ADVICE TO YOUNG FARMERS. 



373 



ciplc be firmly rooted in the minds of all young men, and we 

 should sec the road to the goal of success becoming broader and 

 broader, as is made necessary, by the addition to its travellers, of 

 young men who are acting on this principle. 



Agriculture stands at the head of all other pursuits in point of 

 usefulness and importance, and thus occupying the position of 

 chief corner stone. The young man who enters any profession 

 should be thoroughly prepared, both physically and intellect- 

 ually for the successful prosecution of the calling of his choice. 

 Even upon your entrance to your profession, you will be met by a 

 most earnest demand, for all the experience, learning and judg- 

 ment which you possess. Fit yourself, therefore, that you may 

 pursue intelligently, persistently and systematically your calling, 

 and success will in due time surely crown your efforts. Be care- 

 ful in the selection and location of your farm. An error made in 

 the selection might render it unprofitable so that you would carry 

 on a losing instead of a gaining business. Throw all your knowl- 

 edge and judgment into the selection of your farm ; view with a 

 critical eye all that present themselves, until you find one which 

 both you, and experienced friends that accompany you, can 

 approve. Let not the prevailing passion for a change, for emigra- 

 tion, affect you after you are once well settled. Let not the 

 tempting offers to "go West" fill your mind and pervert your 

 judgment so that you cannot be satisfied at home. If you once 

 get a good farm, stick to it, and let others less satisfied, accept 

 the offers which you are convinced amount to but little. In view- 

 ing the tempting offers made by Western land owners, let ua 

 remember the old saying, " Distance lends enchantment to the 

 view." It is also well to take the testimony of our friends and 

 acquaintances that have been there. We can all take advantage 

 of this. The splendid offers and inducements are either shown by 

 western papers or held out by railroad companies that own the 

 land, and whose object is to benefit themselves alone, and who 

 care nothing about the emigrants more than their coming will be 

 of great advantage to themselves. Then allow not the desire for 

 change to affect you ; confront boldly apparent or real difficulties 

 at the place rendered doubly dear, perhaps, by the remembrance 

 of childhood's happy hours, and go on in the peaceful and happy 

 way that cannot fail to lead you to success. 



In the selection of a farm, a most essential consideration is 

 that you have a good foundation, or in other words, a soil natu- 



