I'AkMERs' INSTITUTES. ^705 



What poet in the midst of a crowded city existence has not pined 

 for his native haunts, and out of the longing of his heart has not written 

 words to quiclien our appreciation and love for all that is beautiful? 



It is not strange that the intelligent farmer boys and girls of to-day 

 are wanted in all professions, and it Is an undisputed fact that unless 

 there is a corresponding movement to the farm, the best material of our 

 country will have settled in the cities. 



Is it fair that the farm should train her young people for a life of 

 solid worth and usefulness, but to see them spending their talents in the 

 city? Must we leave the farm for an uncertain career in the ci'owded 

 city? Is it not better to be -an expert housekeeper and cook than a 

 stenographer or bookkeeper, or a good tiller of the soil than a halfway 

 merchant or politician? 



It is agriculture in a highly improved state that is the means next 

 to righteousness which truly exalts a nation, and that will contribute 

 to its enduring prosperity. 



And how swiftly the opportunities for improved agriculture are 

 crowding themselves upon us. How little the farmer a few years ago 

 thought the daily mail, telephone, and in some places the electric cars 

 would come to them. Thus a few years hence improvements which we 

 do not dream of will make farm life still more delightful. As we think 

 of the greater things to come, we are reminded of Tennyson's famous 

 words: 



"For I looked into the future far as human eye could see, 

 Saw the vision of the world, and all the wonder that will be." 



Nearer and nearer is farm life approaching the ideal; greater and 

 greater are its opportunities for enjoyment and usefulness, and of life 

 on the farm it can now truly be said: 



"Life greatens in these later years, 

 The century's aloe flowers today." 



IS RURAL LIFE THE' MOST SUITABLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT 



OF YOUTH. 



SHIRLEY E. ENGLAND. 



[Read before Perry County Farmers' Institute.] 



If it had been possible for us to look upon the boyish face of a 

 Washington, a Garfield, or a Lincoln, would we have been able to see 

 then, in those actions and fresh young faces portrayed the doings which 

 in after years marl^ed either as a leader amongst his fellows? Ah no; 

 for, of course, there is no trace of such development to be seen in the 



45 -Agriculture. 



