The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1875-12-06
THE FARM AND HOUSEHOLD.
Farmer-Mechanics.


Farmer-Mechanics.
1t is probably safe to say that more than
halt the native born mechanics in this state,
or in any New England state, are directly
interested in agricultural matters. A large
majority beyond doubt were the sons of far
mers, and worked with their fathers on their
farms until they were of age, or until they
left their homes to serve as apprentices. Very
likely in early life the drudgery of the farm
was distasteful to them, and on that account
they engaged in other pursuits; but with the
lapse of years the old rural scenes return to
them with delightful freshness and they begin
to appreciate more and more the pleasures Of
the old farm life. Many such persons, espec-
tally those who are now dwelers in the city !;
cherish the anticipation of one day retiring
from active mechanical labor or pursuits, and
going back to their native town and purchas-
ing the home place or some one near by, and
their spending the evening of life in the cul-
tivation OF the soil.
Another class are mechanics by birth, by
descent the descendants of long mechani
cal line of ancestors, who perhaps have been
bred to some special handicraft or manufac-
turing industry; and have transmitted their
skill and their cherished secrets to their sons.
Many of this class cluster around some great
hive of mechanical industry, and send out an
occasional swarm as the bees do their success
sive colonies. And yet it is often true, that
this class chained as it were for life in attic,
or basement, in mill or shop, have the most
ardent longing for land; as intense as the
ISLANDERS yearning for his own blue sea-.
Whenever their circumstances or surround
ings will permit, they are sure 10 lift up the
soil with spade or plow; and it is one of their
-pleasantest recreations and an actual release
from labor, to be allowed to dig in the earth.
Some of the finest gardens in town and city,
are owned and cultivated by these men; and
many new and valuable varieties in the de-
partments of horticulture and Horticulture,
bear record to their skill and taste
There are others still whom we know, with
out reference to their Nrly history, to have
acquired fondness for agricultural pursuits
by being employed in the manufacture of far
mer's tools and implements; and thus thrown
into their society, visiting them at their
homes, mingling with them at the annual
Fairs, they have imperceptibly formed a rel
ish for life on the farm, and very likely
found themselves located there, hardly know
ing how it was brought about. To the inge-
nuity and invention of these men who are
quick to see the farmers need, and to dscov-
er way to supply it, farmers are more in
debted for labor saving contrivances that
have lifted them up out of the mire of fur
row and ditch, than to any skill or wisdom of
their own.
Probably little reflection ON our part
would suggest other individuals or classes
who are more or less closely allied with farm
ers as a class, or with the general interests of
agriculture. We are content however TO re-
fer to few merely as representatives of a
still larger constituency.
Now, looking upon this large body as to
The manor born, and therefore entitled 10 the
rights of brotherhood with all tillers of the
soil-heirs to the same inheritance.of honor
and responsibility affirm that there
ought to be more intimacy of association be-
tween these brethren of the same family. It
certainly would tend to the promotion of
good fellowship, and we doubt not to mutual
improvement, If in the large and small towns
these members of two distinct vocations
should not only harmonize as citizens and
neighbors, but also meet upon common
agricultural platform, and be mutually help
full in all kindred associations.
We invite, therefore, these brethren of the
same faith with US, although bearing another
name, to become members of our clubs and
associations to carry themselves and their
contributions 10 the farmers fairs-to SUBJ
scribe for the journals that contain agricul-
tural information, and to give to the world
through their columns the valuable expert
ences which they have accumulated in their
double field of labor. While we can with
the utmost cordality welcome our friends
and co-laborers to a share with ourselves in
all opportunities for usefulness, with no less
heartiness should we rejoice to see them re-
ceiving some posts of honor which we
have not heretofore divided with them. Let
some body of associated mechanics signify a
desire to be represented on the Board of Agri-
culture, and would it not be granted-ought
it not to benefit farmers, as we'll as 10
honor mechanics? So, also, it is our opinion
that the State College of Agriculture and the
Mechanic Arts should find places in its
board of trustees or corps of instructors.
for representative members of some me-
chanics' associations-partly for the sake of
Informing those farmers who complain that
all its graduates are not farmers, that the
college was established for mechanics as well
as for themselves-but mainly that the col
lege may take hold of this influential body
of workers and their sons, and receive a
strong hold from them in return.