The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1897-05-19
Don't StOp Reading,

With the coming of summer great
many farmers almost wholly give up
reading. There is 80 much to be done
during the warm months that it seems
as though all the time and strength OF
the farmer would be required to enable
him to get through the work in cred
table manner. So he is inclined to
give a much larger proportion OF his
time than he has done in the winter,
to working with his hands. AS con-
sequence, his time for reading is greatly
diminished.
That the change above noted is an
error cannot be doubted by one who
has carefully studied its effects. 1t is
quite natural that the man who has
crops to look after should fall into such
an error, but this fact does not make ii
any the less injurious to its results.
Labor is needed promptly, and for
brief periods, almost constantly; but
incessant toll does much to defeat the
end for which it is performed. This it
does by diminishing the degree of eff
fciency of the work that Is done. The
man who is always on the rush, and
who has the turning off of the greatest
possible quantity of work as his chief
ambition, is certainly making effort
enough, but he is not doing it in the
manner that will bring the greatest re-
wards. For to be efficient, labor must
be guided by thought, and the man who
takes no time to think, or who only
stops work when he is too tired to work
any longer, and is in no condition to
think clearly. will lose q great deal by
the want of skill and judgment.
Reading helps the farmer in various
ways. 1t gives him informatinn which,
if the proper subjects are chosen, will
be of great benefit. This is sometimes
regarded as the principal advantage to
be derived from reading; but it is q
very incomplete conception OF what
reading is able to do for one who wishes
to obtain from it the greatest possible
good. Another benefit which comes
from reading, is that it makes break
in the monotony of toll. 1t gives a
" breathing SPELL" little period OF
rest, in which the vigor of the system
is renewed, and after which the work
can be taken up with increased energy
and spirit. But it gives a still greater
advantage in that it stimulates mental
growth and development and gives in
tellectual power. 1t makes the mind
alert and active, and thus enables the
man to wisely direct all his energies
and gives him the power to accomplish
great deal more than he otherwise
could.
The fact that reading has received a
good share of attention during the win
ter, will not make it the less necessary
to continue the practice during the sum-
mer. A man cannot proftably do his
reading for the year in six months. AS
his body needs food day by day, 80 the
needs of his mind require daily atten.
ton. And as there is no season in the
year in which it is of greater impor.
lance that the mind be clear and &C
tive, so there is no season in which
reading is more important than lit is
during the summer. Therefore, we
urge our subscribers not to merely lay
aside the weekly numbers of the Prdc'
teal Farmer for future reference, but
to read them as carefully as they have
been read during the season of great.
er leisure. The paper will be filled
with matter that is timely and valuable,
and that will greatly aid the reader in
making his work more profitable and al
the same time more attractive. Neither
should reading along other lines be
neglected Il IS necessary to work, cal
and Sleep, but the man who makes
these things the chief end of life
moves in very small circle. He ne
elects the higher and nobler part of his
nature. 1t cannot be wise to devote
all the time and effort to the body, tina
will soon be laid aside, and give no at
tention to the mind that will remain al
long as the man himself exists.-Prac
teal Farmer.