River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-07
House, Farm and Garden.
Connsry Llfe tn vyinter


Enough the farmers life during the
busy summer season is one of severe man
uai labor, there may and should be in
winter time for corresponding re.axa-
ton and mental Improvement Books,
newspapers and social festivities may
make the farmers winters seasons to be
looked forward to with pleasures instead
Of oeisg so irksome that all are glad when
active labor is resumed. That the last is
the true picture in too many places is a
Tact as painful as it is evident.
Farmers are too isolated But with
go I'd horses and sleighs or carriages there
is 40 necessity for isolation. 1t is often
easter for the farmer or his sons 10 hitch
up and drive two or three miles with
good sleighing and jingling bells TO a
lecture, sociable OF concert than il is for
city residents to walk quarter Of that
distance. Unless the isolation il iu the
farmer s thoughts there is nothing in his
position which need prevent him and his
family IRON associating with his fellow
men and women. Farmers sons find no
insuperable difficulties 10 prevent them
from seeking society unless they are I'M
fortunately old before their time. And
society Is just az important FIR farmers
aad their wives as for their children.
The Grange has done an excellent work
in bringing together the people OF rural
ncighborhoods. 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 deserv-
ing of public approba ion. 1t is 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--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 disproye 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 a really
good Grange in your neighborhood, lose
no time in joining. If not, plan at once
some suitable means of improving your
selves and families, morally, intellectual
ly and socially. Farmers clubs are ex-
cellert, 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 a little practice than
they had expected. The reading circle
should if possible, be in connection with
reading room, whore the best magazines
and pei dica not G morally 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 10 read. Taking 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 neighbors to
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. In
very many cases, one or two copies. of such
4 magazine will supply tie people of a
neiohborhood or town. This is not a
suggestion TO induce people 10 take few
er periodicals; but to introduce some OF
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
he subscription list of all worthy period
icals.