Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1860-02-16
ReCreations and Amusements for Farm
ers and their Families.

No people need more better recreation than
the farming community, and no community
should be more careful to have their amuse-
ments directed in the proper channel. Re-
creations and amuSementS lay the foundation
of the character, in too many instances.
Amusements often occupy the mind for a con-
| siderable time Afterwards If our amuse.
ments are of q character that may, under ex-
treme circumstances, run into unlawful and IN.
holy channels, the mind will also occupy the
same ground, and lead US into corrupt and
disSipatcd habits. If our amusements are Of
that character which would be likely 10 cul-
tivate our physical and mental powers they
would not lead us into Incidence, carelessness,
or dissipation. However, recreations and
amusements are creatures of circumstances.
What would be a recreation at one time, would
be tax at another, and what would be amuse.
ment at one time would be annoyance at al
ether. Much depends on the state of the
mind and feelings. Still, certain amusements
may become habituai by careful training
Parents aud farmers in particular, should
select amusements which will lead the mind
into the channel of their pursuits in lf9; ; par
ticipating freely themselves, and manifesting
great pleasure in SO doing. Amusements that
wonId call the mind from home, or estrange
it from its occupation, should not be intro
duced. Agriculturists should adopt such
amusements as would teach lessons of economy,
frugaIity, industry, ambition, fOrtitnde manli-
ness, truthfuInesS, humanity, love, ETC.; and
never indulge or countenance an amusement
which begets weakness or imbecility of mind
Let every recreation contribute to elevate the
mind, rather than reduce it below its every
day standard. Recreatons aud amuSements
are useful, if wisely employed. If not, they
become traps and sRares to the youthful mind.
As agriculture is the highest and most
laudable calling to which man can aspire, it
is safe to direct the youthful mind into that
channel. This has no banefu influence on
any other pursuit, and of all men, farmers
have the means and opportunities to offer
amnsemeHts and recreations to their families,
OF the most enuobling character. Farmers
sons can be indnlged in yokng and breaking
steer calves, and at the same time cultivate a
taste for good oxen. They can have piece
Of ground TO cultivate, and make a recrea.
ton Of the labor it requires They may be
induIged with q sled, cart, etc, and be taught
order and system with them. Their daugh-
ters may be indulged with dolls, dishes, etc,
TO teach them order and system They should
be indulged in having their knitting, sewing.
washing, ironing. mending, cooking, etc, and
be under the superintendent Of the mother
or elder sister, who should instruct and en-
courage them. Farmers families should OBJ
serve all the holidays and be particular in
making them interesting, by entering into the
merits Of them with energy and feeling. A
suitable daughter should be mistress of the
fa0cf orH tho faooilv traotnA
son should wait on the table with all the DO.
litenesS he is master of, and the conversation
Of all should be that Of q visiting party. On
another day, some others of the family to be
actors. Each member of the family should
have their trees, flowers and green house plants
to cultivate. Some inducement should be
held out in each department of work, SO that
those who perform it may feel interested.
This takes from labor its sharp, servile edge.
4 farmer can easily infuse deep interestint
his family in all branches of his business He
can make himself useful and happy in partici-
pating in all their amusements Singing
should be practlced at set times by the family.
Girls and boys should mingle in skating. ball
play ing te-fving, etc Make all the leisure
time interesting in the family, and few will
want to SO from home for recess.
Farmers should make themselves particu.
larly interesting to their families, so that their
presence would be agreeable, under all cir
cumstances Dispense with all austere, harsh
and arbitrary language and habits. Teach
the family to speak kindly 10 each other, act
genteely, and to be courteous to each other in
all their intercourse and amusements Teach
them, in kindness, the improperly of foolish
pride, the silley appearance Of gaudy trap
pings and extravagant decorations. Teach
them to be above all indolent, base, demoral-
ling, and silly fashions and you will shun
many extravagant, foolish, and perncious
amusements. Make all the work and duties
go off with a zest ; keeping up good appear
ances preserving cheerful and tranquil state
of mind, and sympathise freely with each
member, be their conditions what they may.
Keep up this condition Of affairs at home, and
recreations and amusements will be little
called for, and less sought after. You will
have no dssipated or absconded sons, no
abandoned daughters, or heart-broken wives.
THE DIAMOND MINES OF BRAz-E~-A Rio do