doubtless, to the marked change from isolated conditions of small
farm life, to the superior advantages for education, amusement, social
enjoyment, and the all-pervading enthusiasm of congenial, co-operative
work; which here at Solaris, leaves no time for such fits of brooding
over the past, as usually result in that severe mental depression, which
we call homesickness. Perhaps one individual in fifty, is so constituted
that homesickness becomes a serious illness. In such cases, the
executive committee is authorized to grant the necessary leave of
absence. Always providing of course, that the applicant is willing to
comply with a rule of the organization, which assigns the pay of the
absentee to the general service fund, for the number of days such
absence may continue. A strict observance of this rule, leaves no cause
for complaint by those who remain.

"In considering the question from another standpoint, we find the
general tone and disposition of our people, has been raised to a much
higher, happier pitch, by the evolution of the musical spirit,
introduced and inspired by the work of the dancing and musical clubs.
Stimulated by the prizes offered by the general manager, a great number
of beautiful farm songs have been completed, and adapted to a large
variety of farm work. These songs have been taken up by a goodly number
of glee clubs, organized for the purpose from among those members of the
musical club, who had the good fortune to possess a fine quality of
voice.

"Careful training and steady practice, soon enabled these lesser vocal
organizations, to render the entire list of songs, with a mellow
smoothness, an inspiring swing of rythm, and a well rounded tone of
perfection, which was really quite surprising. These vocalists,
scattered through the fifties and hundreds of farm workers in the hay,
harvest, corn and cotton fields; the nursery, gardens, orchards and
vineyards; the dairy, mills, factories and packing-houses; the brick
works, mines and quarries; the workshops of the store, and the assembly
meetings of the co-operators; became competent teachers, who, by their
leadership and example, soon made it possible for every member of the
colony, to master both words and music of all the songs. This course of
vocal training proved so fascinating, that our people literally absorbed
it! The children, even more quickly than the adults!

"Thoroughly tested in the practical work of every department of the
farm;