s
means the embodiment by them of more and better mind, that they may do
better, wiser and more dominant thinking; be able to comprehend the sum
of human knowledge to such an extent that they may add to it; to so
understand their lives, and their relations to the Universe around them,
that they may become masters of themselves and their environments--a law
unto themselves--fitting them for a perfect citizenship of a perfected
republic. This most desirable of all accomplishments, requires better
surroundings, more leisure and opportunity for self-improvement, more
money, shorter hours of more remunerative labor--labor transformed from
a hated drudgery to a desirable occupation. Behold, friend Gaylord, you
have before you the outlines of the problem. Can you suggest anything
towards its solution?"

"I can suggest nothing," said George Gaylord; "You have stated the case
with the clearness and eloquence of a Henry George. If what you say is
true, the problem is a very serious one. But are you quite sure the
facts will fully warrant your conclusions? If so, what are your plans
and what have you been doing towards working out this puzzling
question?"

"Oh yes!" said Fillmore Flagg, "I am very sure of my position. The more
I study the question, the firmer my conviction that I have understated
the case instead of overstating it. I am studying the agricultural
question from every possible standpoint and I propose to make it a life
work. Every branch of science may aid me; I must master at least a
portion of each. Since we left college I have become fairly proficient
in surveying and civil engineering; have devoted considerable time to
photography; I am classed as a skilled electrician; I have thoroughly
mastered agricultural chemistry and several of the more important
branches of that interesting and most wonderful science. As you know, I
am very fond of mechanics and of all kinds of machinery. I could not
rest until I had gained a practical knowledge of all kinds of tools and
learned how to repair or construct most kinds of machinery. Two months
ago I completed a general course of study at the Philadelphia School of
Industrial Art, which, for the especial work I have in view, I consider
by far the most beneficial and practicable of all my acquirements. I am
now resting, cogitating and waiting for the golden opportunity which,
sooner or later, must come, to enable me to commence my work."

CHAPTER III.

AN ADVERTISEME