The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1857-04-25
Tbe ,fclitiana 1emotrat.
THE FARMERS PRIVATE LIBRARY

IF there is any man who needs good pri-
vatc library, it is the farmer. For in the first
place, M has a profession to master which re-
quirea as much study as any other, not excepting
divinity or law. This will appear evident, when
we consider that knowledge Of the physical
science generally is essential to the best under.
standing Of agriculture, and then he must have
immense practical knowledge of his art Of the
markets, of the law of the exchanges, of men
and of things. in order to the greatest success.
Besides there is no reason why the farmer may
not enjoy literature and science, books and lee
lures for their own sake, as well as the men of
other callings. And there is the consideration,
that he who tills the soil has considerable les-
urc in the course Of year to enjoy good H.
brary, especially in the winter, by his own fire
side.
In the next place, to use q pulpit phrase,
"Knomi,dge Is Power,"to the farmer, rs well MS
to other men. 1t is power to increase his income
from farming, power to guide his family and
'his affairs with discretion" power to give him
an influence in his ncighborhood and town
power to make his influence felt abroad through
lectures speeches. editorials, and books: for Il
farmer may devote his leisure to lccturing
editing, authorship, aid even to serve his con
stituents of n winter in the State or national
capitol, If lie has the necessary requirements
Thirdly. Il farmer needs good private library
or as good as his means will allow him to Sc.
cure, fer me mhc If his fdm2y. rs well rs for
his own sake For he generally lives some
what remote from the circulating library OF
the village, even if there is such library: and
the same is trnc of the winter courac Unpopular
lectures Thus he and his, being more confined
at home during long winter evenings, need
more the moral and mental enjoyment and
stimulus of Il library And this library, to
and his family, old and young, should cmbr ca
not only the leading works on agriculture but
books on history politics and religion. as well as
biographies, travels, poetry, and miscellaneous
literature, adapted to give the young II taste
for reading, and the old solacc amid their
declining years Many who read these lines
remember with pain how much time they lost
under the roof Of n farmer IN childhood and
youth for the lack Of such library as we have
described They dozed away long and precious
winter evenings for the want Of books, books.
They wasted hours, weeks, months, or even
years, at country taycrns and shops, or else in
bed, because they had not acquired the love
OF reading or else had not the books to read
Fonrthy, a farmers private library is one OF
the best Of home ntiractions The Importance Of
making his dwelling attractive to his wife and
children, rs well AS to himself cannot be over
estimated If it is not rendered place OF
happiness, the tavern, the shop or some place
of more doubtful influence may be sought for
willing away precious time. The well filled
library at home arrests the attention of every
family. There are illustrated books for the
children, books of adventure for the daring, and
Of solid reading for the lover of strong, mental
food Thus pure and elevated tastes are formed
that one will carry through life, hurtIn places
are avoided, temptations are resisted, the ne.
ccssitv for constantly running to hear lectures
no longer exits, for one can read better lectures
at home, aud save exposure to night air and
badly ventilated rooms
MASSACHUSETTS, Ploaghman.