were born selfish, tiresomely, disgustingly selfish. They were good
boys in many ways. As they grew older they were respectful,
obedient, they were not untidy, and not particularly rough, but
their one thought was for themselves each one for himself, and
they used to quarrel with each other in regard to their rights. While
we were in New York, we had only a small, back yard. When we
came here, I said, 'I am going to try an experiment.' We got this
house because it had a large garden, and a stable that would do for
the boys to play in. Then I got them together, and had a little
serious talk. I said I was not pleased with the way in which they
were living. They did nothing for any one but themselves from
morning to night. If I asked them to do an errand for me, it was
done unwillingly. Of course, I knew they had their school for a
part of the day, but they had a good deal of leisure time when they
might do something for some one else. I asked them if they
thought they were going to make real, manly Christian boys at this
rate, and they said no. Then I asked them what we should do about
it. They all said, 'You tell us mother, and we'll do as you say.' I
proposed a series of tasks. Each one to do something for
somebody, outside and apart from himself, every day of his life.
They all agreed to this, and told me to allot the tasks. If I could
have afforded it, I would have gotten a horse and cow, and had
them take charge of them; but I could not do that, so I invested in a
pair of rabbits for Jack, a pair of canaries for Carl, pigeons for
Ned, and bantams for Willie. I brought these creatures home, put
them into their hands, and told them to provide for them. They
were delighted with my choice, and it was very amusing to see
them scurrying about to provide food and shelter for their pets, and
hear their consultations with other boys. The end of it all is, that I
am perfectly satisfied with my experiment. My boys, in caring for