Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-10-03
THE TWO FARMER BOYS.
BY W. II. GARDNER

"ileH all nature seems lmpiorlng the Grea
Dasposer of events for water to relieve tho
earth of its thirst, and prevent its becoming
barren from drouth. two boys were at work in
> fields adjoining. They were farmer boys, and
thus far through life had passed much of theil
leisure time together.
| A scene of beauty, of surprising beauty
surrounds them. Itwas home scene-a scene
which viii ever remain enstamped npon the
tablet Of memory. Broad acres of beautiful
farming land, covered with luxurant growing
GRIPS, were all displayed in all their beauty
before them. Twas such a scene as only far
nrers behold, and few beside farmers are capa-
bic Of enjoying.
f. Let US approach and make the acquaintance
| Of these farmer boys, who we have said were
! at work. Martin Brown is the son of an afflu-
! eht farner-I erry fireman was the child OF
4 poor parents, but he is now an orphan Mar
tin has had superior advantages; Jerry's OPP
| portunities for obtaining knowledge have been
! meagre. But hear them, that yc may Judge !;
for they are approaching the place where we
| stand by the fence, each at the same time.
| "A fine day - declares Jerry, leaning on
the handles of his cpltvator, raising his hat
and wiping the sweat from his high forehead
"A plague on such fine days-so hGt-corn
| all drying up-I would like TO know what there
| is particularly fine about this day ?'' replies
Martin.
We have a beautiful place to work in here''
--at the same timoiiwith his eye. noticing the
surrounding beauties of hill and valley-ssand
can see much to enjoy,'' observed Jerry.
ssWell, )" i would like to know who could
enjoy this and be hard at work l can see
bat iittleto enjoy, responds Martin. @sass r,sE
| ssWhy, we may enjoy the scene about us
the lovely view of wide-spreading fields of
grain, meadow and forest and yonder sfe the
distant hills, looking so beautifully blue be-
..Pl,saw Ferry answered his companion,
with derisive laugh, sTscan see nothing in
this view you have pointed out, worthy look
or thought We have nothing in this town
worthy ones attention. and I'm getting tired
of the intolerabe lonesome life am leading"
fs.I am contcntcd, y responded Jerry. ssI
find much time for reading, and subjects of
wonder. inquiry and admiration, daily present
themselves to my notice. Pos A laugh followed
this expression ofcontent by Jerry, and the
boys separated. geo ~---.'-- lao zi7tif aa.ta teas
T We have heard enough OF this conversation,
as above, to learn that while at work. different
thoughts, feelings and Incentives to action
posses them. Observe closely, and you will
discover in the look, air and manner Of the
one, evidence of coptentment, and desire to
become acquainted with more, of the world
than what his own eyes rest upon-spesking
palmer than words that he is happy. The
other wears no look Of sunshine, his eye gives
forth no light, and the manner in which be
does his work, shows it to be promptediby any
love save that of his calling. 4s ts.gs
An hour later and we will discover the Sc
cret of this difference. The air., which has
hitherto been sultry and oppressive, begins to
move---the corn leaves, which were wilted,
rolled, and dry, begin to rustle-and roar Of
distant thunder breaks the stiffness. Low down
in the western horizon. dark clouds begin to
appear-they increase, and in dark masses roll
on, covering the sky. The wind, freshens-
the leaves turn up-the swallow flies rapidly,
darting here and there-the thunder wars more
eontiuuously Twill 7s raiH--it rains-much
needed, welcome rain is falling. The boys
anticipating but slight shower, retreat to a
grove near by, where sheltered by the leaiy
branches: they await its cessation. hai18as fl
allow beautifully remarked Jerry. as the
rain came pouring down, and falling on the
parcled earth raised clouds Of misty avapor.i
Beautiful 20 exclaimed his friend with an
accent not to be misunderstood. ..Fog goes
up skipping, rain will come down dripping"
" l.
go up to the corners, for 1 think it will rain
all the remainder of the day. - - I's
s"No ~ replies the other. az have been
reading at home, and would rather read than
pass my hours in such conversation as would
hear at the corners @'.'
Reading 2" replies his friend, with another
peculiar emphasis let your reading go until
some other time we will have fun up there,
with the boys who always assemble there on
rainy days. Jerry was firm, and Martin ceas
ed to urge Here is the secret revealed
Martin has lost ali relish for thought or obser-
vation and is only happy while in company
with Others of kindred habits. Reading he
! hates, and up he goes to the corners 10 6
Wholhas not Witnessed the change that now
| came over Martin Brown. 1t was not rapid
change great changes never are. 1t was a
/ gradual, radical change. First it blinded him
to the beauties of nature and religion. and then
! to the enjovments of home-until finally ne
saw beauty only in the achievements of the
clown, or in being the chief actor in har-room
| club, or some kindred amusement 9
| Great was the change in taste, worth, and
!. infuenr. Of our friends-i1 ter yesrs. Arrived