Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1878-11-06

afford to hazard his reputation by any mis-
representations of his produce. or sell his
honesty of manhood. or the happiness of
his wife and family. mt any price. We
know that contentment is one Of the most
pleasant conditions of life; a discontinued
man shows it in his management. and it
brings reproach upon his trade. We
know that the amount of property possess
ed by people will always depend greatly
upon the skill and labor they apply in de-
veloping natural resources, and appropri-
ating the gratuities of nature.
| have enumerated these important
items of knowledge. that you may contin-
ually bear in mind that the farmer is not
ignorant of the conditions upon which his
success depends, and that his failures.
whenever they occur are the results of his
not applying the knowledge he has to his
business. Is it not fact that many farm
ers are dreaming OF fortunes to be had for
the seeking in some other direction, while
the bountiful gratuilies of nature are ut all
times offered at our feet in such inviting
manner that they attract the attention OF
every one who has definite thoughts?
There is no good reason why a you g man
of good health, and good habits, aided by
good companion, may not start upon ii
farm at the financial zero, and rise to the
degree of competency. Take for your
motto, PAY as you go:" if you cant pay,
do not go. The ability to fix the attention
is requisite of success. The mind must
be interested in the object. 1t is very
difficult to fix attention long upon anything
in which no interest is felt.
The young farmer should therefore first
consider the Importance of the Object TO b.
acquired SO as to nerve his mind to thu
work. Attention then serves to awaken
interest, and interest serves to fix atten
ton. There is reciprocity of action
Where there is little interest at first, til,
reliance is mainly on the determination
sustained by consideration of the impor
lance of the object. As the attention be
comes steadily directed to the object, TIN
interest in it increases until at length thi
alone may be sufficient to hold the mint
to it. There will be great satisfaction il
cooperating with the divine thought, il
the development of the productive re
sources of nature.
| Agriculture is fundamental occupl
ton; sphere wherein we can exereis
our most useful thoughts, and learn on
most valuable lessons. 1t is fact paten
to every enlightened mind, that in all age
of the world, and in every country, ngri
culture has been the index of its civiliza
zion, and the lead which it has attained
has marked the height of its domestic
social and civil Institutions. Upon this
then, rests personal responsibility to tn
| n,,I ,,I;nh hinor h1t INF I'm
rccklessness could induce US to forget.
intelligence, and the social virtues whic
proceed from it, ever had lodgment i
the character of any people on earth, it
in the agricnlturists of our com wealth
Every true Vermonter takes just prid
in the opinion of Bismarck, who perhap
is as great statesman rs lives. lie de
Irlares that Vermont is the most perfcC
democracy on the face of the globe. Nov
f an appeal was ever made to the bes
Qualities of human nature, it is in an ag
licultural community like ours, organize
upon free citizenship, the powers, obligl
tons and duties of which are open to al
Let us strive to hasten the time when tn
attractions of rural life, the economics {
rural business are accepted as one of tn
most desirable conditions of this life. 1t
us remember that happiness and reputt
ton wax and wane with the fertility an
growing crops of our farms. i he pot
has truthfully declared that happiness
Iour beings end and aim. 1t is true tn;
business prosperity contributes much
our happiness, but it is not the main source
The sun is the light and life of the cart
on which we live. Where it shines brigh
est there is perpetual spring. The regior
of cold ana barrcnness are those turne
away from its constant gaze. Love is Il
sun of social and domestic life, and tt
main source Of all happiness. Without
I'll precious growths perish; all geni;
virtues wilher, and existence is left ba
rem waste. But when it shines, and warm
and gladdcns and vtalizes, all graciol
blooms abound, all rich and pleasant fruI
ripen, and the common plains of life b
come the very garden of the Lord. 1t HI
been truthfuly said that every man
house is his castle; and it is rs true th
his farm is his kingdom. May the cup
happiness in every such sovereignty
filled to overlooking, from the never IA
nc fountain of love. In conclusion,
: would say. that the object of this exht
ion is not mere show. 1t is to make
better acquainted with each other, and Il
state of agriculture about us, by publ
display of our products, to excite genera
emulation by their comparison, and tn
,tlain knowledge that will lead to high
I degrees of excellence. Considering the
! results, | have one sentiment to offer
j., Long Hrc The Union Agricultural Society