Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-12-06
MisfellaueoMs.
The Education Of Boys.

The Fanciers' Journal, although devot-
ed chiefly to the occupants of the poultry
yard and animal pets, is not unmindful OF
the wants of higher order of life than
that Of chickens, dogs or rabbits. The
following article upon boys and their ed
ucation is worthy the consideration of all
who may be engaged in moulding fhe fl-
ture character of the coming man 49,
Did you ever reflect that the worlds at
tainment in science, art and literature,
the grand historic achievements Of the age
we live in are in the hands and manage.
ment of the boys, "who, with shining
faces, crept unwillingly to SCHOOL, few
years since Do you forget that to the
hands of our boys now must soon be trans
ferred this responsibility, to guide through
the near future the welfare of our nation,
to insure the advancement Of science and
art with the steady progress Of truth and
justice? These are no light burdens, nor
can we easily satisfy or evade the duty OF
preparing them to care for the vast issues
that await them, and to this end we SUBJ
NIT a few suggestions for the benefit OF
the coming man."
In our land, where schools are every
where, the boy who has not acquired the
rudimentary elements of education, at
least. will not easily escape being himself
responsible therefor. and we take for
granted that his schooling is properly
cared for. In fact, parents too often de-
lude themselves into the belief that in
obliging regular attendance at school.
providing textbooks and paying liberal
tuition bills. they have fully discharged
the responsibility resting upon them, be-
ieving school learning, the alpha and
omega of education. This is wide of the
truth however, for the information ac-
quired at school is but the weapon placed
in his hands, the skilful use of which he
has yet to learn: nor is an education fin-
ished when school tasks are ended and
books thrown aside.
The home training of bows Is. in our
opinion, OF more Importance than almost
any other part of the education however
acquired. as it precedes school, and, il
wisely ordered. not only qualities for the
certain success OF the scholar there, but
twined with the memory of youthful days
and home, sinks deepest and most perma-
nently lessons of truth and manhood. be-
coming, thereafter, the inspiration of the
noblest and best deeds of life. Felt rather
than seen, this influence should surround
the boys leisure hours, seeing that even
the relaxation of play and amusement
contributes to some good purpose, either
mental or physical, preventing bad asso-
Citations or the formation OF evil habits.
From the very cradle upward this inf1u-
ence must watch the unveiling Of the tai
ent. know it's strength and weakness, be
ready to encourage the good and smother
the evil, and, with all the strength of
home, forward him in every laudable am
bition, sharing success and comforting
failures Ever fertile with expedients,
see that the idle hours are tempted with
rational and profitable employment. some-
thing that shall call out the tact, which,
while it possesses sufficient attraction to
interest and amuse, shall also appeal by
its possible profit to the love of gain. thus
acquiring an experience valuable in after
life, making Surer its success.
Born with almost every child is love
Of nature, animate or inanimate. and while
its qualification is easily within the reach
of all, in a pigeon house, poultry yard, or
a flower garden, a bee house, bird cage,
or rabbtry, in its details may be practiced
the principles of business, demanding
prudence, fore ethought and decision. Leave
to- the school room its province Of incul-
eating theory, and avail yourself of these
employments so practical and useful to
develop the qualities demanded in the
| front rank of the real battle of life. The
future geologist, botanist, or natural histc.
rian, may gather his impetus from begin
ings small as these, and your sons name
on a title page attest your early devotion
to his best interest. and your right to share
in his triumphs.