Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1907-02-12
Farm Life.

CuHuko-J
For several years students of social
and political problems have been dis.
cussing the tendency OF communities to
rush to the cities. They have watched
with alarm the manner In which the
city populations have increased, and
have sought q solution to the problem
of how best to stop it.
Like other such questions, this one
may solve itself. In the east some of
the well-to-do are beginning to leave the
cities and are seeking homes In the
country. They are beginning to realize
that they cannot have that strength and
vitality in the cities that can be best
gained by living in the open air of the
country In contact with trees and birds
and flowers.
Farming is an Independent way of liv-
ing compared with city life. The farm
or can supply his table with meat,
vegetables, bread, milk, butter and
eggs, and is not affected by changes In
these commodities as much as resident
of the city. The clothing account Is
less for those who live upon the farm,
as it is much less embarrassing to prac-
tice economy.
1t does not require the capital to be-
gin farming that 1t does to enter any
other sort Of independent business.
A farm can usually be bought by max
ing payment of about half its price at
the time 1t is purchased, and the re-
mainder divided into payments paid
every year; or, if one has not the means
to buy horses, and many agricultural
implements, he can buy small piece Of
land near a town or city and raise
vegetables and small fruit, thus he can
get start toward farming on q larger
scale.
All members of the family can assist
in farming. The wife can without
sacrifice of dignity look after the milk,
make the butter, tend the chickens and
other similar duties. The girls can
assist the mother, and the boys can help
with the farming and chores before and
after school. Their work can be render
ed in such q way as not to interfere with
their schooling, and 1t is of more value
to them as exercise than many other
things in which they might indulge.
What is there more healthful than
farm life? One has outdoor air and
exercise, both of which are strengthen-
ing to the mind and body. The vigor-
GUS constitution developed by the farm
er's boy will enable him to outstrip the
city-grown boy in the test of endurance
that comes later in life.
The habits of industry acquired on
the farm are valuable as q capital, no
matter to what occupation the boy may
turn. The patience, perseverance, and
energy which are developed upon the
farm are the foundation upon which
one may build in every honorable voca-
tion.
Farm life cultivates hospitality and
generosity, and people who live miles
apart are better acquainted and more
attached than families living in the
same house in the cities. Children who
grow up on q farm live q freer life and
can be more careful in their company,
and are less apt to contract bad habits
than city boys. In the country reigns
peace and independence. After the
days work is over, all are content to
gather about the fireside and enjoy the
quiet of home life. Those who till the
soil are brought near to nature and Its
marvellous activities. The farmer learns
early in life the true basis of rewards.
By having to give dollars worth OF
labor for dollars worth of product, he
never falls into the habit of expecting
for nothing. he teaches by
example that labor is honorable, and has
that sense Of proprietorship, which only
those that have honestly earned all that
they receive can feel. The farmers
ideal of life is high, and he will thus ia
fluence others by the stimulus which
his occupation and environments excite
in him.
Agriculture at the present time is not
what it was q few years ago. Rural
free delivery of mails is taking daily
papers and magazines into the farm
homes. Schools are being built up.
This fact promises to supply the girls
and boys of the farm with the advantage
of a high school without leaving their
homes. Closely following the free de-
livery Of mail comes the farm telephone.
There are thousands Of farm houses that
are in telephone communication with
the surrounding country and towns
within radius of fifty miles or more.
There are dozens of places OF no more
than 800 inhabitants or less which are
supporting q flourishing exchange. The
telephone has proved so satisfactory
that some of the moro prosperous farm
ers have organized mutual companies OF
their own, some of them taking In the en-
tire communities for miles around. These
mutual companies usually connect with
the nearest exchange where it meets
lines of other mutual companies. In
the advantages OF farm
life it is not necessary to say that the
farmer enjoys all the benefits within his
reach. There Is probably no field in
which there is greater room for improve
ment, but il the farm as it is, has been
the nursery OF merchants, ministers, ora
tors and statesmen, how much more in
yitinp it will be with all its modern
and Increasing advan-
tages.
The gasoline engine, Windmill and
supply tank are conveniences which are
within the reach of most farmers, and
are not only a saving to the muscle OF
man, but are of great convenience to the
QOuS0WI0. I'LL W0toA ooPPsy.oS SS'.>
the kitchen and the bathroom Of farm
house, the lot of the farmers wife will
be very much improved. The introduc-
tion of the various kinds of gas and
electrical apparatus will enable many OF
the farmers to substitute some modern
light for the smoking kerosene lamp.
The electric car line connects city with
city and furnishes the farmers along the
line with cheap and rapid transportation
for themselves and their products. 1t
will be surprising II the electric lines
and telephones do not result in the next
few years in largo increase in the value
of farm property. In this connection
"Goed Roads" movements cannot be
overlooked. The value of permanent,
and at all times passable road is being
appreciated, and the farmers are likely
to demand that this matter be shown
due consideration. With good roads
have followed larger and better schools,
then the library and its public reading
room.
The state uuiversities arc now giving
increasing attention to studies which
will fit young men to practice agricul'
turs intelligently, and, "If . father is
able to start his son In business with ten
thousand dollars, what business is 80
safe as farming?" Given young man
-,.L oood adocokion ooOd habita