Semi-weekly independent. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1895-1897, 1896-02-19
ent BY each one doing his best the
results will be beneficial
THE LIFE OF THE FARMER BOY
AND HIS EDUCATION

"THE LIFE OF THE FARMER BOY
AND HIS EDUCATION
}. V. NanGilder addressed the audi
enee on this subject in plain, practi-
cal way, regretting the presence Of SO
few boys. He gave description of
the farmers boys quarter of a cen
tury ago, and contrasted the present
state of affairs.
To-day the boys of the farm can wear
billed shirts, CLOSED shoes. and keep on
a par with the boys of the city.
Laughter
"The desire of the farmers boy is to
be equal with those who have city ad
vantages and different opportunities
for physical development. There are
advantages within the reach of the
farmers boy which city life cannot
reach a lively colt ridden by live
boy eclipses the pleasures the city boy
enjoys on bicycle.
Labor is an education. Begun
early, it improves the physical abilities
and strengthens and cultiyates the in
tellectual attalnments. No need Of
drudgery, no need OF boys leaving the
farm, if they are given inspiration by
praise, appreciation and commendation
from their parents.
"The education of the boy is an i'm
portant factor on the farm. To be
successful as farmer, he must be
taught the principles of farming, and
parents cannot expect good results
from boys who have not been properly
educated for their requirements. The
improvements coming continually re-
quire that our boys should be educated
/ to be able TO meet them intelligently.
The agricultural colleges will be patron
ized by the intelligent farmer whose
boys will take course therein.
"The successful farmer IS the one
who has system and IS guided by that
system. Marshall county offers two
scholarships to the boys who will ac-
cept, but, strange to say, they are not
accepted because of lack of money To
furnish the necessary requirements to
enter the course OF study. There is no
more honorable profession today than
tat e the farmer, but he must be in
telligent.'
\ discussion. led by VIM. Erwin, of
Bourbon, followed. Mr.. Erwin con-
jured up picture of the farmers boy
Of the past. lie carried jug Of water
for the men who toiled day by day
His picture was contrasted with that of
the farmer of today, who uses the I'M
proved methods and gains the success
attained thereby.
a common school education is not
sufficient for a successful farmer OF
today. The impressions made upon
the minds of boys, upon attending ouI
county fairs, shows, horse races, etc.
leave desire upon the part of some
boys to follow the examples seen there
Farming is neutral-glying and taking
Ex lmples of mistakes in training
children on the farm are practical. Nc
work is disgraceful, and done willingl ly
and intelligently, elevates and develop:
character"
The remarks on this subject by Rob
, ert Irwin were quite amusing, appreci
alton of which was shown 10y the gooC
humor of the audience. Myron Chase
of Tyner City, was absent.
Mr.. Jerrold made some most appl
cable remarks upon "The Countr.
Boy" showing that the discomfort o
farmers boys is often due to the farm
| ers themselves by continual fault find
ing-lack of appreciation. Mr.. Smitl
recommended raising pickles as ;
r means to raising good boys.
MIR. JONES, OF SOUTH BEND, SPEAKS.
Mr.. Jones of South Bend compliment
ed the institute on having secured Prot
Chase for the address of welcome. Ill
said:
"Anything which affects the in
terest of the farmer, should be thorough
> ly studied and understood and pratlca
application made. Instead of the tex
i book teaching, the science of agri
culture should be taught IN our publ
schools, in Plymouth, South Bend an
4 elsewhere in our cities" Referenc
was made To France as one of the mos
4 successful agricultural states for Tn
reason that the science taught is CON
pulsory upon the pupils. The gentle
a man from South Bend closed ami
hearty rounds of applause.
The first session adjourned fe,
u minutes after IL o'clock. 1t was il
tensely interesting from beginning {
n end and was well attended and whe
o the audience broke up for the moo
l. hour the best of good spirits ever
Q where prevailed. The afternoon sessio
IS began shortly after LIS. 1t opened {
,, a WARMLY enthusiastic audience wit