The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1878-02-07
House, Farm and Garden.
Country Lie In winner.

Country Lie In winner.
Though the farmers lite during the
busy summer season is one of severe man
ual labor, there may and should be in
winter a time for corresponding re,axa-
ton and mental improvement. Books,
newspapers and social festivities may
make the formers winters seasons to be
looked forward to with pleasures instead
OF being so irksome that all are glad when
active labor is resumed. That the last is
the true picture in too many places is
fact as painful as it is evident.
Farmers are too isolated But with
good horses and sleighs or carriages there
is no necessity for isolation. It is often
easier for the farmer or his sons to hitch
up and drive two or three miles with
good sleighing and jingling bells to
lecture, sociable or concert than it is for
city residents to walk quarter Of that
distance. Unless the isolation is in the
farmers thoughts there is nothing in his
position which need prevent him and his
family from associating with bis fellow
men and women. Farmers sons find no
insuperablc difficulties to prevent them
from seeking society unless they are un-
fortunately old before their time. And
society is just as important for farmers
and their wives as for their children.
The Grange has done an excellent work
in bringing together the people Of rural
ncighbcrhoods. The social features of
the order are without doubt those of
greatest Importance. 1t has doubtless
added dignity to the farmers calling; but
it has done this chiefly by arousing his
social nature, stimulating his intellect
and thus making the farmer more descrv-
ing Of public appreciation. It's idle to
say that the people ought to seek from
the farm their representatives in high
official station. When farmers prepare
themselves for public duties, the fact is
not likely to be long overlooked. They
can only do this by performing all the
duties of their present posi@ions--n not on
ly on the farm but in society, in the church
and in the political assembly. Thus they
will be men among men and if they are
qualified for public station the fact will
not long be overlooked. That high Of
fees are so poorly filled is chiefly because
so few really fit men present themselves.
1t does nat disprove this that able men
keep to the background; that is just what
such men should not do.
Winter is the time to consider these
facts and act thereon. If there is really
good Grange in your neighbovhood, lose
no time in joining. If not, plan at once
some suitable means of improving your
selves and families, morally, intellectual
~ and socially. Farmers clubs are ex-
cellcnt, but they, alone, are insufficient.
They discuss mainly questions which in
evitably occupy farmers thoughts. Be-
sides, it is rare that the ladies will turn
out in large numbers to hear discussions.
Debating societies and reading circles are
more needed. The habit Of public speak
ing should be acquired by every young
man, and many farmers in middle life
will find talking in debating societies
much easier after little practice than
they had expected. The reading circle
should if possible, be i'll connection with
a reading room, where the best magazine:
and periodicals not generally taken in the
neighborhood may be seen.
1t is necessary for every family to sub
scribe for all the periodicals which its mem
bers may wish to read. Taking a few Of
the purest and best for the family circle
a good supply additionally may be had
by interchanges among neiehbors, or by
joint subscriptions of several ncighbors tt
the higher priced monthlies and reviews
For magazine which comes once month
four families at least can have the read
ing before next months issue is due. IL
very many cases, one or two copies of such
a magazine will supply TIE people Of 6
neighborhood or q town. This is not a
suggestion to induce people to take few,
er periodicals; but to introduce some oil
the best literature of the day where il
would otherwise rarely be seen. Once
introduced, the habit and love of reading
will grow, and very soon largely increase
the subscri ption list of all worthy period.
icals.