Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-27
For the Waterman.
Why do the Young Men leave our
Farms!

Hl uU IUt lullE MtU ltuNt OuE
Farms!
The subject is one of great interest. 1t
has been written upon many times, but every
succeeding writer brings forth new IDEAS
There are many causes, so many in fact, that
one alone cannot enumerate all can tell Of
those only that have fallen under his personal
observation. Able pens have written, but to
no purpose still the depletion to our farmers
ranks goes on vast numbers are constantly
leaving the old homesteads to seek employ
ment in the cities and villages Of our land.
There are two classes who leave their homes,
those whose parents are poor and, having
large families to support, are unable to help
their children much towards starting in life.
Such must necessarily seek some other than
their native place to win a home and com.
potency for old age. And it is but right that
they should. In doing so they obey natural
law. 1t was ordained that such 60 forth and
in other climcs ioork for fortune and fame.
Such as these have by the preccpt inculcated
in their minds and hearts, while serving their
apprenticeship in the school of limited means
been able by their will and energy to make
the great west what you to-day behold it, the
abiding place Of millions of happy freemen.
The other class which iorsakes their homes are
those having " well to do" parents. Now to
the casual observer nothing seems more fool.
ISL than this, that an only son and child
should turn his back upon large and pro-
ductive farm that would in course of time
fall to him free Of encumbrance.
1t is a fact that such do choose other places
to spend their lives but do they prefer it
What then are the causes that induce them
to do SO ? Perhaps if the fathers would look
back TO their younger days some Of the mys.
terry would be revealed. Young blood is diff.
ferent from old. 1t may be the father began
life with little or nothing but strong handi,
but by using economy, now after the lapse oil
years he finds his Golfers filed to repletion.
Does he use part of his wealth in repairing
and adorning his house and grounds? Does
he remodel the old barn. Does be replace
the rough board fence around his buildings
with a neat white one Does he buy Of
the labor.savng machines his more go.ahead
neghbors have ? Generally, the preceding
questions can be answered in the negative !;
but through the iDcessant teasing of the boys
amid threats TO go West" and with moth
er's' diplomacy, he may be induced to make
few improvements but there is such mig
gardly spirit evinced all the while that the
boys will soon cease to ask such favors. He
even neglects to consult them about the plan
Of the barn-and what boy has not some wish
how he would have n barn-whch his old
tumble down shell compes him to build The
son secs his more favored mates ride in new
carriages, with nice horses and harnesses to
match, while he goes--if at all--ip what
looks like the original /" One Hoss Shay"
He is seldom seen in company He knows
his father is fully able to get these things,
and if he cannot do and be like the others,
bis pride will not let him associate with them
at all for the same reasons he cannot ask
them to his fathers house. What will be the
result OF this? Is there any inducement for
him to remain at home If he is a spirited
youth he will sooner or later kick in the
traces Though fair promises are offered be
will have no faith that they will be fulfilled,
for he judges from the past.
He remembers the proverb, that " An old
dog cannot alter his way of barking" 1t is
impossible to forget the heart burnings he
suffered; he probably looks to the time when
he shall become of age to free himself from
the shackes of an unjust servitude. He
then bids good bye to the old farm, and
turns his back upon the place for years Per-
haps he visits it sometimes, but it is with
feeling akin to bitterness-his heart il else.
where.
In the meantime the old man works on;
perhaps he thinks his sou will find the busy
outside world too hard an antagonist to deal
with, and will be glad to return to the old
mans protection. But as the months and
years roll on and he returns not, different
thoughts take possession Of his mind. He is
fast growing old soon he will be lain in his
last resting place. Little things, that he
once would not have noticed, are source of
great trouble to him now. He wishes his
child with him-he cannot see to his business /;
others do it for him, but he trusts them not
His property depreciates in value, but his hands
are tied with the letters Of old ago. It's now
that he looks back and thinks of what "might
have been," if he had done differently. Too
late his punishment is being metei out,
decd for deed. Dye who have sons Will
ye not do differently? Consider that they
have hearts and feelings; are sensitive to
right and wrong Treat them accordingly,
and instead of leaving the farm, they win -,.
main, and with the increasing knowlodgs oil
agriculture, will make the old homes
blossom like the rose, and be to you stay
and comfort in your declining years
A FAM
Calais, Dec. 1871.
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