The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1873-06-18
ACRlC lRAG
why the Boys LEAVE the Farm.


Why the Boys Leave the Farm.
1t is fact worthy Of mention that
a majority of farmers sons instead
of following the occupation Of their
fathers, adopt some other calling. =
Not that it is universally so, but es-
pecially in the east it is noticeable
that the farmers sons who follow in
the footsteps of their fathers are a
minority. The question naturally
arises why is this? Why do we have
cause to notice this with farmers
more than others? While it is very
true that it is necessary. in order to
I'LL up the ranks in the other walks
Of life, that many must come from
among farmers sons, yet it is not
necessary that q majority should
And while it is also true that there
may be many among the other call
ings who are better adapted for far
mers. and should take the place of
those leaving that profession, land
probably, in a measure, do,) yet it is
noticeable, especially in the Arts,
that generation after generation fol-
low in the footsteps Of their ances-
tors. Now, why is it that the farmer.
with one Of the best occupations.
and possessing advantages over al
most every other calling. cannot say
as much? Il would seem that there
must be fault somewhere. either in
the farm or the farmers, and as we
can discover no reason why the farm,
with all its advantages, should not
attract the farmers son, if he right
ly understands these benefits, we
conclude thai the fault lies with the
farmers-Which to our mind is the
only true conclusion at which we can
arrive. It IS then some fault in the
farmers education of his son.
Although the farmer desires and
strives to make his son Of the same
mind as himself he oyerloolls or neg
Jects one important part Of his edu-
cation, and though he has been new
CT SO watchfnl, the farm often be-
comes dtstatefuI to the son. From
the time tie child approaches youth, /
he. gradually becomes accustomed to /
ochores' and light work on the farm. /
or, as Is too often the case, is driven
into it. and made to feel it q burden /
instead Of 2 joy and a pleasure. As /
z natural corseau the child thus
driven. often rebels. and Is too often .
managed in way which is no credit
10 the farmer. rs lie grows Older
more work is thrust upon him; he is
commanded and oacys, feeling him
self little more than slave, and Of
course takes little interest III the
work, and thinks the farm and farm
work i drudgery in general. Thus
he approaches manhood. lie feels
little better than 4 servant,
and is often treated as one. His
tastes and wishes are consulted in
He knows little Of the
fathers plans in regard to the farm.
and consequently takes no interest
IN them. He sees little Of the world
outside of his own town. The pleas
ATTEST thought connected with the
farm is toll from morning till night.
He looks about him and discovers
that it is different with the merchant
and the mechanic, and those with
whom he has come in contact in 9th
er callings, and the farm becomes
distasteful to him. He has never
been shown the advantages Of the
rarm-on the other hand, has seen
but it's disadvantages. He becomes
dissatisfied and disconnected, and
leaves the farm forever.
This is but an ordinary picture or
,he case. though it is a dark one. vet
* - - - 49, - '7., ..' " e - .,.I' 49,,
farm. The father first fails to instil !
INTO the mind of the child that he is