Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-09-19
Farm and Household.


After the hay has been secured and the
smaller grains harvested, there usually comes
lull in the business of the farm. The con-
slant pressure which has been steadily kept
upon the farmer, compelling him to make
long days and work extremely hard is re-
moved. Though there is still enough to do
there is neither necessity nor excuse for in
cessaut toll, while the labor required is of
the lighter kinds
This is as it should be. After hard strain
there ought TO be period Of relaxation.
Such change is needed, not only TO promote
the comfort but also as q means for preserv-
ing the health of the laborer. 1t is very true
that labor is n blessing. 1t is just as true
that over-work is absolutely ruinous. The
man who works hard without interruption
grows old before his time. severe and
constant strain will destroy the elasticity of
the finest bow, soon rendering it worthless
II an implement Of wood or steel is injured,
and even spoiled, in this manner, certainly
the sensitive human frame cannot escape dis
aster when subjected TO the same kind of
treatment There will be no remission of
the penalty. 1t may not be inflicted at once
but is sure to come. The man who over
works must suffer the consequences. Some
men will endure the strain longer than 9TH
ers, but to the most rugged transgressor the
end will come. Either physical or mental
evil, or both combined, will result from vi
olation Of the laws which govern the human
frame.
1t is sad to see n middle-aged man, dis
ablcd by diseases and infrmities, which were
caused by excessive, and much of it unneces-
sary, toll. 1t is still more deplorable to see
the mental powers destroyed in this manner.
If the government compelled people TO work
so hard, or the necessity to do so were inher-
ent in the nature of things, there would be a
terrible cutlery and strong protest against
the existing order, and the terrible sacrifices
which it involved. But as it is wholly volun-
tary, the sufferers have no right to make pub
lie complaints.
If properly managed, the labor of an in
dustrious farmer will enable him to support
his family in comfort, without involving the
extreme degree of toll which breaks down the
health and shortens the life. During some
seasons of the year he must work very hard.
Close attention to business is then impera-
lively required. But these periods will be
followed by opportunities for relaxation in
which all needed rest can be obtained.
Rest, after severe toll, is the right of the
labOrer The farmer can, and ought to,
avail himself of the relief which it affords.
TO do this is both privilege and duty Be
tween the times when the hurrying work OF
summer is finished and the coming on of the
tall work, tnere Will De an opportunity TO Sc
cure many brief intervals of quiet and rest
The whole family should participate in the
enjoyment thus afforded. The farmers wife
generally the hardest worked member of the
household, should have few days in which
TO drop all her work and care, go away from
home and visit her relatives and friends The
boys should have several holidays and should
not be worked hard when their help is re
quired in the fields. The girls should attent
to the homework while the mother is away
and then be given their liberty for while at
ter she returns. Sometime during the sea
son each and every member of the household
should be given an opportunity to rest.
Nothing is gained, but much may be lost
by crowding the working capacity to the ut
most possible limit. The man who is to hav,
"a sound mind in a sound body" must no
only be industrious, but must also be careful
at proper intervals, to secure a REASONABLE
portion of time in which to rest.-COr. Am
elicdR CultiUdtOr