EDUCATION IN THE RURAL DISTRICTS. 



If this is true of what may be called the wealthier classes of the community, it is, we 

 are sorry to say, still more true of the agricultural class. The agricultural class is 

 continually complimented by the press and public debaters, — nay, it even compliments 

 itself, with being the " bone and sinew of the country" — the " substantial yeomanry" 

 — the followers of the most natural and " noblest occupation," &c. &c. But the truth 

 is, that in a country like this, knowledge is not only power ; it is also influence and 

 position ; and the farmers, as a class, are the least educated, and therefore the least 

 powerful, the least influential, the least respected class in the community. 



This state of things is all wrong, and we deplore it — but the way to mend it is not 

 by feeding farmers with compliments, but with plain truths. As a natural consequence 

 of belonging to the least powerful and least influential class, the sons and daughters 

 of farmers — we mean the smartest sons and daughters — those who might raise up 

 and elevate the condition of the whole class, if they would recognize the dignity and 

 value of their calling, and put their talents into it — are no sooner able to look around 

 and choose for themselves, than they bid good bye to farming. It is too slow for the 

 boys, and not geiiteel enough for the girls. 



All the education of the scTiools they go to, has nothing to do with making a far- 

 mer of a talented boy, or a farmer's wife of a bright and clever girl — but a great deal 

 to do with unmaking them, by pointing out the superior advantages of merchan- 

 dise, and the " honorable" professions. At home, it is the same thing. The far- 

 mer's son and daughter find less of the agreeable and attractive, and more of the 

 hard and sordid at their fire-side, than in the houses of any other class of equal means. 

 This helps to decide them to leave " dull care" to dull spirits, and choose some field 

 of life which has more attractions, as well as more risks, than their own. 



We have stated all this frankly, because we believe it to be a false and bad state of 

 things which cannot last. The farming class of America is not a rich class — but 

 neither is it a poor one — while it is an independent class. It may and should wield the 

 largest influence in the state, and it might and should enjoy the most happiness — the 

 happiness belonging to intelligent minds, peaceful homes, a natural and independent po- 

 sition, and high social and moral virtues. We have said much, already, of the special 

 schools which the farmer should have to teach him agriculture as a practical art, 

 so that he might make it compare in profit, and in the daily application of know- 

 ledge which it demands, with any other pursuit. But we have said little or nothing 

 of the farmer's home edvcation and social influences — though these perhaps lie at the 

 very root of the whole matter. 



We are not ignorant of the powerful influence of woman, in any question touching 

 the improvement of our social and home education. In fact it is she who holds all 

 the power in this sphere ; it is she, who really but silently, directs, controls, leads and 

 governs the whole social machine — whether among farmers or others, in this country. 

 To the women of the rural districts — the more intelligent and sensible of the farmer's 

 wives and daughters, we appeal then, for a better understanding and a more correct ap 

 preciation of their true position. If they will but study to raise the character of the 

 farmer's social life, the whole matter is accomplished. But this must be done truthfully 



