Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1884-06-21
Kindness on the Farm Does Pay.

Prairie Farmer.
Have my brother farmers ever
noticed or realized the great benefit
to be derived from the daily practice
of kindness on the farm? If they
have not, it is full time they were
giving it their earnest attention.
Kindness it is so light, so easily
carried about, always at hand to be.
stow on man Or beast; and it is a real
pleasure to bestOw it. 1t leaves such
lasting impression for good; the re-
cipient always meets you with pleas
ant welcome, and is ever ready to re.
turn the favor with compound interest.
My own experience with this article
of barter is so pleasant, SO grand, that
Iwould not exchange it for mines of
gold.
In the morning when go out, the
first to greet me is my dog. He comes
for his "good-morning, Spot" and
few pats on the head, then he is my
companion on my stroll about the farm.
\The next to meet me are the chickens;
they hold regular jubilee, and we
form a procession and march to the
barn. At the gate I find the COWS
with their kindly "ba'a." They too
march with the crowd; and when the
crib is reached, a small nubbin and a
handful of corn pays them for their
greeting. A few kind words to Bios
som or Pink attract the attention of
Billy, who is eating his breakfast in
the stable; and his loud cheerful nicker
tells that he has heard my voice, and
there is no more eating until 60 up
to him and rub his nose and speak a
few words; then he seems content and
goes on with his breakfast. So it is
with all the stock, even to the timid
sheep and the stupid pig; all seem to
appreciate kindness. What do these
dumb brutes give in return? All they
have got. My dog isso watchful Of
my interests that he would sacrifice his
life in their defense. Ny horse seems
to know every word l speak to him.
When | dismount, however distant
from home, l leave him united, and nc
matter how long am out of sight, he
waits patiently for my return,
When / come home at evening |
meet the children at the gate, waiting
for me with eager expectation, and on
the porch l am greeted by the tidy
person of my wife. This reception dis.
pels all trouble and care, repaying q
thousand.fold my confidence and kind
ness. But the profits do not stop here.
am no sooner announced than willing
hands are ready to relieve me from
further care and labor. From the
youngest to the oldest, whether my
own family, or the help, each tries tt
excel the other in kind Offices, knowing
that their interest and zeal will be re
warded by kind and encouraging words
The benefits from kindness are moi
confined to ones own home. They ex'
tend to the everyday walks of life, tC
business and social relations. In my
daily intercourse with the numerou
tenants, composed of all classes, l fine
kindness and patience accomplish much
My presence is no sooner discovered
than all are anxions to serve me. MI
horse is watered and fed, and | an
feasted with the best the house affords
In exchange for this hospitality, l ente
into all their little personal affairs, Civ
ing timely word OF advice here, ant
warning there, and encouragement
where it is deserved. So say t.
every reader Of The Prairie Farmer
practice kindness on the farm. Let al
share in its pleasures, and many
gloomy hour will be dispelied, disagree
able tasks will become pleasant, anC
home will be as God intended it, tn
brightest spot on earth.
ALEX Ross.