One of our artists was in an ambitious rural town not long ago, and his attention was directed to a scene which suggested the accompanying sketch. It is a warning to "keep rural and not ape city ways." The good people who are so fortunate as to own and inhabit the handsome old house, built somewhat in the square colonial style, are fond of gardening and kindred things. The house was somewhat badly placed at first, being directly on the street, as was the custom when it was built. There is a large garden on the other side of it, not shown in the sketch. With commendable public spirit, a high board fence that concealed this beautiful garden was taken down and the latter is now a daily delight to the passing towns people-The owner's ambition was to have a green grassy bank around the house, but this apparently simple thing has been attended with difficulties. First, the town had a hole dug and a lamp post put up. Then a water hydrant made another blemish. Thinking that this property held its share of public institutions the owner requested that the electric light post be put elsewhere, yet he had to submit. The hitching post is a country institution and a great convenience to the neighbors who have none, but the horses are inclined to gnaw and trample the bank.

Steps were provided for the people who want to cross the street, but most of them prefer to walk on the grass, and have worn paths by so doing. Somehow these people are not yet satisfied; they feel as if they were not in a city, and yet have lost the simplicity of a country town.