to seek social life
entirely outside the neighborhood. If charity (that is, loving, helpful
associations) begins at home, it certainly does not stop at the
threshold, or leap therefrom over those nearest us. The best citizens
are those who take a human interest in the people of their street, or
ward, or village, for influence in civic reform is dependent on
neighborliness.

Children are good citizens in this respect by nature. Limited to
association with children of the neighborhood, they form an affection
for their playmates, which may lead to good or evil results, as these