Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1875-10-15
The Social Element in Business.

There is no profession or occupation
among men which is not elevated and hon.
Ored by the mingling of sympsthies aud the
union of effort. a. .e
Clergymeu have their county, state and
national associations which meet for con-
sultation and discussion, from time to time !;
physicians form medical societies, and meet
frequently to discuss the causes and cure of
diseases. Lawyers hold their conventions in
the interest Of their political schemes.
Teachers feel the need Of union and
mutual counsel for the benefits they de-
rive from united effort editors, for the
same purpose, have their public meetings and
excursions; and farmers have their town,
county and state fairs, and their agricul.
tural clubs aud oranges. There is fitness
and Importance to all these arrangements
which tend to create mutual sympathy and
united effort. ........... .......
The social advantages derived from this
intercourse among farmers cannot be esti-
mated. In the first place, it tends to i'm
prove and elevate them as men. The agri.
cultural club, the fair and the grange are
educators, and hence they impart intelligence,
and secure culture which would be lost
without these agencies. But whatever ele.
Yates the man who cultivates the soil, ele.
Yates his profession. The members of these
associations have the benefit not only of their
own reading and experience, but that of all
others engaged in the same employment.
Each man may learn all that every other
member knows, and can apply that knowl-
edge to his own practical business life. 10
all such associations we find some highly
cultivated and scientific men; and it is ip-
valuable for those who have enjoyed less
advantages, TO come in contact with these
leading minds, to know them personally,
aud to learn their methods and improve.
ments in tiling the soil.
Again, the grange associations tend to
create rivalry. Every member becomes am
bilious to raise the best crops, and to produce
the best animals. Hence he studies the
nature of his soil, the kind and quantity of
manure to be used, the times aud methods
of planting, and nursing and harvesting.
He strives to improve his stock that no may
compete with his neighbor at the county, or
state fair, and take the prize. Now such
competition is wholesome, improving and
profitable. .....
Still another important result of the
grange influence is to secure more thorough
business habits. BY these social advantages
the farmer is made to feel the Importance of
personal attention to his own farm, that he
may gain experience aud keep pace with the
progress Of the age. He becomes more in
dustrious, and more earnest and enthusiastic
in his work. ........ ...
The successful farmer must attend TO his
own business, must have intelligence to guide
him and energy to carry out his plans, and
execute his work. ....
And finally, social intercourse among far
mers tends to create harmony OF feeling and
purpose. This result is very desirable on
every account. Nothing works more harm
to our agricultural interests than jealousy
and consequent strife among farmers.
Let these social influences among our
agriculturists be enjoyed, therefore let
their associations and gatherings be encour.
aged, and let every influence and effort be
brought to bear, to improve and elevate the
men in every community whose avocation is
so noble and SO useful.