The idea of devoting their powers with self-denial and sacrifice to the service of their native land had become a fixed resolution; the devious paths which so many men entered were far from their thoughts.

The youth, the young generation of their native land, were alone worthy of their efforts.

They meant to train them to a harmonious development of mind and body; and upon these young people their pure spirit of patriotism exerted a vast influence.

When we recall the mighty power which Froebel could exercise at pleasure over his fellowmen, and especially over children, we shall deem it natural that a child suddenly transported into this circle could forget its past." When I entered it, though at that time it was much modified and established on firm foundations, I met with a similar experience.

It was not only the open air, the forest, the life in Nature which so captivated new arrivals at Keilhau, but the moral earnestness and the ideal aspiration which consecrated and ennobled life.