No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 331 



to tell or to hear some new thing." This kind of knowledge some- 

 times grows or increases as it passes around the circle, hence my 

 term, progressive. May I iiillict a few lines of I'hyme u\U)U you to 

 illustrate the point? 



"Said Mr. A to Mr. B, 



While stopping: in the town; 

 'One Mr. X to nie remarked. 



Smith bought his goods from Brown.' 



"Said Mr. B to Mr. C, 



Who cast his eyelids down; 

 'I've heard it said to-day, my friend. 

 Smith got his goods from Brown.' 



"Said Mr. C to Mr. D, 



With something of a frown; 

 'I've heard it said to-day, my friend, 



Smith, took his goods from Brown.' 



"Said Mr. D to Mr. B, 

 Who blazed it round the town; 



'I've heard to-day svich shocking news- 

 Smith stole his goods from Brown.' " 



We come now to consider necessary knowledge. I use the term 

 advisedly, because the suggestions that shall be made under this 

 head are concerning necessities. I claim that a knowledge of litera- 

 ture, mathematics and some of the sciences is absolutely necessary in 

 order for man to enjoy the companionship of his fellows, to be suc- 

 cessful in his vocation, and above all, to be content. Literature Is 

 helpful to these end® in two ways: A man knowing nothing about 

 authors and their works is placed at a decided disadvantage if 

 brought into the society of those possessing this knowledge. If he 

 knows, and knows that he knows, se^f-confidence is his. But you 

 say that he need not commit himself, and fling at me the quotation, 

 "A close mouth makes a wise head." Very well; suppose he is 

 asked to express his opinion. Verily at such a time when he opens 

 his mouth he is likely to "put his foot in it." 



Again, in these days of cheap literature we can purchase for a 

 small outlay sufficient books for a year's reading. How will they 

 help in this matter? If we are feeling discouraged we may read 

 something from Burn®, or Riley, or Carleton, or any of the host of 

 writers who make us forget our trials. If we feel like tackling 

 something difficult, yet entertaining withal, we may read Shakes- 

 peare. If our spirits are too lively and free, we may read something 

 from Lotze or Kant to steady ourselves. Authors are our best 

 friends, and will stand by us at all time®, to cheer us, to enlighten us, 



