FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 173 



is almost indefinitely increased by a more complete education. As the means 

 are within the reach of almost every one, we expect them to be equal to the 

 advantages given. 



The question, shall I procure a good education? is scarcely ever asked, but 

 now it is, what and where shall I study? 



He who chooses the administration of the law for his profession need not 

 hesitate about the place to pursue his study. The State has considered his pro- 

 fession an important one, and has made it her business to establish a depart- 

 ment at the University expressly for him. 



Some would lessen the sufferings of humanity by battling its enemies found 

 in sickness and disease. 'Tis well that the State gives to such her fostering 

 care. The teacher, the farmer, are both given an opportunityfor fitting them- 

 selves for their calling, and the State is largely repaid by having efficient work- 

 ers in these fields. 



But where shall the girls be educated? The time is past when a girl could 

 be satisfied with a common school education, and in general she does not intend 

 to study any of the professions. She does not often make a specialty of any 

 study ; but, for her own happiness and usefulness, not many will object to her 

 having a good general education, such an education as she would get at any col- 

 lege. But in taking such a course she labors under quite a serious disadvantage. 

 Among all nations in all times of which we have the records, the charge of the 

 housework has devolved upon woman, and, as a custom of so long and so uni- 

 versal a standing, is not liable to change very soon ; it is quite necessary that 

 woman be capable of doing credit to herself in looking well to the affairs of her 

 household. When it was customary for the young miss to remain with 

 her mother until in her maturer years she left to become the mistress of a 

 home of her own, she acquired under that mother all the skill of the per- 

 fect housewife, just as an apprentice gains skill under a master workman. 

 Xow her apprenticeship is often limited to a few minutes before and after 

 school each day., with but a little better chance during vacations, through child- 

 hood, and just when she might begin to learn the art she is ready to enter college, 

 where she loses all the skill that she had before acquired. At the end of her 

 college course she returns to her home, probably well read in the languages and 

 the literature of the day, with a little knowledge of the sciences, but with no 

 knowledge whatever of housework. Being awkward at this she soon has a per- 

 fect horror of housework, and how can we expect her to feel otherwise? If we 

 were set at some intricate work, seeing others glide around easily, while every 

 movement we made was perfectly grotesque, how soon we would leave it in dis- 

 gust. If it is necessary for such a one to pursue this work, the tears shed over 

 heavy buiscuits, sour bread, etc., is a loud argument that her education was 

 not made complete. What shall she do? Which education can she afford to 

 neglect? Some say the college, some the home. I would say neither. Com- 

 bine them in a school, and thus combine the efficient housekeeper with the 

 good scholar. Some have thought it impossible to combine the two. One rea- 

 son why they are so often found apart is because the courses of education are 

 to widely separated. If you wish to combine them in the individual, combine 

 the two courses in her culture. Can this be done? There is no school of this 

 kind in our State, but we see no reason why such a one could not be carried on 

 successfully. 



Once the possibility of uniting practical farming with a college education 

 was a question of just as great doubts as this. Its success is beyond the expec- 



