No, 7. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 707 



and yet, as tbe student of history compares age with age, and era 

 with era, he finds unmistakable evidence that the world is advancing 

 toward the ideal. This fact of the continual advancement of the 

 race, seems to indicate that there are certain forces at work, some- 

 where, with a definite end in view. Just as the scarcely moving, but 

 yet moving, foam on the face of the mighty river, tells of an invis- 

 able current beneath able to bear on its mighty bosom the commerce 

 of the Avorld, so this slight evidence of a movement always in the 

 same direction, tells of some great influence that runs through all 

 history. 



This irresistible current that has carried humanity on its bosom 

 toward the ideal, is found on the unfolded pages that contain the 

 precious life-blood of its master spirits. The literature of a people 

 is the causfe and the effect of its conditions, an index of the past, and 

 the prophecy of the future. Since the literature of a nation influen- 

 ces its life, it is only just and fair to recommend such literature, in 

 the form of books and magazines, as will exercise the high powers 

 of the soul and help the people to acquire greatness and achieve 

 power. 



Bacon says, "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, 

 and some few to be chewed and digested." Were he living now, he 

 would surely add that some should not be touched. There are books 

 and magazines that poison the soul and make it unfit for a good and 

 useful life in the present, and for a life of joy and blessedness in 

 - eternity. Again, some present only the trivial commonplace, and 

 it is a waste of time and energy to read them. Of all this harmful 

 and foolish matter it would be well to make a bonfire. 



Our nation wants men of intellect; men of character, who are ever 

 ready to take a stand for right. It has been proven that a small 

 number of choice books taken to the heart is of greater value than 

 a multitude with whom we have but an introduction, or passing 

 acquaintance. When the Bible, Pilgrim's Progress and Shakes- 

 peare served as friends and companions, teachers and consolers, to 

 a sturdy race of people, the destiny of a mighty republic was placed 

 in its hands. Their teachings were taken to heart and cherished 

 as the most precious possessions. They caused their readers to. 

 think; and gave them, not only a taste for that which is pure and 

 beautiful, but strength and courage to brave the hardships of a 

 pioneer life and to give a new birth to freedom. 



No books or magazines can be of better or more healthful inspira 

 tion to the youth and the maiden, and to the older as well, as those 

 of a biographical nature. Those that deal with history "are the 

 voices of the distant and the dead, and make us hoirs of the spiritual 

 life of past ages." Such books are "true levelers." They give to all 

 who will faithfully use them, the society, the spiritual presence of the 

 best and greatest of our race." If we wish to tread on classic 

 grounds, permit the essayists and poets to become our friends. We 

 shall find them true and practical in their heart to heart talks. In 

 such we enjoy the intercourse of superior minds. Great men may 

 talk to us and give us their most precious thoughts, and pour their 

 souls into ours. With such companionship, what a strong and 

 mighty nation ours may become. Since we always want the best of 

 anything, we will want the best books and magazines within range 



