Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/216

232 Flemish domestic life, in its rural beauty and grace. The excellent master of the house, the active agriculturist and patriot, at the same time; the clever and amiable lady of the house; the happy children, dividing their time between studies, rural labors, and pleasures; and the happy domestic animals, which grazed fearlessly in the green meadows around the mansion—an old castle of the ancient times;—daily life in the cheerful family circle, familiar intercourse, mealtimes, the beautiful prints,—all presented a picture of prosperity and happiness, more beautiful and more perfect, than any by the great Flemish masters.

The two families set out from Oestkamp one fine morning, to visit the agricultural colonies for neglected children—Ruysselede and Bernhem. As I have already described at large these institutions, in a separate article, I will not here go further into the subject, but merely express the wish that they should be visited by all persons who have an interest in establishments of this class, for the children there appear to me to be placed in the best possible circumstances, for the complete development both of soul and body, more especially at Ruysselede, the colony of boys. The peculiar part which is assigned to music at this place, deserves especial notice; for its enlivening notes do not alone give the signal for all the divisions of the day, and its several occupations, signals for the boys marching in and marching out, but it also constitutes a reward for their good behavior. Every boy who conducts himself well, is permitted to learn music, and besides that, to select the instrument on which he would like to play. We were regaled, during dinner, with