Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-03-17
Why Farmers Boys Wish To Go West.

It is n lamentable fact that many of our
most energetic and talented young men
have gone or are intending TO 90 west rs
soon rs they arrive at manhood. And it
is equally to be regretted that they have
had sufficient cause for so doing. from
their own parents Yet they, no doubt,
acted conscieneiously, aud meant to be
indulgent in the home education Of their
children; but have been indiscreet in con-
filming their ambition within too narrow
compass.
How few parents consider their minor
children capable of making purchases or
trades of any kind involving an expense
of more than a few cents till they have
arrived at manhood. If any article of
wearing apparel is to be purchased. it is
seldom the bog is allowed 10 make the Sc.
lection. If team, which the boy is to
use, is to be bought, the father leaves his
son at home. goes alone, and buys such as
he is best suited with, giving his son no
chance to learn the merits of an animal or
teach him how to make Il trade.
In his literary pursuits the parent con-
fines him to certain science, and branches,
without any regard TO his child's capabili-
ties.
In his reading the parent dictates what,
when and where he must read, no matter
what are his tastes, or to what the bent Of
his mind inclines him.
In his social relations. perhaps lie has
formed acquaintances during school days
that he wishes to continue; but his eau
ticus parent steps in and bids him discon-
tinue it on account Of CASTE wealth or
social standing.
Now | would hot be understood by this,
that the young should be left altogether
to themselves in their selections. Bat
would LEI them, if they were inclined to be
farmers, be allowed to select books or pa
pers devoted to agriculture; If they have u
taste for machinery, read works on me-
chanics; for | believe youth, like veget-
able productions, manifests in embryo the
occupation they will best succeed in, while
they are young, and are seldom Gerry sue
cessful in any other. Neither would
recommend that they associate with the
low and vile, but would not debar them
the privilege of associaling with the intel.
| ligent and virtuous on account Of poverty
or family social positions.
Farmcrs's sons always take pride in an
improved condition of the farm; in neat
and commodious buildings and their sur
roundngs; in sleek and well fel stock in
new and improved farming tools; and
nothing more dscourages themthan to see
their nel9tJorS in this condition, and theirs
in dilapidated and ruinous state.
II we wish 10 keep our boys at home we
must give them encouragement to stag at
home. When young. give them Il patch
OF land to cultivate as they please, and
give them the product of the same TO dis
pose of; a lamb. calf CT colt they can call
their own, and when sold do not add insult
TO injury by pocketing the money.
Allow them to have and use mechanics
tools, and encourage their use, but do not
censure or laugh at them if their work
does not look as well as if done by an ex-
perienced workman. There are many
ways and means at the disposal of every
farmer, which will give their sons much
pleasure and profit at triAng expense to
the parent.
| have only spoken of the outdoor infu-
ences of the young; but the home circle.
and especially the mothers instructions
do more to mold and impress the mind OF
the young than the father. 1t is she who
first molds the character Of the child for
life; it is she who first teaches them in
the way they should 20; it is her hand
that guides them in the path of rectitude
and righteousness, and keeps them from
following after evil doors. II she teaches
her sons that it is better to s.arve than TO
steal; to die than to lie; that no one is
exempt from the obligation.to labor with