Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-06-24
NO 148.
Gales ano Skettbes.
TIE FARMER BoY's EXPERIENCE.

The home OF Mr.. Benson Brown was
about three miles ont from the small city
of c., on n farm. Let me describe the
place the land was smooth and undulat.
ing, free from rocks. The buildings were
neat and tasteful. white cottage with
green blinds. surrounded with flowers and
beautiful trees. Perhaps YOU would like
Just peep inside. should your wish be
gratitied you would see pretty parlor,
cazy sitting room with its bay-window
filled with pretty plants; large airy cham
bers would invite yon 10 remain awhile
to rest. and so everything In the house
would impress upon You that this was
place in which to find comfort.
|, was in the midst of having time, this
particular day of which write. Benson
Brown was leaning uponahis rake bearing
rs best he could the merciless rays Of the
sun. To morrow will be my twenty.first
birthday, thought he to himself shall
be man. but what do | know or what
can do? | have only a common school
education; can do nothing but farming
and that not very scientifically. What shall
| do. what ought to doe Have the abil-
ity in any way 10 elevate myself. not my
occupatiun. my occupation is well enough.
have thought farm life degrading. To
be sure our skin can not be so fair, or the
hands so soft, but many have been led to
rum by similar triiling considerations.
teel positive no occupation keeps our
minds. purer, consequently happier than
farming.
As Benson was thinking thus intently he
heard carriage wheels and the clear stem
OF horses hoofs upon the smooth hard
road. lie looked up, the carriage held
two pretty. laughing girls from the city,
One, the eldest daughter of lawyer Ed
wards; the other. the daughter of mer-
chant, Mr.. Mathews. Benson was stand
ing near cornfield
20. see that scarccrow," said Lucy.
don't he look artistic ?"
Yes" said Alice Mathews. "if were
crow would not venture within hun
dred feet OF that corniield, know
Il don't understand why any one should
choose to be drudging farmer" said
Lucy.
''Such persons mind cannot possess
very elevated tastes" remarked Alice.
lie does not in very great degree resem-
Bile your brother Arthur, does he P"
II hope not, +" replied Alice.
The brother Arthur was clerk in dry
goods establishment in Boston.
'liush. said Lucy II think Mr.. Brown
is looking this way. He may have over
heard our conversation. the wind is blow
ing in just the direction to convey the
sound to his ears"
II trust not. replied Alice.
Lets drive more rapdlyr urged
Lucy. and so they rode swiftly on. think
ing no more of their thoughtlcss CONVEX
satiOn.
But driving on was in vain. Benson
Brown had overheard nearly all of their
heartless words. These words sank decp.
ly into his generous heart, causing him 10
soliloquize thus, Il believe | am nothing
but thoughtless. frightful wretch. What
will it avail me to attempt 10 secure
an education? 1t makes little difference
whether farmer knows anything or not.
People OF couture" most odious word.
class them together as herd of know
nothings.
was thinking of Lucy Edwards this
morning, of her beauty and attraction.
See what she thinks of me- Those to-
wards whom we are entertaining the most
generous impulses, may at the same mo-
ment be regarding us with feelings of
disgust. think will teach her, though.
that man may be a farmer, have an edu-
cation and be honored by people of cui-
tire at the same time. notwithstanding a
bronzed face and rough hands, II need
be-"
With this determined resolution, BEN
son presently set himself about rakinp
again. So he worked patiently through
the weary weeks of haying. spending
what little spare time he had perusing in
struction books. Work kept his body in a
vigorous condition. while reading fur
nished food for his active brain.
Benson's father was not able to per-
form large amount Of labor. owing 10
poor health. consequently, Benson felt
that it deyolved upon himself TO 90 all cad
with the work. and now he wished to 20
away. what should he do? He held n
long consultation with his father and
mother. which resulted In his deciding to
| remain at home until after harvesting,
which he did patiently. Then having
| made everything comfortable for his pa.
rents during the winter months, he left
home to attend school in the distant town
of d. The school was thriving semi
nary, attended by large number Of stu
dents from his own and surrounding
States.
Benson. the wealthy possessor of
strong constitution. good habits, and Wig
orous intellect, made rapid progress in
his studies. He was free from all false.
fastidious tastes for his qualification, so
had more time than his schoolfellows to
devote to the improvement of his mind.
/, lie was economical, for he did not abound
/ in wealth. which was a blessing TO him,
AS well AS it has proved TO many q young
man. His mind was quick and clear. SO
what took his fellow-students long time
to comprehend, was clear to Benson. He
remained IN schoo. till the spring months.
then in company with his books, and the
favor and well wishes of the many friends
he had won among teachers and scholars.
he set out for his home again.
His mother was in the door as he en-
tered the yard. She was looking for her
son.
.'How do you do, my good mother, -
said Benson. kissing her somewhat with
cred face in tender way
Nicely. my son; seems 10 me you look
pale.s'
/ ~