Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1875-01-22
WESTMINSTER FARrERS CLUE.

In mind aud recall the surroundings and
advantages of the farmer OF Today and
compare them with those of twenty-five
yeats ago, anl confirmed in my opinion
that there has been great improvement.
go into communities where ! am less ac-
quainted ard find that the attractivenoss OF
farmers homes depends much upon In
dustrial enterprise, and l should dislike
very much to believe that there Is less Of
that enterprise accompanying the occupa-
ton than formerly. With the improved
machinery now available the farmer finds
more time for improvement. The conven-
fences OF housekeeping have been greatly
improved. Great improvement has been
made in the construction of the farm house
and farm barn. A full supply of water has
reached many homes where before II was
brought only by physical force. The work
Of housekee pinS is less laLorious and con-
scquently not so much dreaded. Arrange
monts for The business of dairying have
been greatly improved aud farmers lind
more time for recreation and for improve
ment than formerly. They have become
richer, and being richer have become more
liberal, have contributed more generously
TO the pleasures Of home, and 1t appears TO
me have made them more attractive and
desirable.
Geo. NJ. ChaSe.-Tu me farmers homes
were always pleasant aud attractive, and
my observation leads me to believe that
moro men are seeking the N than formerly.
I attribute the cause To lie fact that they
furnish mole liberal nelus Of enjoyment
and more opportunities for recreation.
Work generates happiness, happiness opens
The heart 10 benevolcnce and benevo.euce
ia an unmiatakablc expression ~ higher
appreciation of life and its surroundings.
The home that furnishes Inc most avail.
able means or enjoyment il always
the most desirable. The experience
of the past Twenty-Five years las not been
without its beneficial effects. II has shown
tho farmer how TO avail himself OF the i'm
proved implements OF tug farm and the
farmhouse, in short, how 10 make home
all that the highest conceptions Of mon
have made them.
i. L. Seepcr.-lt may sppear 10 some
that farmers homes have improved within
the last quarter Of century, that luxury
and ease are mare commun among farmers,
that amueemenis are mora numerous and
education more liberal. Vet are farms as
much sought afler as they were twenty
Eve years ago: III rs many young men
invest in farms ~ formerly? Is there an
equal proportion Of talent, compared With
other occupations? Are young men bring
Ing "a much enterprise and ambition TO tho
work as formerlyf Toe fact that 800 farms
have been abandoned In Windham county,
that farmers sons are going from us, that
the benefit of The money expended in ed
ucating them is being taken 10 other occu-
pations, that most II our young people are
being educated Ia sImeihinS higher than
farm labor, answers the questions.
u. Q. Wright.-I think there never was
| a time when farmers homes were more AT
tractiyc than at the present time. believe
young men are quite As willing 10 remain
on The farm as they were twenty tive years
| age. oar homes are quite rs attractive
and the occupants quite as worthy rs in
times past.
Mr.. Barnarl.--I think we as a genera
tion are returning TO good sense. 1 OBJ
serve kliut NluSC VINO bdNt COils UdCk lEOul
the city to The farm are much interested in
their farms, and are to-day furnishing liv-
ing examples OF the dignity Of farm labor.
Mr. Sleeper. always has been a
coming back 10 the farm. Discomfort
lurkcd in the hearts Of men years ago and
that diJcontent has been gaining ground
fearfully on the part Of the farmer for the
paef fan Ia iii al In
in that direction until something new is
presented.
Mr.. Chase.--I fall IL see why farmers
homo with all The Improved means OF en-
joyment is not ~ attractive rs in days Of
| old. I believe the tide is turning toward
the farm. It's moral influence calls men
10 it, aud the business OF managing the
farm is becoming moro attractive.
Ii. b. Hudson.-I have no experiueuIAl
| knowledge Of farmers homes twenty-five
years ago, yet from all accounts there was
less discontent among farmers then than at
the present time. I do no, think young
men are driven froIa The city TO the farm
| becsuSe The foImer is less attractive. II a
| man has the privilege Of working sixteen
| hours per day on the farm he never finds
that their homes afford him any more at
traction than others requiring less labor 10
meet the demand.
J. u. Morse.--In complying with the In
Sitation extended shall not be deemed
egotisiic in attempting TO add few words
to this discussion. 1 do not wish to be un-
derstoOd from what l may here say that
personally have become less attracted TO
my home. believe we have as good locsl-
lty for farming and as good society with
which 10 be connected as eau he found ia
almost any town ia New England. be-
lieve that, AZ a class, we are as worthy cih-
zens as can bo found in other occupations
but II our work progressivef Does tho oc-
cupali n Of tho farm hold out as strong in
ducements 10 the average young man ~ II
did to those in The generation before US I
Does II call tho euterprlsing young man
and the entorprising young woman n the
work that willing hands should dor Il
this calling maintaing its relative position
from year to year with other occupations o
MANKIND? Is thore an equal desire Of As
commendable Rproportlon Of both sexes o
The coming generation to fna and to make
pleasant aud attractive farmers homes
When say think not you reply that
an looking upon the dark side ofthe picture
aad therefore becoming dissatisfied; bot
am not. Ibelleve there are to-day as Pleas
ant and attractive farmers homes as eve
blessed this or any other community; In
they are chosen once aud In a chosen land
Where yor find one such outside the vii
lage there were three such twenty-hv,
years ago, and in many portions ~ New
England that number could be doubled