The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1902-12-19

the farmer take his whole family on
Sunday morning and drive to church?
Too often, l fear, the children are
left at home.
Don't allow base ball playing in
your community on Sunday. Your
boys like to play and perhaps you en-
joy the game yourself. Then let them
have Saturday afternoon now and
then for their game, but don't allow
it on Sundays
Teach temperance to our young
people by precept and example. 1t is
estimated that more that 10000 per-
sons in this country go down to drunk
ards graves annually. Not one of
that number ever intended to become
drunkard when he took his first
glass. heard prominent minister
say, not long ago, that he believed
nine-tenths of the drinking men in the
rural districts acquired the habit by
commencing with cider. If this is
true. and am inclined to think it is,
we ought to keep it out of the reach
of our boys and girls.
We cannot tolerate any gossip of a
scandalous or slanderous nature. II
a neighbor puts on her sun bonnet and
runs over to make morning call,
just to tell you what she has heard
about some one, nip her story in the
bud and turn the conversation as
quickly as possible, for gossiping
soon becomes Islander, and what is
worse than that in a neighborhood.
Much has been written upon and
many clubs have discussed the subject
of "How can we keep the girls and
boys and the farm" In the first
place, we must make our farm homes
pleasant and attractive, both outside
and in. If we do this they will be
proud to say, this is my home"
Let your house be filled with young
people often, that your children may
have enjoyment, and at the same time
learn the art of entertaining. Break
the monotony of ceaseless round Of
toll by bits of pleasure.
We should take great interest in
our rural. school. 1t is here our
children are started on their educa-
tional pathway, and we should see
that they are started right.
Nature study should be taught most
thoroughly. If 1t were our girls and
boys would be able to tell the name of
every little bird, innumerable insects,
trees. shrubs and plants; even snakes,
toads and frogs would be made almost
companions. There is no study that
can be made quite so interesting or
afford so much real pleasure, especial.
ly for country children.
We should give our children all
the education possible. President Nc.
Kinley said: 1T is an Inheritance
no one can take from them, and is the
best equipment you can give an
American. When we have done all
we can for them, il they still want
more education or want to engage in
some other pursuit. let them co."
could mention scores of noted men
and women who were born and reared
on the farm, some stayed. others did
not. II our young men or women
have q natural talent for some other
occupation, don't try to cover that
talent with bushel and keep them
on the farm. They will never be sue
cessful farmers. but will always be
longing for something else. I must
not pass by this most important fact,
tat, in an ideal community there
must exist a good, live farmers club.
I consider it great honor and
benefit for any one to belong to one.
1t is in the club that we exchange
ideas and thoughts upon all subjects
of Importance it has taught US to in
form ourselves more thoroughly and
given us confidence to express our
selves. 1t is in the club we find true
sociability. The pleasant greetings
and hearty handshakes are like those
of family gathering. l hope have
not overdrawn the picture of what l
think should constitute an ideal COM
munity.