cational classes in working girls' clubs, Christian associations,
and people's institutes is another good sign. But I mention these here
merely to emphasize their importance as tools for the visitor. In
families where an ambition has been aroused, the visitor {138} should
foster it by making connection with some such educational agencies.

There is a very obvious form of snobbery that we are quick enough to
detect, the snobbery that looks down on people who have to work hard
and wear shabby clothes. But an even more dangerous form of snobbery,
because not so obvious, is the intellectual form, which claims an
exclusive right to culture, and looks down upon the simple and
unsophisticated. The fact is, that, save for a very gifted few, we are
all of us dependent upon the gifts of others for what we know and what
we enjoy. Probably there never was a neighborhood so exclusive but
many were there upon whom education, refinements, and beautiful things
were quite wasted; and there never was a neighborhood so poor but some
were there who longed for beauty, education, and a larger and fuller
life.

It will be seen in the next chapter that, when we attempt to supply the
poor with the necessities of life, our path is beset with difficulties.
But when we give them those things which, though not necessary to life,
yet refine {139} and elevate it, we can do them only unmixed good.
Gifts of books, flowers, growing plants, pictures, and simple
decorations, or, as in one instance known to me, the present of several
rolls of light-colored wall-paper to brighten a dark room--these help
to express our friendliness, and have an added value as coming from a
friend. Above all, however, we should not hesitate to share with the
poor our delight in healthful and refining pleasures, and should find
it natural to talk freely with them about our own interests.

Collateral Readings: "Parlor Games for the Wise and Otherwise," H. E.
H. "Faggots for the Fireside," Mrs. L. P. Hale. "American Girls' Own
Book of Work and Play," Mrs. Helen Campbell. "Gymnastic Games,"
published by Boston Normal School of Gymnastics. "Methods of Social
Reform," W. S. Jevons. "Picture Exhibitions in Lower New York," A. C.
Bernheimer in "Forum," Vol. XIX, pp. 610 _sq_.

[1] pp. 119 _sq_.

{140}

CHAPTER IX

RELIEF

I have been very unfortunate if, in the foregoing chapters, I have
failed to make it clear that there are many ways of assisting