No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 333 



ing hand, lu brief, we would try to remember that we were part- 

 ners in the same concern, its success dependent on our mutual labor 

 and to act accordingly. 



W'r liope not to be undierstood as charging these sins of omission 

 and commission on mankind in general, yet we all know they are 

 to be found in practice occasionally. 



In conclusion, wt' will notice what is to our mind the most help- 

 ful thought of all. Nothing will lighten our labor so much as to 

 have right views concerning it. ^\'e must be self-respecting, con- 

 tented with our loi. in life, love our work and take a proper degree 

 of pride in it. To be sure this is not always easy and natural, when 

 we think of the women in other walks of life, who live in ease and 

 comparative idleness, nevertheless, with Divine help, and the sturdy, 

 persistent exercise of our own will power and common sense, it can 

 be acquired. We must discipline ourselves until we can put our 

 best force, energy and spirit into our work. We must study to 

 economize our ell'orts and apply our labor to the best advantage, by 

 giving to it our best thought instead of regarding it as mere drudg- 

 ery or slavery. To this end with wisdom let us "count our mercies.'' 

 If she will to be so, the farmer's wife can be thoroughly independent 

 as no other woman can. Society cannot crowd her hero, saying, this 

 far ho further. Fashion cannot sway its scepter over her, saying, you 

 must do this or that. Surrounded by pure air^ pure influences, free- 

 dom of thought and action, she can rule her own domain, if ishe will to 

 do so. 



Lastly and very best of all — to lighten our labor, learn, to look 

 always on the bright side, make the best of the present, hoping ever 

 for better things in the future. Brooding over the sorrov,s, difficul- 

 ties and failures of the past, serves only to stupefy the senses, caus- 

 ing us to yield helplessly beneath every burden. To be a woman in 

 the true meaning of the word, is to arise to every emergency with 

 christian fortitude. With heroism of soul, to outshine every dark 

 cloud of discouragement, with strength of character to subdue every 

 oppression, patiently persevering unto the end. And this great prin- 

 ciple is not for great trials or terrible calamities only, but should be 

 carried into the realities of every day life and labor. 



