The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1870-01-15
For The Cecil Wing.
What Makes the Boys Leave the Farm.

1t is fact, far beyond dispute, among
farming communities, that the boys almost
always grow up with distaste for farm
pursuits. No sooner are they of age than
they go to the city as clerks or anything in
fact to get rid of the monotony of farm
life.
Why is this ? the question is as easily
answered as asked. Farming has hereto
fore been considered business that any
ignoramus could engage in successfully,
and consequently it was not thought
necessary to tighten or brighten the
labors of the farm by the rays of science
or the CLEANS of intelligence from the
world of thought or action from without
Work appeared to be the only thing
needed from daylight to bedtime, and the
physical nature has neither strength or
sympathy to give the mental, which of
course grows dwarfed and distorted in the
unnatural atmosphere. Struggle against
it as they might, with bits Of candle or
lighted "pine knots" in the chimney cor
ner, wearied and overworked nature proves
more than match for fancy, philosophy
and metaphysics; and where one boy has
come forth perfect man, morally, mentally
and physically, nine hundred and ninety
nine have proved unlucky and unhappy
failures; although they may have had
eqally as much genius.
Boys on the farm as well as in college,
have future before them, and should be
educated with reference to the position in
that future which their talents entities
them to fill. Parents do not act on this
principle, but think all that is necessary,
is to drive them like horses or oxen, and
that the more work they get out of them
the better; but let me say here that those
who pursue this plan will find their farm
improvements paid for at dear rate, nor
need they be surprised to find themselves
left to plod alone, in the evening of their
lives.
Another noticeable way by which wrong
has been done toward the boys, is through
the habits of many parents and sisters OF
treating them rs interiors. tits common
thing in farmers families to allow the girls
some time am! opportunities for the acquire
ment of those little accomplishments which
give young folks ease and confidence in
society and themselves; and it seems to be
the thought t!.at the boys require no accom-
plishments, for big rough fellows with sun
burnt hands and faces and heavy rusty
boots-madc SO by honest toll, who, that
comes to visit the family, and sit in the
parlor, wants to see them these boys with
their coarse, dusty clothes and rough hands,
no, indeed; rarlors with their soft carpets,
lounges and lice chairs were net made for
them. But if company comes the girls can
slip OH clean dress, and help their parents
entertain them, while the boys, the same
BOYS by whose united and untirins exertions
the money was procured which paid for
these and many other luxuries, are left in
the kitchen to talk to the hired men, or to
60 to the village store, and there meet with
associates that will in time tend to pervert
their minds and perhrps tempt them to err.
It is these and many little things that
tend to embitter their stay at the old home
stead. Then can we wonder that they
stay no longer than they can possibly help
it? But let me in conclusion give you a
cue by which these boys may be kept with
you, in your old age to be a joy and com,
fort. 1t is this: Take care of the boys
and the men will take care of themselves,
IA maxim slightly altered from Benjamin
Franklin's 'take care of the cents and the
dollars will take care of themselves" Gel
them to love you and to think home the
happiest spot on earth, and take my wore
they will stick to you and it.
| AGRICoLA.
January LIST 1870.