Columbia democrat and star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1867, 1866-10-10
AGRICULTURAL.
FARMERS BIZ SOCIAL.


We have on several occasions, in this de-
partment of the Gernadntosc7s Telegraph,
urged upon our farmers the cultivation of a
more social disposition-a duty and pleas
which has always been more or less neglect
ed by them. Naturally the farmer Is an un-
selfish man. His labors are mostly out OF
doors. His calling takes him much abroad,
and enables him to mingle considerably with
the world. Yet looking at this and the very
large proportion ofthe population embraced
IN his pursuit, and the important influence
exercised by it over all our public affairs, it
Is a subject of common remark, even by ag-
r;culturaTsts themselves, that their social
intercourse should be SO much restricted.
There is no other cause for this seclusive-
ness on the part of farmers that we can see,
than the threading in the footsteps of ther
predecessors. Be this as it may, there are
other causes operating which appear to be
changing this for the better. County fairs,
bringing agriculturists together erfrom districts
sufficiently near to each other to make ac-
ouaintanceship pleasantand lasting, and put
ting them in friendly emulation in matters
and things involving their agrestic skill and
success, are clearly working to form more
close companionships between those whose
domestic comforts and family enjoyments
must be greatly promoted in the future.
Another cause operating to this end are
thesnumerous charitable societies of wcmen,
which sprung up all over the loyal country
at the breaking out Of the rebellion, for the
purpose of aiding the Nations sick and
wounded soldiers. Among the most eff
cient of these societies were to be found in
the agricultural districts and one of their
regulations we believe was, that their meet
ing we're not strictly confined to the ladies,
but gentlemen often joined them, whose
presence, if it did not add much to the
amount of work performed, had something
to do in making the time pass pleasantly,
and was almost indispensable in the matter
of waiting upon the ladies to their homes.
Little clubs among the farmers ofa neigh
borhood, to meet once a week, or discuss or
talk over the einnumerable subjects connect
ed with the intelligent prosecution of their
noble profession, produce decidedly frater
nizing and socializing effect. While these
local associations should not be too formal
and restricted, they should have an official
organization as better calculated to cause
punctuality at the meetings, as wellas to add
to their pcrmanency On these occasions
the wives and daughters of families should
always accompany their husbands. fathers or
brothers-not to participate of course in the
proceedings that may take place, but to in
crease the agreeabiliiy Of the meetings, and
to share in the pleasure of these delightful
interchanginss of good neighborhood In
deed, if the truth must be spoken-and we
are ready to do it upon all occasions, espe-
cially upon such an one as this-there is very
little social enjoyment in the world which is
not refined and made doubly enjoyable by the
presence ofwoman.
While we therefore urge upon our agri-
culturists, as arule, more social congeniality,
whether for the improvement of the soil or
mind, or the happy relaxtion of friendly in
tercourse, we are gratifed to find that cir
cumstances are tending to accomplish what
we have SO long wished to see inaugurated.
-GernoRtotrn 7elegTuph.