Vermont Dairymen's Association. 27 



as farms, are being Improved ; education is becoming more of a 

 necessity and the farmer's life instead of being a life of drudgery 

 and disappointment is fast becoming one of the most broadening, 

 most interesting and most health giving. The farmer is realizing 

 more and more his importance to the world at large and the com- 

 plaining and unrest which have been so noticeable in the past are 

 fast passing away, we hope and trust never to return. Haven't 

 you noticed a change in the very atmosphere about the agricul- 

 tural portions of our State? Hasn't there been less complaining 

 and distrust around your factories ? Haven't you met with fewer 

 discouragements in your dairying and in the marketing of your 

 produce? Indications are that we shall all be optimists in the 

 near future ; certainly pessimism should never be allowed to gain 

 a foothold in our homes or places of business. Obstacles bravely 

 met can be overcome. 



"Beyond a forest deep a mountain stood, 

 So high that every pilgrim, taking fright 

 At its stern brow, returned into the wood, 

 Crying T cannot scale the aivfnl height !' 



But one of stronger purpose made a start; 



When he had come unto the mountain bold. 

 He drilled a level passage through its heart — 



And lo, the frowning cliff was gleaming gold." 



Not muscle alone you see, but a well developed and well dis- 

 ciplined mind and purpose directing healthy and well developed 

 muscles accomplished the desired end. 



I saw a very apt quotation in the New England Farmer a 

 short time ago from the Rev. Geo. F. Pentecost, which gives the 

 farmer the place he must fill. "The keys of heaven may have 

 been given to Peter, but certainly the farmer holds the keys of the 

 earth. The men who hold the farms of this country hold in 

 their hands the destinies of the nation." Now if this be true, that 

 the farmer holds in his hands the destinies of the nation, then it 

 behooves him to look to it that he perform well his part. Let him 

 stand where he ought on the subject of education. Our com- 

 mon schools should be of the best and it should be made possible 

 for our boys and girls to obtain a thorough knowledge of agri- 

 culture in them so that, if they are inclined to that line of work, 

 they may be encouraged in it. 



In these days of close competition and specialization we need 

 to study the bent of the child ; there is no use trying to make a 

 natural mechanic into a farmer, as the result will be a misfit and 

 probably a failure; but we ought to do all we can to instill in 



