The morning news., 1899-12-04

live larger life, enjoying greater advant-
ages Than he ti.Iers Of the soil in any 9TH
er country. We have in mind Low the
large class who have secured a Teasonab e
competency and in whose homes is found
the best literature, classic ard current.
The newspaper, though not above crit!-
cism, has broadening influence upon US.
1t brings the life Of The world before US
for review. In the magazines, even the
dollar ma magazines, the most important lv-
ing questions are discussed in the abltst
manner. These educational advantages
now belong TO the best farm life. Before
the day OF railroads. country life was in
tensely local. Travel an essential part Of
liberal education, was Practically un-
known. In another direction the change is
equally marked. The wonderful improve
ment in farm implements and machinery
has re leved the farmer of much of the
drudgery once inseparably connected with
his vocation. II gives me thrill of del ght
TO see The biEder in operation, and 10 re-
allze that human power is thus augms nted
many fold. The same may be said OF the
steam lhresher, and for implements fol. fin
ing the soil. Visitors to England and cou-
tinental Europe express surprise to see so
much hand labor performed there. Under
their system of small holdings this condi-
lion viii, doubtless, long continue to ex-
list. 1t may truly be said that America is
the paTadi e Of farm impleme nts ard ma
chinery. In a large sense this implies relief
from drudgery; it enlaI ges the horizon OF
the farm RS life. Here in the Central West,
Where The soil has great natural fertH ty
and improved machinery is used 10 the
best advantage, farmers are generally
prospeI Gus. The Total production per CO plta
OF those engaged in agriculture is probably
greater here than anywhere Sc in the
world. Our West IN fan mers are net weak
lings. On the contrary in power of ae-
1rrafv
tlcn. But in their intense struggle to ac-
quire broad acres and to produce great
crops, The }ove of the beautiful in nature
has hem sadly neg. .ected.
In "Our Farming" Mr.. Terry gives a
very delightful picture of his home. Ia
the three essentials, cleanliness, health
fulness and attractiveness, he has the adj
vantage over the most favored residents
of city. And what he has accomplished
in this direction is within easy reach of
all prosperous farmers. Here in the corn
growing belt farmers, as a rule, have 1T
tie conception of such a home. They al
low the hogs to wear out the turf, and
make their wallows in the orchard and in
other CONSPICUOUS places. The hog is a
useful and profitable animal but let him
be so managed as not to become a nui-
sance, a shock to refined tastes at every
turn Then don't let rubbish accumulate
everywhere. Old boards, old shingles, old
bricks that are not worth storing under
cover, if they must be kept, let some sly
corner be dedicated to their exclusive use.
| We don't want to see them scattered
about every time we pass along the drive
way. Visitors returning from England
and continental Europe tells us that rural
America has a crude, unfinished look;
that the love of the beautiful the artistic
sense is often better developed in the
| peasant than in our farmers. Though the
former may live in humble cottage, his
outward surroundings are attractive and
he has easy access to galleries of art. We
often deplore the rush from the country to
town and city, yet this will continue I'M
til we demonstrate in a practical manner
that country life is a good life. l know
sons and daughters of farmers who have
only had such advantages of education
as are within reach of all-high school adj
I Vantages-and who have also improved
themselves by travel, by familiarity with
the best literature, and by living in loving
touch with nature who are received in
the best society of village and city on
terms of easy equality. Yet they still
choose to remain upon the farm, and re-
gard the country home as the best home.
To me no class of people is more inter
esting, none so attractive.