In preparing this book for the press, I wish to acknowledge my obligations to the following authors, for much valuable information and inspiration: To Elmer Gates, the discoverer of new domains in Psychology, the inventor and discoverer of the art of Mentation, the founder of the Elmer Gates Laboratory, at Chevy Chase, Maryland: To Henry George, the author of "Progress and Poverty:" To Edward Bellamy, the author of "Equality," and "Looking Backward:" And lastly to that greatest of living Frenchmen, M. Godin, the author of "Social Solutions," and the founder of the "Familistere," with its famous industrial enterprise, located at the city of Guise, France; the grandest co-operative success of the age! A last word to my readers: Do you wish to join forces with the humanitarians? If so, always strive so to educate the people, that they may fully understand the true object and purpose of human life; and the necessity for the upbuilding of social, industrial and political institutions, in harmony with the demands of that purpose. This will require unselfish, persistent, co-operative effort and thought. In no other way, can you so greatly aid the cause of progress. MILAN C. EDSON. No. 1728 N. J. Ave., N. W. WASHINGTON, D. C., SEPT. 1ST, 1900. CONTENTS. CHAPTER PAGE 1. A FARMER'S SON WITH PROGRESSIVE TENDENCIES 1 2. THE OUTLINES OF A GREAT PROBLEM 4 3. AN ADVERTISEMENT INTRODUCES THE HEROINE 9 4. THE STORY OF A STONE AND WHAT CAME AFTER 10 5. FAIRY FERN COTTAGE 27 6. FENNIMORE FENWICK 34 7. AN ALASKA KINDERGARTEN 37 8. AN INTERVIEW WITH THE "FAIRIES." 41 9. THE PROBLEM VS. A GOOD MAN WHO IS AS RICH AS HE IS NOBLE 49 10. THE REAPING OF THE DEATH ANGEL 53 11. THE MARTINA MINE 58 12. SPIRIT AND MORTAL--FATHER AND DAUGHTER 61 13. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 63 14. THE ETHICS OF PLANETARY EVOLUTION 71 15. THE CO-OPERATIVE FARM AS A FACTOR IN SOCIAL EVOLUTION 75 16. FILLMORE AND FERN 87 17. SOLARIS FARM 93 18. CLUB LIFE AT SOLARIS 112 19. FENWICK HALL 121 20. THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA 133 21. HIS WOOING PROSPERS WHILE OUR HERO ENJOYS HIS FIRST VACATION 141 22. A SURPRISE PARTY AND RECEPTION COMBINED 150 23. FORMATION OF POPULAR SCIENCE CLUBS 160