Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1874-10-09
Gaoies Department.
For tho vEnnoNr FARMER.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING"

could not help saying this as read the
last article on "Duhes" Not that l regard
the subject Of little consequence-on the
contrary, regard it one Of much import
ance--but it was the "halfday's exercise in
Gods pure air and sunshine" that called
forth the exclamation. 1t is a little anus
ing that so lengthy an argument in favor of
outdoor work should be founded on so short
an experience. Was the benefit derived
from the exercise indeed so great that tho
writer contempates work Of reform Ad-
mitting this, why not continue to reap the
benefits of such charming employment, and
at the same time teach your unbeleviug sis
ters, by noble example, the truth of your
argument7
Why "swelter over the hot stove in dog
days when there is plenty of air and sun
shine outside, and poor, tired men picking
up potatoes who would be5o glad of your
assistance?
Precept will never accomplish what you
hope the good time coming will bring,
and such examples as are now given us only
discourage the most credulous. Their ktch-
ems betray them when language and appear.
ance fail to do so.
What confirmed invalid would exchange
places with negro or Indian woman for
the sake Of strength, or what sensible lady
would pick up potatoes for the sake Of the
exercise !
can dig the potatoes for dinner as we'll
as anyone, when there is no cne about better
able to do it, but never did it for the fun
of the thing, and any woman endowed with
ordinary common sense and disposition to
do so, can get all the exercise in Goods pure
air" that she needs without picking up or
digging potatoes.
As for "the good time ever coming" when
men do housework and women SOW and reap,
it nerer w,H until we become a degenerate
race, l am sorry that any Vermont women
should pine for such society, and would be
glad if they could emigrate to some land
where their wishes might be realized.
Touching the matter of "husbaud hunt
ing" would add one word. If woman
for any reason fails to secure husband, she
is considered an unfortunate being, and is the
subject of much sympathy, many jokes, and
in various other ways a source Of enjoyment
for the community in which she resides.
Deemng marriage, then, of so much i'm
portance, leave it for the public to decide
which is the better way, to cultivate the ac-
quaintancc of congenial minds, and make
your own selection; or to content yourself
picking up potatoes and apples until some
one offers to pick go" up, and then accept
gracefully and gratefully whoever happens
to come your way. Either alternative is
distasteiul enough, but "of two evils choose
the least"
1t is my intention to take little exer-
else in the "pure air aud sunshine" or [
would spend more time on this momcntous
question. Perhaps, Mr.. Editor, you would
be glad to have us all indulge in less war
and more exercise.
A FARMERS DAUGHTER.
TTho above article is all good, but es-
pecially the last sentence; though we hope
a good share of the exercise may be with
the pen. Ladies, let us hear from you on
all practical questions Of interest to you.
Avoid personal war, but wage war upon
real wrong wherever it exists. A corps of
lady contributors is invaluable to a newspa-
per engaged in trying to make society bet
ter, purer, more noble and Christike.-ED.
| FARMER