Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 56, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 March 1915 — HOME TOWN HELPS [ARTICLE]

HOME TOWN HELPS

NATURE DELIGHTS IN CURVES Builders of Human Habitations Do Wall to Avoid Too Many Straight Lines. Nature makes no straight lines, for' whether it be the canopy above, the 1 horizon about us, the shore r of ocean or pond, the course of streams, the' lines of horse, bird, or even of the human figure, beautiful curves and variety and multiplicity of curves everywhere abound. Without guidance such as a taut cord, a straight edge, or ruler, man cannot make a straight line. Even with the assistance of a crack or continuous joint in a sidewalk the homeward-bound in the “wee sma’ hours anent the twal’ cannot maintain their physical dignity and equilibrium, however assiduously their feet woo “the straight and narrow path of rectitude.” It must then be apparent that nature never intended man to make straight lines, and the present writer loves them not, even in a dwelling-house. The clay cottage with thatched roof is the very acme of beauty in shelters for mankind, and often the simple, old-fashioned garden round about holds more of natural charm than the most favored part of the grandest estate. Those who have tramped over fresh-ly-fallen snow, though intent upon going in a straight line from one specific point to another, looking back upon their course, may easily descry what beautiful and smoothly-flowing curves they have traced upon earth’s wintry shroud. Even the paths of domestic animals through their pastures are of most artistic and gentle departure from the monotonous straight line. Still, we would not advise following these in the economic disposition olf traffic, as did the Bostonians with Sam Foss’ calf ttail. Likewise, we should avoid violation of the dictates of common sense by trying to institute curves in a front walk from street to door when the distance is but a few paces. Curves must not be made to appear ridiculous. Sometimes restricted scope precludes their use and straight lines must prevail. Still, the straight line is not, as Ruskin is reputed •to have said, “the line of beauty.”