IMPERSONAL POSSESSIONS.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " 13PEOTATOE."] Sue—The article on "Impersonal Possessions" in the Spectator of May 3rd was most interesting, especially to one just emerging from the throes of a spring clean, when the number of one's pos.sessions is very much in evidence. It is amazing to behold the accumulation that goes on from year to year in spite of the annual weeding out, and the passing on of sundry trifles to that blessed institution, the "Jumble Sale." There are times when one feels like kicking the whole lot into the sea and starting life again in a tent or a cottage with the barest necessaries around one. For how can any one find time to watch the unfolding of the glorious blossoms of spring when one is up to the eyes cleaning and scouring possessions? Even books, most desirable of all possessions, are responsible for many hours of dusty labour at this time, for they must have their little "annual outing." We ask ourselves why we go on buying books. But we are incorrigible, and do it again and again. The strange part of it is that the more possessions we have, the less time we have to enjoy them, and that is the reason for their becoming in time a burden rather than a joy. One factor, overlooked by the writer of the article, in the matter of people betaking themselves to hotel or boarding- house life is thist, forty or fifty years ago, when families were; larger, the housewife could usually rely on having one or two daughters at home who, as time went on, relieved her of some of the care and responsibility of looking after the household treasures. Now, however, when every daughter must have a career and goes outside to seek it, the mother in failing strength and, declining years is left to look after not only her own possessions but those which every other member of the family has accumulated in his or her lifetime. It is hardly to be wondered at, then, as some of us get older, and sit more loosely to this life, that we seek to be rid Of those earthly pos. sessions which so often hinder us from possessing that which is far more precious—ourselves, our own souls.-1 am, Sir, Sic.,
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