Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-03-19
NO. g..
Mstellanfous.
FARM LABOR.

As the season approaches for the en-
gagement of men for the farm, few sea-
sonabe hints to the employer, as we'll as
those employed, may be of benefit to both.
The question naturally arises with the
farmer as to where he can get the best and
cheapest man, and too frequently he
chooses the latter. He should always
keep in view that the best is always the
cheapest, and also that he should pay his
men what they are worth. Treat them
with respect and they will generally treat
you the same. The farmer in engaging
men should not only look at what they can
accomplish, but at their character, and il
possible, that OF their parents also. There
are several classes of men from which to
select. He should make it point. it pos
sble. to hire the son of "A farmer who is
not pecuniarily able to help his sons; one
who has pluck and ambition enough to
leave his home and try to better his con-
dition. both intellectually and financially.
This is the kind of men that gives the
best satisfaction, and afterward become
influential farmers themselves.
Another class are foreigners who have
lett their native land for better prospects.
They very generally prove to be trust
worthy and competent men. There is yet
another class that work for the wages
they profess to earn, not for the benefit of
their employer. The least work they can
mechanically perform the higher is their
estimation of themselves. This class
very rarely hold the same position
two seasons in succession, and too
frequently only a few months. These
men (as they call themselves) are
frequently very costly and Improbable,
and at the end OF the season the farmer
finds himself little better off than he was
at the beginning. The employee that
takes an interest in everything. and works
with vim, trying to do his best both in
regard to quantity and quality of work,
and is not afraid of doing too much, is the
one that the farmer most needs. The man
that will rest on his plow at the opposite
side of the field, waiting for the sun to go
down, so that he will not have to go an
other round, or will leave gate or pair of
bars open, when he knows they ought to
be shut. is not one of the right stamp and
his employer ought to make note of such :.
When farmer has good hand, and the
same becomes dissatisfied, he should not
offer him any nducemont whatever, as it
will tend to appease him for only short
time. let him go. He will do you no
good. Ii on the other hand he is a good
man-one you cannot do well without
who is more than earning his wages. and
who is trustworthy, competent, and indus
trious, encourage him.
A few words to those employed who
may chance to read these few lines. First,
remember all your time is your employ
ers, aud you are indebted to him for the
just iufillment of it, as much as he is in
debted to you for your wages. Second,
when at work strive to do it in as short a
time as possible, always being sure that no
one can do it any better. Third, make
yourself as agreeable and be of as even
temperament as the best, always willing
and obedient. and lastly, but not leastly,
keep your character from reproach, en-
deavorng to cultivate yourself for niger
positions than those you now occupy
COHntrU Gentleman.