The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1878-02-23
THE FARMERS LIFE AND 0C-
CUpATI0N.

and as tending in no small degree to
degradation. Hence a reluctance has
manifested itself among the sons of
| farmers to tread in the footsteps of
their sires, and in preference to the
plough and the harrow they have
chosen to use the sword and the pen.
The consequence is that both business
and the professions are crowded, and
that, in too many eases at least, young
men are admitted to practise rs doc
tors and lawyers, and are taken into
partnership in mercantile establish
i ments, without the requisite ability or
training, and without any certain
prospect of ultimate success. This is
becoming very serious matter both
for the parties concerned and for the
country at large, and it is, perhaps,
high time that an attempt were made
to arrest the progress of an evil which
must result in very great injury.
The views adopted by these indi
viduals are obviously very partial and
fallacious. In many instances there
is too palpable a desire to live or to
''get along as the phrase is, without
the drudgery of work. They have
been fascinated by the glamour which
has surrounded the lives of some they
have known or read Of who have lived
in idleness and luxury, and under a
strong delusion they have aspired to
the same independence and ease.
This is grand mistake. There is
no degradation in honest toll. 1t is
the law of nature and the purpose of
God that man should work. The no
blest faculties of both body and mind
are only legitimately exercised and de
veloped when in constant use. There
is neither happiness nor success with
out labor; and those who attain the
highest standard of excellence, no
matter what the sphere in which they
move, are those who work the hardest,
and with one steady, persevering aim.
1t is delusion and a snare, therefore,
for any young men to renounce an ag-
ricultural life for either business or
the professions. with the expectation
that they will avoid life of drudgery,
and attain a state of independent free
dom and luxurious ease.
Nor is there any greater force in
the idea that farming is wanting in
responsibility. This indeed, is one of
the shallowest of all reasons. The re-
spectability Of an occupation or thing
must be determined by its associations
and aims; and judged on this ground
there is no exercise in life more respec-
table than farming. Any occupation,
indeed, is respectable by which peo-
pie can earn an honest livelihood, eX
emplify virtue, and do good. In
pre-eminent degree this may be done
in agricultural pursuits. There is
absolutely no life in which greater
freedom may be enjoyed, in which
ampler opportunities are presented for
the cultivation ofthe mental faculties
and the manifestation Of the social
and Christian virtues, and which has
been more beautifully adorned by the
presence and influence of some Of the
purest natures and noblest characters
in history. In this sphere may be
found such historic and world-renown
ed names as Cincinnatus, George
Washington, and Prince Albert
whilst to-day in both Scotland anC
England some of the most prominent
members Of the aristocracy, and of tn,
2 world of letters and of fashion, evinc,
a special delight i'll the operations o
the farm and the garden. It's respec
table to engage in commerce.; it is re
: spectacle to practise law or medicine
it is respectable to pursue in literary
e and scholastic work. With equa
reason it may be pronounced respect
: able to cultivate the land, and to dis
S pose ofthe precious fruits ofthe earth
and the man who renounces farm ins
e under the plea of want of respecta
bility has little appreciation Of the ma
e ture of the calling, and is not very
f likely to add to the responsibility o
any other sphere in which he ma,
: choose to move.
In other respects there are advan-
n tages in farming, if rightly pursued
| which amply compensate for any sup
: posed inconvenience, and which form
: a strong recommendation in its ia
!, vor. Is there no advantage in being
S able to breathe the pure air of the coun
7 try, apart from the noxious influence
: which infect the atmosphere of town.
<.;4:aaC Te fhnro no oJ.,o1+o<,1 :,