The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1895-03-06
AGRICULTURAL.
THE BOYS.
from Farmers Tribune.

We hear a great deal about the drlIting
away of the boys from the farm to the city.
Statisticians tell us that the increase in
population is much greater in the cities
than in the country
Writers on social economics claim there
is danger to our social and political insti-
tutions in this movement of the rural pop
ulation cityward. Writers on farm topics
find the subject, How to keep the boy on
the farm fruitful theme at all seasons
of the year. One careful observer says:
"The damage to the rural districts is not
so much in loss of numbers, as in the fact
that it is the best, brightest, most ener-
getic and ambitious young men and women
who leave the farms to try their fortunes
in the cities.'
There is possibility of truth in the claim
that those who complain most loudly of
this tendency on the part of the brightest
and best of the rural population deserving
the farms, are those most responsible for
the conditions which send these people
away from the farm.
The dark pictures of farm life, the COM
planning, fault-findng and calamity-crying
that has characterized a portion of the
agricultural press, and been the chief stock
In trade of certain class of agitators, who
posed as farmers friends during the last
decade has had tendency to discourage
an ambitious, wdeawake boy, from attempt
ing to achieve either fame or fortune on
the farm.
We, who believe that the opportunities
for securing a home and home comforts are
as good today for the farmers boy on the
hot
such boys should be shown the bright side
of farm life and its possibilities, and that
they should have encouragement and incen-
tive to make the best of their opportunities
and surroundings.
1t is true that the rapid changes in the
methods of production and distribution,
fashions in the of various agricultural
products, the invention of food substitutes
and authorizations, has revolutionized agri-
cultural conditions. 1t is also true, how
ever, that this revolution has elevated,
rather than degraded, the occupation of
farming Fifty years ago farming was
very largely a matter of muscle, perse-
verance and raw material Today all these
minor factors in the problem of sue
cess
The use Of improved machinery, improved
breds of stock, and intense methods of
fertilization and cultivation has made
brains the most important factor of sue
cess
Give the boy something for his own.
Teach him the value of method and atten-
ton to detail. Teach him to think as well
as act. Il didn't think costs the average
farmer more every year than his taxes and
interest, however burdensome they may be.
And if the boy is to think clearly and intel
ligenly about the farm work. he must have
the incentive of hope always present; and
then, when he understands that thorough
work and careful thought will eliminate the
element of luck from farm work, and in
sure success, he will carry into his work
an enthusiasm and devotion of purpose that
will fasten him to the farm more securely
than anything else.
Teach a boy that good farming pays, and
then, by giving him something to do that
pays him in dollars and cents, impress upon
his mind that the profit of his labor is a
fact, not a theory.
The best interests of the country require
the best and brightest boys upon the farms
of the country. They want the best and
brightest women for their helpmeets.
Neither of these will ever be satisfied to
-zke up as a lifework a calling that they
believe to be without hope of profit or re-
ward.
Teach the boy and the girl that there are
things to live for, to work for and to hope
for. The boy who knows how to do farm
work to the best advantage, who has faith
in himself and the possibilities of farm
life, believing that to make
"A happy fireside cline
For we'uns and wife,
Is the true pathos and sublime
OF human life,"
will win success upon the farm, and be
credit to himself, his family and his
country