Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1857-10-31
Stick to the Farm.

Are pale faces, white hands, and bad
health more genteel than robust frames,
good appetite, sound sleep and indie
pendent circumstances? We think not,
and for the same reason we Judge that
farming is not beneath any pursuit
whatever, in all that makes man yirtu-
GUS, useful and happy; and it is surely
to be regretted, that nearly all our
young men should prefer a mercantile
life CT profession to the tilling of the
ground at their own quiet homes. Not
only is it to be lamented on account of
the welfare Of the young men them
selves, but also in reference to the
prosperity Of the country, for it is
truth that cannot be contradicted, that
the best interests Of the inhabitants of
any country, are intimately connected
with the prosperous condition of its ag-
riculture. It is the cardinal pursuit Of
man, and all others must either prosper
or decline with it. 1t is that pursuit
that, of all others, will bessmost likely
Ito help us comfortably through the
world, and is most prolific in substan-
tial enjoyments, and real independence.
We would not wish to be understood as
speaking disparagingly of other call
ings, or to make invidious comparisons
between the various occupations in
which the people Of civilized countries
are engaged. All are useful and hon.
orable when fairly conducted. Rnt We
would e men fd 5he c6 5nnfae3, and Of anr
sional life, which now wars with giant
hand against the wealth and morals of
the nation. And this state of things
bears with great force upon the laboring
poor. For although they can. procure
nominally, good wages for work, yet
so extravagantly high arc all articles of
food induced by the limited number Of
the cultivators Of the soil, that it re-
quires their utmost cxertains to obtain
a comfortable livelihood. 1t is not Of
ten that the poor see harder times than
they have for some time past; and even
men Of moderate property, who in or
binary times are easy with the world,
have to scratch to get along, as the
saying is.
An undue proportion Of our people
are engaged in other pursuits besides
agriculture, and it is high time that
means be applied to remedy the great
evil. But long as fashion is on the
side of professions and mercantile life,
it will require Hercules to conquer our
enemy, but it must be conquered,
though we have to enlist Hercules, and
Briareus, also to fight for us. IA
And why should our yenng men be
SO eager to leave the farm and plunge
into other avocations? Is there one
chance in hundred that their fond an
ticipations Of obtaining wealth and fame
will be realized! How many profess
sional men obtain wealth and distinc-
ton: The chance is against them, and
experience has proved it so. Theirs is
a life Of anxiety and turmoil, though it
may be q useful and honorable one.
Therefore we would say to young men,
who have been educated in hush andry,
stick to your farm, and if your hands
are not as white as the minister's and
your bow not as graceful as the law
yer's, You have substantial prerogatives
that they know not Of; yes, cultivate
some acres, get some books and read
them, keep clear of debt if possible,
and if you are not happy in this selee-i
ton you will never be in any.-lProy
Trans.