Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-01-22


And watch them strict"
Next to mans duty Of providing Tor hlinseIi ana
his own household, is that of relieving TO the ex-
tent of his power, the wants OF his fellow men III
ceneral-and next to that Is the duty, to say noun
inc of lnterest0 of protecting and nourlshing tne
animals placed under his care, and from which his
own comforts are so largely derived. Winter Is
indeed season of gloom and unhapplness TO those
who are in need of food, raiment or shelter; and
in truth, however well provided the farmer and his
family may be in these respects 1t he has the com
mon sympathy of humanity, ne will find himself a
stranger 10 peace of mind, while any of the ami.
mails dependent on him are'mlserable from hunger
or eXposure but let every individual OF his HOOKS
and herds receive the full care and attention requ
site to their comfort and enjoyment, and con
seriousness of this will enable the owner to rest our
ety on his pillow, though the storm may now ana
rage around.
Besides the cutting and collecting wood and
timber and other business usually done in the win
ter the farmer may do much IN this season. towards
forwarding the labors of spring. Every farmer
should have workshop, where, IN stormy ana IN
clement days. he or his men may be employed IN
mechanical work. If extensive operations are car
ried on. there should be bucksnith's forge with
an anvil and such apparatus as is necessary for do
ing small Jobs. Implements should be made and
repaired, and everything put in readiness Tor use.
A little practice will enable any man of toera6le
ingenuity to the carpenters or blacksmths
tools so well that he may save many dollar
Although the farmer is sometimes prevented from
carrying on out door operations by the severity OF
the weather, his time during this season may be as
proftably employed in any other part OF the year.
The leisure now enjoyed, permits his mind to be
directed to subjects of interest and Importance
which he had not the opportunity to examine thor
oughly, when more busily engaged. He has time
for studying and laying plans for future operation
time for reading and for investigating the prlncl-
pies on which his art is based,-a knowledge Of
which enables him to direct his abors understand
ingy By reading he acquires information MS to
the state and condition of agriculture everywhere
In relation to the different branches of husbandry,
he notes well the practices OF others, and carefully
compares them with his own-resoving to improve
his system by adopting whatever is applicable to
his circumstances. While prosecuting his inqul-
ries, however, he should avoid q credulous assent
to untried schemes and theories. Though he should
examine freely, he should apply cautionsly-he
should endeavor TO 'prope all things, and hold fast
that ,CLfch IS good'-counsel, which, though orig
inally given in reference to spiritual concerns,
should be held as a motto in all temporal affairs.
The farmer should also provide means for the
intellectual improvement of his family Thechar-
acter of his sons and daughters, depends much on
the opportunities they have al home for the acquire
ment of knowledge. Many young men are made
discontinued with the life of farmer and are, per-
haps driven to habits of irreguarity, from the want
of that knowledge which would give them both
"power" and pleasure. Every effort should there.
fore be made to render home pleasant. Books and
periodicals. suited the ages aud capacities of both
sexes should be provided. They should be such
as will not only convey instruction in relation to
the business affairs of life, but of character also
that will tend to improve the morals and elevate the
higher sentiments
Nor should the mind Of the farmer himself be
restricted to one subject class OF subjects for in
the whole range Of nature there is nothing that
bears not some relation to his happiness. Let him,
then, study nature in all her shapes and forms
let hun heed well her teachings
And mark them down for wisdom"
Every season will afford opportunity, 20 the man
Of philosophc mind, for observation or for useful
reflection and contemplatiye enjoyment;
/" Fen winter wild, to him is fall Of bliss,
The mighty tempest and the hoay
Abrupt, and dcep stretched DER the buried earth,
Awake 10 solemn thought"
.Hbdnv Cutipator