Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1884-04-17
Union Township Farmers Club.

The April meeting of The Practical
Farmers Club of Union township, was
held at the coy residence of John Shep-
herd, ST, at 1 o'clock, Saturday, April 5.
Shortly after convening, all assembled
in the spacious parlOr. and were called to
order by the President. After minutes
of previous meeting and general business
were disposed of, Miss Mary Lib. Hoge,
an honorary member, read most excel
lent essay, on the topic of Farmers boys
and girs" Thought the great danger
am ing the farmers, is in giving their
children too little education. That it is
very desirable, while children are small,
to have them at school out of the way,
but when large enough to assist in the
work, the temptation to keep them at
home is very great. Thought education
in the common branches, in our common
schools. most essential. as it usually best
fitted them for the actual duties of life.
An educated person Can fill any position,
be it ever so humble, better than an igno-
rant one, and cited instances to corrobo
rate the statement To be a good reader
and cOnveTsationaliSt is not only a salts
faction, but an accomplishment, often
giving many advantages to the happy
possessor of the arts. Being good read
er, it is said, secured for the Princess of
Wales, her husband as hearing her read
was what first won the heart of the
Prince. Where there is talent for mu-
sic, it should be encouraged and not sup
pressed, for it is gentle, refining and ele
waiting in its power. 1t is according to
Nature, else the birds would not gladden.
us with their merry song. Doubted the
propriety of sending young girls away to
school to accomplish them, and thus give
a sort of superficial education, to the ne
glect of the solid accomplishments
least, parents should be sure those super
fetal requirements, overbalance the send
ing off of young, inexperienced girls from
home influence. Thought one term in
Miss Carson's Cooking School" would
bestow an accomplishment that would
afford more solid satisfaction in after life,
than a smatteTing of Greek, Latin or
French; for Sam Johnston says: "A man
is, in general, better pleased when he has
a good dinner upon his table, than when
his wife speaks Greek.
"The kind of tongue that husbands relish
more.
Is modern boiled and served upon plate;''
And adds
"Young lady, take your husband as he is,
A very man, not one of natures cIods,
With human feelings whether saint or sinner.
Endowed perhaps with genius from the gods
But apt to take his temper from his dinner"
Many other good thoughts weredeveloped
but space forbidS their mention.
A select piece, on the training of Farm
ers' daughters was then very acceptably
read by Mrs. Joseph Thompson, and well
received by the Club.
The subject of Potatoes was then dis
cussed by Messrs. Nichols, Pollock, Hoge
Atkinson, Thompson, Sidebottom, Wat
son and Bond, of which brevity necessi
tates only general statement. The
Early Ohio and Beauty of Hebron, were
thought the best varieties. The Early
Rose have degenerated Should be plant
use. Plant at different times-brings best
results. Ground should be thoroughly
manured, burrows feet apart, and hills
15 to Is inches apart. Not a profitable
crop for this section of the coun
try. Atkinson has raised 40 bushels Oh
one-seventh of an acre for II successive
years. Hoge thought it good idea to
put dirt on them in the cellar.
When to SOW oats, also briefly discuss
ed Then adjourned to meet the firt
Saturday in May, at Calvin Pollock's, a
l o'clock After this, all were invited t.
the dining room, where the elegant re
past, prepared by the hostess and her
thoughtful daughters. awaited them. Al
join in saying they know just how to
prepare for such occasions. About sun
down members dispersed for their homes
feeling that it was Il good place to meet,
and that the afternoon had been pleas
antly and profitably spent.