ountain Cure

aron Von Lodge was the head of a small country known as Lilliland near Switzerland. The time was the early 1900s.

The people who visited Lilliland on a holiday often spoke of the serenity of watching the swans on Castle Lake. They also talked of the inspirational view atop the Alpine Mountains. Some of the heartier travelers talked of the numerous ski trails, the summertime hiking trails, the horseback riding, and the sailing on the lake.

Since no guns were allowed in Lilliland there was no noise from hunters' guns echoing in the valleys. Farming was the main occupation with some light industry. Tourism was the one main feature that supported the citizens of Lilliland. It was a very quiet and peaceful place all year long.

A famous visiting European psychiatrist mentioned to the Baron that Lilliland was one of the most peaceful and quiet places he had ever visited.

The following month the doctor sent a letter to the Baron saying that he had some wealthy patients whose problems were nervous tension. The sounds of the city caused their problems to worsen. He recommended a two-week stay at the Lilliland Grand Hotel as part of the treatment toward a cure.

The doctor also mentioned the walks beside Castle Lake with its magnificent swans, the wonderful Alpine Mountain view, and the very polite manner with which the people of Lilliland treated visitors would all help his patients get the rest and relaxation that they needed.

The Baron was so pleased that a noted psychiatrist found his country so ideal. Sometimes, he thought, being so close to a situation or community, one fails to appreciate what is all around you because it is always there and we take it for granted.

Just the noise from the hunters' guns can be very annoying to think that some innocent deer or bird is being put to death in the name of good sportsmanship. Since there was such an abundance of good food in fine restaurants, there was no justification in killing anything unless it was for food to survive.

Some philosophers believed that the closer the individual lives in harmony with nature the better the individual would feel about himself and would have a healthier outlook about all life. The Baron, Professor Hamblin and Lady Angela of Alpine Castle all shared that philosophy. Everywhere in Lilliland that philosophy was in practice.