" Maggie looks round and concludes that I
am busy too. In a minute, Alec will have done, and then I shall
read the two pieces aloud; then we shall criticise them
respectfully. The aim is to make them frankly recognise the good
points of each other's compositions as well as the weak points, and
this they are very ready to do.
In all this I do not neglect the physical side. They can ride and
swim. They go out in all weathers and get wholesomely wet, dirty,
and tired. Games are a difficulty, but I want them to be able, if
necessary, to do without games. We botanise, we look for nests, we
geologise, we study birds through glasses, we garden. It is all
very unscientific, but they observe, they perceive, they love the
country. Moreover, Maud has a passion for knowing all the village
people, and takes the children with her, so that they really know
the village-folk all round; they are certainly tremendously happy
and interested in everything. Of course they are volatile in their
tastes, but I rather encourage that. I know that in the little old
moral books the idea was that nothing should be taken up by
children, unless it was done thoroughly and perseveringly; but I
had rather that they had a wide experience; the time to select and
settle down upon a pursuit is not yet, and I had rather that they
found out for themselves what they care about, than practise them
in a premature patience.
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