Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1847-11-26
THE FARMERS LIFE.

We frequently meet persons who consider far.
ming menial employment, and look upon farm
ersas degraded class. Ifsuch opinions conf.
ned to the popinays met at fashionable soires and
watering places, it would be matter Of but little
consequence. Unfortunately, however, we find
il expressed, by actions, if not by words, amongst
farmers themselves. How often do we see far
mers, and farmers sons, itching for a situation
in the counlng-room, place in the lawyers Of.
fee, or stand at the physicians mortar. So
contagious has this infection become, that what is
termed "the learned professions" is overstocked.
Lawyers are more plentiful Than ients, and "two
physicians on one horse" is now an adoge!
If farming is menial employment, ii is farm.
crs that make il SO. This looking up TO other
professions; this itching for conspicuous stations;
this proneness to become laggards, is calculated
to crush the noblest calling. Why is the culture
of wheat less respectable than practising at the
BARI Why is the raising of cattle less honorable
than probing the sores and ulcers Of humanityl
Why is the cultivation of fruit less elevated than
wearing sacerdotal robes in the pulpit Why is
raising pork less eslimabe than purchasing it?
Theseare questions which every larmershould ask
himself before he abandons his calling. So long
as farmers lower themselves in their own eslma-
lion, their calling will be lowered. So long as
they look up 10 other professions, those profess
sions will look down upon them.
The occupation of the farmer is the most hon.
orabe, as well as most independent, that man can
engage in. No matter how great his education
may be, he will find field for its exercise. No
matter how refined his taste. il will be gratiied.
No matter how pure his thoughts, they will not
be vIiated. The book Of nature is spread out
before him, on every page Of which is written
lessons of wisdom. The spring, the summer,
the autumn, and The winter, each is replete with
instruction. The opening Of the bud, the expan.
sion of the leaf, the decay and fall Of foliage, each
furnish objects 10 refresh and invigorate the mind
In point Of comfort, what mode of living can
equal the farmers! Every luxury Of ileisa his
command, "wilhout money and without price"
With a little care, and at Wihing expense, he
can surround himself with fruit during the whole
year. The products of his iule domain place
him far beyond the reach of want. All the el-
emenIs of independence are within his control
What cares he for the rise and fall Of stocks!-
That does not affect the growth Of his crops, mol
diminish the product of his dairy. With favor
able seasons and judicious care he can scout de-
fiance TO the whole world.
As sregards usefulness, where has he an equal
As we'll msh the world be without a sun as with
oui farmers. Stop the pIow, let there be ''nc
more seed-time nor harvest" and all operation,
of life are at an end. The calling Of the farmer
is The great calling of the world. All others are
but accessory thereto. As the roots aud trunk
are indispensable to the health and vigor Of the
branches in the vegetable kingdom, so is the far
mer absolutely necessary 10 the health Of tn,
body polite.
'Ils useless to talk to US about an education