VERMONT DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. H>7 



they were about to meet one of those animal-scaring- trolleys. 

 he dismounted, stepped along to the yoke, and eased them by 

 with the skill of a master. Although the boy was not more 

 than twelve or thirteen years of age, that was a grander feat 

 than to be classleader in any high school or college. It afford- 

 ed him a better training than any years' training in a high 

 school could give. He learned to be merciful to the beast, and 

 at the same time developed his powers of command. It was 

 necessary for him to exercise self-control which is always a 

 prerequisite in controlling anything, else. A noisy brawling 

 boy cannot break steers any more than a nervous, excitable 

 man can train a colt. A boy who has that calm mastery over 

 himself, that quiet self-poise, that personality, that he can 

 break steers, has in him the ability to influence a legislative 

 assembly or to rule a state. 



And so life on the farm is full, joyous, and abounding. It 

 gives a charm that sanctifies drudgery, and makes all toil a 

 pleasure. It affords a foundation of nature knowledge which 

 is essential to future asociation with men. It develops the 

 powers of gentleness, self-control and personality. It incul- 

 cates the principles of honesty, frugality and benevolence. It 

 forms the habits of economy, thrift and honest industry. It 

 makes for manliness and nobility of life. 



But the country cannot get along without the city, nor the 

 city without the country. Both are essential. They are inter- 

 dependent and supplement each other. The country furnishes 

 the landed wealth, the city the commercial wealth. The 

 country furnishes the products, the city the market. The 

 country furnishes the means, the city the end. The country 

 furnishes the homes, the city the business. The country fur- 

 nishes the training, the city the activity. The country fur- 

 inshes the men, the city the opportunity. 



But the country home today can give better opportunities 

 than ever before. " The bicycle and trolley have brought the 

 city to the country and carried the country to the city. Rural 

 mail delivery is becoming an established part of the govern- 

 ment. The public library is now accessible to nearly all who 

 wish to read. The " Outlook," the " Ladies' Home Journal " 

 and the " Youth's Companion " can be weekly visitors. Con- 

 sequently the farmer's famil} T can be more independent than 

 nabobs, and happier than millionaires. There are dangers to 

 be avoided. Men should not become niggardly and close 

 fisted and dry up the fountains of charity because times are 

 hard. Women should not become dull and sad and oblivious 

 to the duties of life through the everlasting treadmill of the 

 kitchen. They should go out, see things, take in the world, 



