The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1868-01-09
FARMERS COLUMN.


How 10 Make TrUe Farmers.
There is an old story which runs
somewhat thus "A well to do farmer
and his wife were discussing the future
of their four sons. "What shall we
make out OF them :" anxiously inquired
the mother. WELL" replied the old
man, "as Jim is cute aud tricky, think
wcbad better make lawyer of him;
John is more steady, and seems TO be
cut out for preacher; Tom will make
doctor; bul as to Ben, he is the fool
Of the family, so think We will keep
himat home aud make farmer ofhim. "
This, it appears, was perfectly satislac-
tory to the old lady,
Ridiculous as this story is, there is a
great deal of truth in it. There are
thousands of farmers in the world who
entertain precisely the same opinions
as those expressed by the old man in
tho story. With them, farming is nei-
lher more nor less than coarse drudgery,
and yet, there is no human pursuit so
intimately connected with every de-
partment Of science. 1t is this erro-
neous and most pernicious impression
which has degraded agricultural pur-
sgits IN the>estmation of so many, and
~ daYEn thousands of intelligent and
promising young men from their homes
IN the country to the cities, and to ruin
When viii farmers rise Is the true dig
nifty of their calling7 A boy is ap-
prenticed for years, to enable him to
acquire sufficient skill to make a coat,
shoe, or a hat but farmers are sup.
posed To be ready made. You scarce
meet man, whatever his earlier edu-
cation may have been, who does not
foel himself perfectly competent to man
) age farm. 1t takes years of prepara-
tory study to fit young man for any
3af what are termed the learned profes-
sions@-alawyer, clergyman, or a ply
sician ~ anything in the shape of a
human beiigs who has sufficient phys
ical strength to enable him to hold a
plew. wielda scythe, or harness horse,
L considered enough for farmer.
Such are the men who are too frequently
selected to make "the principles and
discoveries Of some of the most pro-
found and complex of human sciences,
bear upon tie diversified and multi
tudinous practices of agriculture"
OF course this does not apply to all
farmers, There are, fortunately, among
the cultlyators Of the soil, very large
number Of most sensible and intelligent
men--men who would be an honor to
any profession. Our remarks apply to
the too generally prevalent opinion that
farming requires only broad shoulders
and strong arms.
Thanks to the teachings of agricul-
tural journals, agricultural and horticuI-
tural societies, and to the influence of
valuable agricultural books, this error
is being rapidly dissipated. The tilers
of the earth are beginning to estimate
% they should, the immensely import.
ant position which is held by agricul-
ture IN is relation to oil other human
parspits
Agricultural teaching is beginning to
assume its proper place in our institu.
tons Of leaNHg; farmers are awak-
eniN to ths fact that an intelligent
mihdI is fac better director of strong
arm than q mind upon which the light
Of education has not shed its benifiicent
rays They are beginning to realize
the importance Of famiIiarizing them
selves with the science Of agriculture, as
well as with the mere art,-with the
principles which underlie il, as fully as
with the practice, These are encourage
ing tf9ths Let the good work be
pressed vigorously on. Farmers, do
net grullge the outlay required to store
the minds Of your children with valua-
bic agricultural information. Send
thcm TO oschools where they will have
-the opportunities for acquiring this
knowledge Supply them plentifully
with the best agricultural and horticul-
tural journals, Make II a point to have
on the shelyeslof your library, as many
Of the standard authors on Agricultural
Chemistry, Manures, Horticulture, Flo.
rloulture, Cattle, Horses, Fowls, &c,
as your means will allow.
Do this, and though yen may be able
70 give your sons nothing more, you
will fit them for intelligent farmers and
uanfnl clfiyana - Ja,,,.u1J of III. EIorn,