I am thoroughly convinced that—as a "watched pot never boils"—so a watched penny never breeds. The lending of cows to cottagers and all that system of superintendence (including child-bed linen and the like) though arising in most instances from amiable motives, has never done any good. And I make no doubt that if the fact could be ascertained, fifty pounds expended in good cheer of the old fashion would not only excite more gratitude, but would work more solid advantage to the receivers than ten thousand pounds expended in "comforts" and spelling-books.

06.06.26