Much of the French countryside was very rustic, as Norris described. This must have been quite a culture shock for Norris, who was accustomed to a sophisticated, urban lifestyle in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia.  "The family, utensils, and all the animals live under one roof," Norris observed of French farm houses. He was amazed that children were happy and healthy, despite playing in unsanitary conditions around the farm.

Perhaps Dr. Norris witnessed scenes in the French countryside such as this which depicts women washing clothes in a river.