The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1889-04-24
Written expressly for the MANNING TINES
DAVE TUCKER.
Good Advice to Farmers and to Farmers
Boys-Don't Run AWay-His
Own Vivid EXOericnca.

Good Advice to Farmers and to Farmers
Boys-Don't Run Away-His
Own Vivid Experience.
The following letter was received
in my last nights mail. The writer
failed or neglected to give his post
Office address, and that on the enve-
| lope was so indistinct l could not as
certain where it came from. I am
therefore forced to reply to him in
the public print, and as the subject OF
his inquiry is one Of OF vast impor-
tance to the farmer boys of the land,
it is perhaps best that this mode be
adopted.
KEasHAw Co., MAR. 81, 1889.
DEAR Mr.. TUcKER:-I am farmer boy
and am seventeen years old. l have been
plouch;ng on Pas place ever since learn
ed. It is the same old song year IN and
wear out. work from sun to sun and only
get nv victuals and clothes and Pas grura-
bling for it. want to leave and go at some
other work, but he wont let me. have a
mind to go any way, and don't you think l
ought to? I have hard time, and there IS
no fun in farming, at least not Tor me-
Please write and let me know.
Yours truly, SAMUEL DALTON.
What pathos in his words, There
is no fun in farming, at least not for
me-" and no doubt Samuel has the
sympathy of the twenty million far
mers of these United States, for
if there ever was an occupation
that had its multitude of draw
backs to one Of success, where all
risks are taken blindlv, it is that OF
farming. Nevertheless it is with
each individual engaged in it, wheth-
er it shall be success or otherwise.
If properly conducted it is profitable
and in no other way. 1t is an occu-
patton wherein most farmers try to
save at the spigot with both heads OF
the barrel out I might particularize
as to the ups and downs Of the far
merss life but that would not answer
Samueps inquiry. No doubt his dis
satisfaction arises from want OF
sympathy and encouragement from
GIVE THE BOYS CHANCE
his parents. Why not give the boys
a cotton patch, colt, COW, or pig, that
they can have as their OWL; pay them
for picking cotton, that they may
have spending money. There is no
danger that they will spend it prod
igally; they earned it and will know
how to spend it frugally. Arrange
to have proper amusements and
recreations for the farmer boys and
girls; these things will make farm
life attractive, and they will not de-
sire to leave home. Samuels parents
may be following the cold ruts" of
their grand parents, fossilized ideas
of the farmers avocation, that
keep him pinned down to the
monotonous drudgery Of the COM
mon laborer. No wonder he
sees no music in the beautiful
mocking bird singing. sweetly in the
spring morning" when he has to feed
the stock at four o'clock in the morn
ing, robbing daylight and nature OF
their proper dues; nor sentiment IN
the 'searly bird that catches the first
worm" No doubt he thinks the
worm the bigger fool of the two for
being out so early to be caught. I
do not counsel late sleeping, but mod
Grafton in all things, avoiding ez-
tremes. There is a happy medium,
which if enforced will surely lead to
success in any of the avocations OF
life. This much for my brother far
mers. Now to you, Samuel.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
No, I don't think you ought to
leave your parents without their con-
sent; you would regret such a step
the remainder of your life. Gods
blessing cannot follow disobedient
child. By law your services belong
to your parents until you attain your
majority, and it would be ungrateful
in you to shun that responsibility,
and really your services are but poor
return for the care, maintenance, and
affection Of your parents during the
critical period of childhood. I am
bitterly opposed to this running away
business, for I never saw even run
away match that turned out well.
Home is the best place for you, how
ever humble; there you are sure to
have your mothers tender affection,
and your fathers watchful care. The
outer world is unknown to you, it is
full of trials and disappointments; in
| it you are sure to meet with rugged
and stern realities, little sympathy,
and no affection. It is better that
you bear your burdens now for twill
make you better man and citizen in
after life. "'Tis better to bear the
Ills you have than. to fly to others that
you know not of, is truism that
I commend to your attention. IhaVe
had little experience in the line
you desire to travel, which I'll relate,
and I think it will be complete and
full answer to your inquiry.
DAVE TUckERs RUNAWAY EXPERIENCE.
When about your age ], too, was 8