232 ' BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



ordinary character. Thus the farm, the buildings, the implements, 

 the orchard, the garden and all the domain should constantly feel 

 the impulse of a vigorous and commanding mind. 



Another element of success is economy- — economy in all the busi- 

 ness of the farm, and economy of time. Says Franklin, "Time is 

 money." Our mill operatives work eleven hours a day, mechanics 

 work ten hours, grocer}' men fifteen hours a day. If all the farmers 

 of the State of JNIaine should work ten hours a day for the next ten 

 j-ears to come the State would blossom like the rose. Economy is 

 called for in the feeding of farm stock, in purchasing of implements 

 and care of the same, and in the buying of fertilizers. 



In these days of fashion and show, large demands are made upon 

 the farmer's purse. Store prices are high ; the outlays for dress in 

 modern style are enormous ; and wants corresponding to the onward 

 push of civilization multiply on everj- hand. How to pay all 

 demands and make the ends of the 3'ear meet is often a serious 

 question. 



The poorer classes are constantly struggling to imitate the fashion 

 and style of their more wealth}' neighbors. This work of keeping up 

 appearances of an extravagant order is pressing heavily upon those 

 who lack the means. To remedy this the farmer should show his 

 independence and never substitute fashion for comfort, or put show 

 in the place of convenience. Simplicity in living and dress is a 

 virtue for farmers and everybody else. To come squarely up to the 

 golden idea involved in this word would lighten immensel}- the pecu- 

 niary burdens of life, and make its votaries all the more happy and 

 useful. What a blessing would be conferred upon the communit}" if 

 those who lead in the fashions of life would strike out on the score 

 of simplicity, and set an example of econoni}' and neatness to all 

 those who ai-e constantly aping their styles and treading in their 

 steps ! 



Said a minister of our village, a few years ago: "I married a 

 couple — a showy girl to an honest farmer boy. They lived together 

 several months, when the fellow returned the girl to her mother, and 

 declared he never could support her, and if he continued to sustain 

 her fashion she would run him out of house and home." It is a 

 saying that those who begin life at the top of the ladder generally 

 tumble off, while those who begin at the bottom acquire steadiness, 

 courage and strength of arm and will as they rise. 



