Variety in the Farmer's Culture. 485 



useful agent. But the newspaper is not enough. Too 

 much in the weekly newspaper is ininiatured thought or a 

 very partial presentation of facts. High-toned periodicals and 

 standard treatises on valuable themes are of vastly more 

 worth. They will repay study. 



A man's bent of mind will direct his choice of strength- 

 ening matter. Some people prefer history ; some, biog- 

 raphy ; some, languages ; some, mathematics ; some, nat- 

 ural science ; some, hction. But, whatever one elects, let 

 it be the best he can get, as he w(juld procure the best 

 seed. And let no one class of aliment or stimulant to the 

 mind be taken all the time. If you would study the sci- 

 ence of farming, it is not needful to keep the farm on the 

 brain all the time, nor is it likely to result in the best 

 attainment in the end. 



By a change of the object of sight the muscles of the 

 eye are slightly changed, one or more relaxed, another 

 drawn tenser, but there is relief thereby, and one may 

 return to the original object with a steadier sight than 

 before. So, by a diversion, the mental perception is 

 helped, and the ability to perceive fitted to do better work 

 than ever. 



'Tis said that liufus Choate used to refresh himself and 

 prepare for intenser study of the law by reading of a quite 

 contrary character. So are many others profited. So 

 may the farmer be. 



The sesthetic and religious natures come in natm-ally for 

 similar respectful attention, and return a good interest to the 

 farmer. 



Many a man is kept on the farm and does well there 



