Year: 1871

There has been so much in the paper.


lately in regard 10 farmers boys that it seems


almost like an attempt at plagiarism to say q,


write anything more; but was a boy once


myself. and cannot forbear saving a few


words in their behalf have often heard


farmers complain of their sons leaving the


farm as soon as they become of age, to en-


gage in some other occupation. Now it j,


evident there is a wrong somewhere, and I


cannot be made to believe that the bows are


always in tho fault Not that would en-
| courage boys to leave the farm or their


homes. far from it; but would have parents


do all in their power to make home pleasant.


and farming so attractive, that their sons


could not be induced to leave it. There are


some parents who require too much Of their


sons; they expect boy of twelve or thirteen


70 10 as much hard work as young man of
twenty ought to. Not thas they intend to


be be hard with them, butsbey do not seem


to know how much snoh boys are aDIe 60 40,


OK can do without injury to them. Conse-
quentiy. by the time they arrive at the age


OF twenty one their health is so impaired by
over work, they are obliged to leave the
iaf'n to engage in some lighter employment.


II parents keep their sons at work all the


time, and allow them no time for amusement


or recreation, they cannot wonder if they


acquire distaste for the farm and all per-


tanning to it. and want to leave it as soon as


they can. Boys like to have a little spend


ing money. and they do not always like to
go to their parents for it; they have their


their little speculations and sometimes it re-


quires little mouey to carry it on, and if
ttey can contrive any way 10 earn it, they


like to do SO. Parents can hcly them in this
matter. Let them have pece of land to
cultivate, help and encourage them to raise
corn aud potatoes. and tell them they shall


have all they can raise to sell or do what
they please with, and see with what a good
will they will go to work Give them a colt
or yoke OF steers, or if you cannot do that
iamo' something to love and pet; or let
them De joint owners with yourself and note
now the sense OF possession will encourage
them to look after their welfare. If you sell
their colt or steers, let them have the pro-
ceeds to put at interest if they wish to do so;
1t will help cultivate frugsl disposition.


1t you cannot afford room purposely as
a workroom. put up a work bench some
where; then procure a few tools of the com.
mon kinds. saws, chisels, planes, etc., and
lot them have an opportunity to exercise
their ingenuity. 1t will enable them to |
learn to make and repair many things that |
you would have to make yourself or hire
done. Give your sons an opportunity to |
acquire good practical education. Do |
not think because they are to become far
mers that they will not need it. Do not |
close your doors against harmless amuse-
ments; remember if they cannot find them |
at home they will seek them elsewhere.
Now that the long evenings are with us.pro-
ride plenty of home amusements. Do not |
feel yourself too old to engage in their little |
sports; you can help and encourage them in


his way. Take good papers, buy them
agricultural and other good books to read. |
Fill your homes with all that can interest and |
hen. if after all you have done to. make |
homo pleasant. and you have discharged
your duty. if your sons will leave you and
the old farm. you will have nothing to re-
feet upon. L. G. II.