Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1855-11-02

pAhilis GUD-
sylvania husbsndman, who had been bro't
up very much as his father and grandfath-
er had been before him-that is, with lust
knowledge enough 10 make him a respect
able iiiler of the soil. For several winters.
when farm work was slack, he had been
sent to country school, and having some
aptitude, he learned to read and write tol.
erably well, and to cast up simple accounts.
There his literary education ended, and
henceforth his energies were devoted TO
that kind of labor which is SO necessary to
make practical farmer. On the death of
his thrifty father, he entered into posses
sion of large and good farm, and in due
time married.
AT the time we now refer, be had six
children, all young, who had come into the
world alternately boys and girls, their father
never dreamed Of their being brought up in
any other way than he and bis ancestors had
been. Each one was destined to receive
little schooling, and to do good deal of
work, suited to their respective ages. As
is unhappily the case with two many farm t
houses, there was but a dim light in thai
dwelling. There was no thought of cult
vating the higher faculties of It's inmates
They we're 10 go through the dull, plodding
life Of those who had preceded them, and
although the farmer had good family Bi.
BILE and Psalm-boOk, his library consisted
ofsome few elementary school books, with
the necessary annual almanac 1t was in
this state of affairs that an intelligent neigh
Dor, who had turned his attention from
city business 10 farming, with the view of
recruiting his health, became acquainted
with Mr.. Burrit and deeply interested in
his family. The confidence he inspired, and
the kindly feelings he manifested, made
him a welcome visitor, and gave him no
small interest. In the course Of many con-
versations be threw out occasional hints
about the proper training of children, and
the advantages resulting from cultivati ing
their mental faculties and moral powers =
Although he found farmer Burrit and his
wife rather dull scholars, who could with
difficulty look beyond the narrow sphere in
in which they themselves had been educat-
ed, he was nevertheless encouraged to give
them line upon line and precept upon pre-
cept Taking advantage of what he sup
posed favorable opportunity. he engaged
one day in the following conversation with
the farmer.
'Neighbor Burrit, was thinking to-day
that yon were one of our most substantial
and thriving farmers
Thank you; I am pretty well to do in
the world, but it is because work my way,
have no idle folks about me-
True, friend Burrit; and it is commend
able in you; but you viii excuse me if |
say 1 have felt some surprise that you have
not all the implements good farmer should
have
Haven't though: guess if you will
look about, you'll find have all / need
well, | have been looking about, and
have not found half dozen good books in
the-house.'
OH that's it; and what do want with
books? What's the use of them? | guess
they can't teach me farming. Your book
farmers aren't worth much-always trying
something new, and coming out with short
crops E-s-.A
'Alh but, friend Burrit, books teach
many good and useful things besides farm
ing; and TO tell you the truth, really think
they would be very useful to your children.
whom know you love, and would like to
see alittle more intelligent than their neigh
bors. Now. if you would spend City dol
lars in good books, viii make such Sc
lection as / aln sure would be instructive
10 your children
.Whewi fifty dollars laid out in boOks!--
Why you must be jokingP
mo, I am not; l never was more serious
in my life. Ny only motive for suggest
ing it is the interest l feel in your family
and 1 will promise you that if at the end Of
six years you repent of the purchase, will
refund the fifty dollars, with full interest
for the whole time
Farmer Burrit looked puzzled. He re-
spected bis neighbor, he knew him 10 be a
good friend, ana although he thought the
suggestion foolish one. yet he was touch
ed at the kind interest expressed in his
children. After silence Of some minutes
as if he knew not what to say, be replied
well, well, I will think Of it,
ErETrt t7H ...