Identifier: bookofcountryclo00john ()
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Where there is proximity to ponds or large streams, the farm-
ers have little ice-houses back of their homes
which must be filled.
Some morning the oxen, or the horses, are hitched to the long
sled ; and with saws, poles, and grappling-irons, the men-folks start
for the ice. It is sloppy work ; but there are chances of diversify-
I. WINTER LIFE
«IN NEW ENGLAND 26
inig it by taking along fishing-tackle, and establishing a skirmish-
line of fish-holes in the neighborhood.
Winter is a time of increased social activity. There are more
doings at the church ; the singing-school starts the first week
of December at the Town Hall ; and the Chautauqua Club gathers
in turn at the members houses every Friday evening. Perhap
sthe villagers start a lyceum at the schoolhouse, and speak pieces,
sing songs, have dialogues, and debate, Which is the most im-
portant animal, the cat or the dog. and other important ques-
tions. The chief object of the lyceums is the having a lot of fun ;
and what is sought in debate is not culture, or display of one's
powers as an orator, or the solution of great questions, but amuse-
Text Appearing After Image:
Breaking Out the Road
ment. Culture, oratory, etc., come in incidentally; but the serious
old-time lyceum, which discussed regularly great national and moral
questions, is not to be found in many regions to-day. l^ut the cat-
27 ««A BOOK OF COUNTRY CLOUDS AND SUNSHINE
and-dog debate, or the discussion of such topics as Which is the
most destructive element, fire or water? and Which does it
cost the most to dress, a man or a woman? are not without
their virtues ; for they at least stir thought and furnish health-
ful amusement.
For the children there are sliding and skating ; and some youth,
about this time, suggests the wild scheme of clubbing together
and hiring an omnibus for a grand sleighride of all the young
people. Some fine evening they all pile into the long sleigh, and
drive off behind the four horses with their jingling bells, for
ten or twelve miles, and have a turkey supper at midnight a
ta tavern. Afterward they may have a dance. Not always, for
dancing is considered a doubtful amusement by many

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