54 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



selves. I dwelt, purposely, on what the farmer's home ought to 

 be, in order to show that boys and girls would look upon such a 

 home as affording more privileges than most others, and that 

 around such an old family hearth-stone, would be the most de- 

 sirable spot on earth. And when the suggestions I have fore- 

 shadowed exist, the occupation and the place will become so. 

 Home must be made attractive to the young, not alone by affording 

 opportunities for social intercourse and amusements, but also by 

 such comforts and tasteful decorations of the dwelling, as means 

 will permit. As a general thing, the rooms of the mechanic, 

 although in a hired house and subject to removals, are better pro- 

 vided with carpets, easy chairs, books, pictures and other cheap, 

 but appropriate and suggestive ornaments, than those of the 

 farmer. The contrast is quite as decided in the articles of dress. 

 If you want boys and girls to hang their heads, dress them mean- 

 ly. If to walk erect among their peers, let their costume resemble 

 that of their peers ; not extravagant in cost, nor extreme in 

 fashion, but becoming their age and condition. It will not do 

 for the farmer to say that this cannot be afforded, because probate 

 records show that he leaves more property than any other class, 

 of an equal number, taken promiscuously. It would be a sound 

 argument to say that much of his property is invested in real 

 estate, and not available for such purposes ; but still would not 

 much affect the proposition. 



When these advantages are enjoyed, contentmeM will take the 

 place of brooding restlessness, and an ambition be excited for 

 intellectual pursuits. The young will come into your association 

 with a freshness and zeal inspiring all with new energy. With 

 heart expanding under agreeable surrounding influences, they will 

 be all thought, all action. They will learn that the natural world 

 has treasures beyond their imagination ; wonders that have never 

 been explored ; system and perfection, most lovely and sublime, 

 all their own, scattering their matchless perfections as dew-drops 

 on their paths. 



Furnish, then, to the young, those things which their nature 

 demands. Gather around them as many refinements of life, as 

 other callings of equal means present, and they will rarely fail to 

 remain on the homestead to comfort and sustain the declining 

 years of the aged, or to cultivate their intellectual powers, and 

 qualify themselves for any station to which they may be called. 



A boy or girl of moderate ambition will not long rest contentedly 



