698 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



I 



discussions which will break the monotony of the long winter evenings 

 and may have a tendency to Iveep the cliildren by father's fireside instead 

 of going elsewhere for entertainment. 



But with all this, is this home ideal? If we can find a spirit of peace 

 and love ruling over all, then we may consider that our picture is perfect, 

 but without this it is incomplete. It matters not liow near perfect tlie 

 home may be, if there is not a mutual love existing between the inmates 

 of this home, it is impossible for them to be happy. 



We might paint the picture of another home wliich is simply a little 

 hovel, and in Avhich from appearance there could ))e nothing Init misery; 

 but if there is an overruling love reigning supreme here, then we tind 

 there is sunshine, and the inmates are much happier than those in the 

 grandest mansion where there is discontent. 



Whether the home be palace or hovel there are always some who are 

 happy and some who have burdens to carry; perhaps it is a secret sorrow 

 of which the world knows not that must be borne in silence and alone. 



Let this be as it may, if we find the spirit of love, there will we also 

 find the spirit of contentment. Although we all strive for wealth and 

 education, which is something Ave should all attain, and attain as much of 

 it as we can with honesty, yet we must have that one essential quality— a 

 pure and holy love. 



I endorse the words of him who wrote; 



"What is a home without sunshine 

 As it sheds its bright rays far above, 

 You may have wealth and its pleasures, 

 But wliat is a home without love?" 



WHY LIVE ON THE FARM? 



MBS. OLIVER FERGUSON, MILTON. 



[Read before the Farmers' Institute at Cambridge City.] 



Having its origin in necessity, agriculture has always l)een the most 

 prominent in the growth and development of mankind. 



It is the duty of the young to liear in mind tliat notliing is more respect- 

 able or dignified than the life of the independent farmer. Then, you say, 

 "Why do not more farmers' sons bpcome farmers?" The answer may be 

 found by studying their environments. Does the farmer tell his boys that 

 liis occupation is the most independent in the Avorld, or does he say that 

 farming does not pay? Does lie send his children through the rural school 

 and finally to some higher school of learning, and say to them, learn bC' 



