The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1900-05-08
Mistakes and Possibilities of Rural Life.

Are we in rural life filing the meas
ure and responsibility of men and
women? Are we reading, thinking
and acting in the great drama of
life? Are We adding to the health
giving pursuits of the farm that
which will ennoble the mind and fit
US alike for battling with the fnan-
cial problems Of the day, and for en-
tering cultured society? In brief,
are we keeping pace with the march
of progress visible in the world
about us?
In answering these interrOgations
we arc compelled to say that while
farming has very much improved in
the general routine of outdoor life,
we are sadly behind the spirit Of the
age in many of the characteristics
which would render our homes more
pleasant and our business more prof
table. So far as regards the labor of
the farm, it has been very much
hghtened by the aid of machinery of
all descriptions. Bat what are the
results of this? Are we reaping all
the benefits from this change that
are possible to be gained from it?
Through this channel we may be n
abled to shorten the hours of toll
and increase those of recreation and
mental Improvement. But as a rule,
T we doing this? On the other
hand, isit not true that the greater
facilities we have for accomplishing
labor ON the farm the more we I'M
dertake to dOS Not content when
performing the same amount of la
Der in six or eight hours, which
formerly required ten, to devote the
time thus saved to other useful Oc-
cupations and developments quite as
necessary to our general welfare as
the silver and gold we are so anx-
ious to obtain.
Hardly is it necessary to state
that this is one Of the most promi-
nent mistakes in rural ife-that in
ordinate thirst for wealth in some,
which brushes all the finer qualities
of their nature that they may grow
rich. The mind that is eve ex-
panded beyond the circumference of
the Almighty Dollar works ultimate
ly its own ruin, and, meanwhile robs
itself of the real joys in life.
Scarcely less excusabIe is this
than the groveling, unambitious
farmer who seeks nothing but the
cOmmOnest level Of mankind, yet
grOwls eternally at his lot.
The greatest wisdom is displayed
when we seek to develop the nObler
characteristics of our natures. Social,
mental and moral culture should en-
gage our best endeavOrs and receive
literally of our means. Many rural
homes, where dollars are rapidly ac-
cumlated and possessions widened,
are destitute of what should most
abound, viz. cOntentment and the
development of true character. Many
gain the reputation of model farmers
by raising large crops, displaying
good Judgment in securing bargains
and making frequent land purchases,
whose homes in general appearance
are anything but creditable to them.
When buildings and surrounding pre-
sent an appearance of neglect and de-
cay, it is Il sad disappointment to visit
such premises where you have a
to expect to find everything in a
tiourishing condition, and some char
acteristics of modern style, to see i'll
taste and inconvenience on every
hand, the family simply getting along
with buildings which look like they
belonged to the renter instead of the
well-to-do owner. As our subject
intimates there are possibilities with
in Our reach which have not vet been
attained. In presenting some of the
mistakes prevalentin the country we
unhesitatingly affirm that many of