The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1875-02-23
~'tIIobltburg Rrgisttr.
SELF CULTURE.

The opportunities afforded by the
long winter evenings to the working
classes, and especially farmers, may, or
MA not be appreciated. Some young
persons think of the round Of pleasures
that are possible to them, and really
imagine that they appreciate the OPP
p~ortunities afforded by this leisure.
And 10 they do, as seen from their low
standpoint. But there is a higher val
NC to these privileges. The opportunl-
ties afforded for self-culture, to those
who have not the privileges of the
schools, are the really valuable consid-
CITATIONS. The young man who deliber
q ely and earnestly chooses with Solo
mon. to seek wisdom rather than rich
es and honor and fashionable apparel
and pleasurable emotions, has an OPP
portunity to secure this acme of his de-
sire In the winter evenings, and often
only then. Many a young man has, by
regular and m%ethodical study, during |
these evening hours of leisure made
himself n scholar, even a man of
science has fitted himself for some pro-
f~ession, or secured n culture which has
compelled a recognition of his intellec-
tual power, even among the liberal ed
ucated.
Some of the advantages of q course of
study might here he discussed but its
benefits are patent on the face of the
subject, and only q few will be briefly
mentioned. The occupation of leisure
hours in study will at least keep one
out of mischief, prevent mental dissipa-
ton, cultivate a taste for something
higher and better than cards and dice
and senseless, if not wicked gossip. The
old truth was never moro applicable
than now, that
''The devil finds some mischief still
For idle hands to do"
And while shielding yourself from the
evil effects of idleness and want of USE
full occupation, you will also be laying
up a stock of useful knowledge which
will give n higher pleasure than the
most exquisite of sensual enjoyments,
and at the same time be q lever to lift
yourself UP in the world. 1t matters
comparatively little what the particu-
lar course of study embraces, as all
knowledge is useful. But care should
be taken that the mind is not dissipat-
ed by a too wide range. and superficial
ity of requirement. The limit of the
field need be only that you have con-
quered all you have passed over.
If science is chosen, select some spe-
ciiic branch of it for the first efforts,
and be sure that you allow no obstacle
to prevent n complete mastery of your
subject. You will find difficulties in
you must suffer no encouragement to
tempt you from your aim. You can
conquer, and if you do, be it in one year
or ten, or twenty, even, and you are
well repaid. Natural history, geology,
botany, chemistry, have especial claims
upon the farmer and he can pursue his
Investigations through the summer,
and make practical application of theo-
retical knowledge obtained from the
books In winter. Much satisfaction
can be obtained from n course of histor-
zeal reading and the difficulties of ac-
complishment are few indeed outside of
the mental disinclination, which can
be overcome in a week or two. Mathe-
mates can be pursued even to the high
er branches, and to most minds becomes
n source of pleasure, as well as profit.
Mineralogy and the collection and an
alyzation of specimens, affords much
amusement, md might well answer
the purpose of novel reading and play,
as q source of mental rest. The study
of law. or theology just for the purposes
of mental discipline, without even a
thought of making professional use of
the Knowledge gained, might be enter
ed upon, with great profit, by all who
have a leisure hour occasionally. So
one might very profitably and certain
ly with much enjoyment, procure some
wa" IA Stuby tlo OIIlS,
and perhaps draw them, or take mp
some department of art studies, as
painting, or drawings or sculpture. The
opportunities of choice are so great that
every shade of taste and adoption may
be accommodated.
And these remarks are no less appli-
cable to the ladies than to the gentle
men, only that their leisure is not con-
fined to the winter season. The en-
ployment of every spare moment upon
some line of ~self-culture, even to the
busiest seasons, would accomplish more
than we imagine. We should all be
surprised at the extent of accomplish
ment in the moments now running to
..rnrtn