The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1891-08-26


the Rev. II. @. Ward of Royalton,
VT. and it is well worth the attention
of every reader. 1t delights us to see
ministers take an active interest in
farming and gardening; and the more
they do so the more influence they are
sure to have in rural communities.
IN the old times, when the people
were poor and ministerial salaries small,
many of the New England ministers
were farmers, and good ones, too. The
example of Oberlin was much thought
of in those days, and an active helpful
ness in the ordinary labors of their
fiocks was regarded as a part of the
duty of country ministers. Why can
not they take like view now? And
why would it not be much better if, in
the courses of study preliminary to
ministerial functions, they should
ground themselves well in the princ-
Piles of the natural sciences, especially
chemistry botany and mechanics, so
as to be able by personal influence and
by lectures, or familiar talks, to in
terest the youth of their congregations
in practical science and its application
in the avocations of the people?
THE apostles had trades, and joined
industrial labors with their preaching.
1t would revolutionize this country for
good if the modern minister could and
would teach his people what is good
for their minds and bodies, as well as
for their souls; could be of daily, prac-
tical help to the communities where
they dwell. We would not be afraid to
guarantee, were this the case, that
long pastorates would again become the
rule, instead of being so exceptional as
now. The minister would be much
closer to the hearts of his people, and
his own health, physical and moral,
would be promoted. We want minis
tiers who can lead the people by being
necessary to them, not only as preach
ers but as leaders in every good work.
We even think it would be first rate
thing if some of our ministers knew
enough of civil engineering to instruct
our people how to make and maintain
better roads. That was one Of Ober-
Inns good works, if we remember
rightly. 1t is more than forty years
since we read his life.
WE are glad to see our brother, Agri-
cultural Editor Towle of the st. 4
bans Messenger, taking an interest in
the matter of sheep-killing dogs, which
seem to have reduced Franklin county's
focks to about the lowest ebb, short of
actual extinction. There are, no doubt,
hundreds of farmers there, making but
ter to glut the market and keep down
prices, who would be more than glad
to raise sheep instead, if it were al
lowed.
Mr.. TOWLE says: "Our state was
once famous for the number and value
of its sheep, which at one time
amounted to several millions, but from
various causes was reduced to about
100000 in 1880, and probably remains
near the same at the present time,
equaling about one for each inhabtant.
How much the dog had to do with caus-
ing this remarkable reduction of course
can never be ascertained; but that it
in
ably be supposed" We think it may.
As to the law as it is, farmer has a
claim on the proceeds of the dog tax
for the actual physical damage, or the
death of sheep destroyed or torn by
dogs but, as we understand it, he can
get nothing for the decentralization of
his flock in consequence of being
hunted by dogs, when no blood has
been drawn. Yet this is often nine
tenths of all the damage inflicted by a
canine raid An equally deterrent eff
feet is produced upon many by the I'M
certainty which the dog terror intro
uuCes' W no wants W slOCh up WIN
sheep, when he reasonably knows that
some time, soon or late, his flock is sure
to be victimized in this way? And, par
ticuarly, who is going to introduce high
priced new blood into his hocks, know
ing that within a week sheep costing
up in the hundreds each may be killed
or ruined, with only trivial compensa
ton?
In order to bring this subject fairly
before your eyes, kind reader, please tC
reflect as to your emotions if you were
credibly informed that semi-savagC
brutes-as able to destroy or main
dairy cows as dogs are to afflict sheep
were to be introduced by dozens, anC