Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1858-01-14
Che Carnler.
Young Men, and the Farm.

Young Men, and the Farm.
Mn, EDITOR Being a reader of the Far
mer, 1 find very much valuable and interest
ing matter, which is of vast Importance to
each ann every individual, that's so fortunate
as to peruse its well-provided columes. II is
my special purpose at the present time;
through your permission, to lay before the
readers of your paper q subject which | con-
slider as being invaluable, and one every way
well worthy. of the notice and of the serious
consideration of all who may observe and re-
feet upon its utility. l address my article
:" To Young Men," and it is hoped that it
may meet the patient eye of many who are
about to choose an occupation fer life; espec-
tally is it recommended to the serious atten-
ton of those who are thinking to choose an
occupation for the honor that it contains. 1t
is further hoped, also, that its Importance may
come under the observation of those employ
ed in different stations, farmers and mechan-
les. More especially is the attention of the
young " farmer required, and to weigh the
substance of its Importance.
First, l would speak of the ''tiller of the
soil" as being one who has chosen an occupa-
ton worthy Of the worthiest, and one which
has all Of the honor that they or 'Gny one
need ever have. 1t is not my intention to
speak ill of any honorable vocation for to say
what one mast or must mt do; it is my pur-
pose simply to speak in defence, or advocate
the practical utility of one great and honora-
BILE occupation of life, namely, the aMocation
of the farmer.
The great by-word nowadays, lisa "pro-
fession," which rings in the young mans ear,
and paints ION his plastic imagination many
brilliant, but false pictures, Of distinguished
honor. He strives to be the possessor of an
which he vainly imagines will be
sure to bring him honor any askere but on
the good, old mountain farm; he gets a thor
ough education in Greek, Latin and French,
mot so much matter about the English Ian
grago,) and then he is ready for a protos-
sion )" he builds air castles, that he is some
distinguished statesman, physician or divine;
in fact, he @crer was made to be good far
mer, butitor something else, say a lily-fnger-
ed profession. am not condemning any ones
natural capabilities, Or saying but what they
can choose for themselves, but do say, that
many, gerry many leave the fann for occupa-
tons less honorable, and for which they are
not SC well adapted. For to fulfil the far
mer's duty is no inferior business after all,
but one which ought to gain the honest and
candid attention of many who are I" too good
TO work"
In the second place, 1,observe another fact,
which prevails among young men in relation
to their education. Many are of the opinion
that SO lens as they ansst be farmers, educa-
ton is of little value, and that what money
was spent for educational purposes was virtu-
ally lost Now this absurd notion should be
eradicated as soon as possible. Farmers are
entitled to as good an education as the pro-
fessional man, and can use it to as good adj
vantage. Young men are wonderfully tempt
ed to renter themselves famous, to gain hon
or and notoriety, by some other means than
by laboring in the beautiful garden of God,
to plant and to SOW, to reap and to gather in
to the garner, that harvest which is the life
Of the world, and the great sustenancc desi gn-
ed by the &C Creative Intelligence"
Now my advice to young men is, not to
leave the :" old man" as you call him, but
remain en your old farm, and cultivate the
productive vineyard which God gave you for
Inheritance; remain among the old hills and
mountains, by the side Of the deep-shaded
forests, through which runst the habbling brook,
where you have played by the hour with some
loved school-mate, add whore you have often
roamed in childish sport.
I say remain on the old firm, and do your
duty there, and when your head shall be sill
vered with old age you will neuer regret that
you have essened the tide of human suffer-
ing, by contributing to their aid portion of
your well-earned, though hard-earned effects.
A great part Of the distinguished men of our
country have been farmers, and after an ac-
tive business life, they at last, when age be-
gan to wasn them of their approaching disso-
luton with life, sought the tarm there to end
their days in peace.
Remain on the FARM, and let that profess
sion go; educate yourselves that you may be
fit for the farm. ] say remain on the farm
and you will observe truthful conviction,
that it is there where home will swell every
soul with tender emotion, that it is there
where home can be rendered doubly attract
tive, where in carly years you will enjoy
more health and happiness by breathing the
pure mountaia air, where you can drink from
the exhaustess fountain, as itslowly bubbles
forth from the green hillside; aid in declin-
ing years, where you will spend your earthly
pilgrimage with peace and happiness.
Waterford, VI. j. Y. Powers