The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1884-05-17
DISCONTINUED BOYS IN THE
COUNTRY.

Joe Thomas lived on farm in the
country, and, although many boys
would have thought themselves fortu-
nate in having such a home, he was
about as discontinued fellow as could
be found.
Some of the city boys, who had visited
him during the summer vacation. told
him that he was "green," that he
would be very foolish to remain on
farm all his life, and that if he had any
spirit about him he would 90 to the
city, where he would have an opportu-
nifty of seeing life as it should be seen.
Joe's father wanted him to remain at
home, learn to be farmer, and settle
down on the homestead as he himself
had done. But Joe would not heed the
advice. He was thoroughly discon-
tented, as many another country boy
has been, and his one purpose in life
was to get into some city where he
could wipe out the stain of "greenness,
which he fancied every one could see.
He finally succeeded in doing as he
wanted to; friend of his fathers pro-
cured for him situation in store
where he could earn triile more than
sufficient to pay for his board, and he
left the broad acres, whereon he had
toied with heavy heart because of his
longing to get to the city, without a
single regret at parting from the dear
ones at home. The farmhouse, nest
ling among the trees at the foot of the
hill, looked dingy and shabby as he
drove away from it to "See life as it
should be seem" and in the ripening
grain and fruit he saw nothing but re-
minders of ignoble toll. According to
Joe's belief, life in the country was
hardly less than form of slavery, while
it was only in the city that happiness
could be found.
Now, boys, and more especially you
country boys, who arr beginning to
think Just as Joe Thomas thought, |
want to tell you how he was disappoint-
ed in his bright dreams, and ii you are
wise you will profit by his experience.
He found a boarding place, where
| the small, stutly room, which was quite
us good as any his fellow clerks had,
| offered poor contrast to his coy little
chamber AZ home, fragrant with
lavender scented linen, and as tidy as
the apartment in the city was disor-
derby.
Instead of looking out over fields OF
| waving grain, tasselled corn or nodding
buckwheat to the lofty hills beyond,
| when he was in his room he could see
only brick wall hardly fifty feet away.
Instead of the fragrance of the flowers
he had the odor of garbage from the
unswept streets, and instead of being
lulled to sleep by the chirping of the
crickets and the plaintive cries of the
katydids, he was kept awake by the
rafting of carts and rumble OF the
street-cars. AT the table, the difference
between the food prepared by the serv
ants in the boarding-house and tina
cooked by his mother was so disap
pointing that it seemed to him he coulC
never enjoy meal again until he coulC
get one at home.
But all this was necessary training
he would rid himself OF what the boy!
called "greenness.
Joe had been told that a boy on ;
farm is obliged to work harder thar
one in store in the city. he could SEE
little or no difference, save that in thu
former case &c iabored in the open air
where everything was bright and health
full arounC.. while in the city he wa
shut out from the sunlight, and de
prived nj the health-giving breezes