FARMERS' CLUBS. 41 



interests. Most State legislatures are convinced that a liberal 

 eucouragment of agricultural pursuits, is more than repaid by 

 increased taxes on the public valuation. 



The charge must come directly home to ourselves in the future. 

 While other professions have studied, experimented and combined, 

 in order to excel, the farmer has stood alone, plodding in the foot- 

 steps of his ancestors, indifferent of success as a cultivator, but 

 complaining of his position in social life. His prejudices have 

 been next to impregnable ; rooted as firmly as the oaks in his soil, 

 against innovations of the old routine. When the mechanic pro- 

 posed to furnish a machine which would cut ten acres of grass in 

 .a day, instead of one acre by hand, the project was viewed with 

 indifference or contempt, as a visionary scheme. Our prejudices, 

 however, did not excite us so much as they did some English 

 laborers, as recently as in 1830 ; a band of whom visited many 

 farms and destroyed all the machinery they found upon them, even 

 down to the most common tools. 



These preliminary remarks lead directly to the subject under 

 consideration — 



The Utility of Farmers' Clubs. 



The first point to which I wish to call attention, is, that the 

 business of the farmer is an isolated one. It must have space, and 

 calls him away from populous places. Broadly cultivated fields 

 and extended pastures, with forests and streams are indispensable 

 to his success. On these he must fix his home, and provide for the 

 family. This condition of things is imperative. Generally there 

 is no choice about it, as no village and its suburbs would afford 

 room for more than half a dozen farms. Compared with those 

 engaged in mechanic arts, this condition is a solitary one ; but 

 still full of compensations. It is one where the young may grow 

 up with simple tastes and virtuous habits ; one that seems nearer 

 the Infinite than any other ; where His glowing manifestations 

 lead to reflection and study, and where true patriotism is always 

 found. But one, after all, where social influences are needed, to 

 preserve a proper balance in the demands of our natui'e, for re- 

 creation, and the cultivation of the intellect and affections. 



A Permanent Home. 



Few things tend so constantly, and so much to that calm happi- 

 ness which we seek, as that of a pleasant, permanent home. A 

 home not subject to increasing annual rents and notices to remove. 



