The Soldiers' journal. (Rendezvous of Distribution, Va.) 1864-1865, 1864-03-30
Soldiers Gnrresppmdenee.
Things Pay, which Seemingly Do Not

lar are daily asking whether such things pay
meaning of course: will the operation put cash
into the pocket. Now to me it seems that very
many transactions actually "pay'' when the
do not at once bring in the dollars and CENTS
Many hours of labor, study and toll, which are
attended by no visible pecuniary benefit what
ever often afford useful knowledge and infor
nation, and even real pleasure and satisfaction
to him who bestows it, which has no money
value. tf348
But those discoveries made, and information
gained, by the toll of the student often times
the means of making and saving much money
The entomologist who spent years of labor and
study which finally lead to the discovery and
general adoption of efficient means for checking
the ravages of the wheat-fy, the army worm
and other insects which infest the land and crops
rendered an inestimable service to agricultural
lists, which not only enhanced the good fortune
of the individual farmer but bestowed blessing
upon the whole country, and a tribute to science,
contributing greatly to improve the condition Of
any people engaged in agriculture and horticul
ture, those pursuits which form basis to
prosperity, and are the safeguards of our liberty
and independence. While at the same time the
important truth caused him, it's discoverer, very
great satisfaction and feeling of being very well
paid in making the discovery useful and accep.
table to those whose honorable employment it is
to till the soil. To him the object of life is not
entirely to see how much silver and gold can be
realized and wealth accumulated at the expense
of others, regardless of all things, save those
which tend to his own personal advancement
and fortune brighter prospects are in the future:
the promotion of science, the diffusion of know
ledge riches better than " fine gold to him
and it's appreciation by the world, his good for.
tune.
Yet his good fortune is seldom very much
tended as the great truths promulgated and dis.
coveries made by the entomologist, rarely
duly appreciated and strange to say that this
class of men, the benefactors of mankind, are,
by the worshippers of the golden eagle, designa-
ted as those who go about treading down crops
and digging up the soil, hunting for grubs and
worms, engaged in business that does not pay
But the happy naturalist thinks not so. To
him it pays and pays much. No tedious
can't hour makes him wish for-he knows not
what ;-never does restless impotence at hav-
ing nothing to do, compel him to seek momen-
tary stimulus to his dormant powers in the tu-
multuous pleasures of the Intoxicating cup--or
the agitating suspense of the game Of chance
Whether he be at home or abroad, in every diff
| ferent cline and in every season of the year,
universal nature is before him and invites him
to banquet, richly replenished with whatever
can invigorate bis understanding, or crafty his
| mental taste. ,..,. f.:t,. 49,. .tf
| The earth on which he treads the air in which
he moves, the sea, along the margin of which h
walks, all TEEN with objects that keep his atten-
ton perpetually awake, and excite him to health
full activity and charm him with ever varying
succession of the beautiful, the wonderful, the
useful, and the new. And if, in conformity with