FARMERS'' INSTITUTES. 519 



and prided themselves on their attainments. It is said, "He who malses 

 two blades of grass grow where one grew before is mightier than a king." 

 It must be pleasing to the manufacturer to see the wool and cotton 

 woven into beautiful fabrics, or to the painter to watch his ideal develop 

 at each strolie of the brush. How much more pleasant it must be to the 

 farmer to liuow that the world is fed from his hands, and to see all around 

 him the effects of co-worliing with nature. It has been wisely said that 

 "Ivings may be dethroned and others are ready to spring into their places; 

 monarchies may crumble to pieces and other forms of government arise 

 in their stead; dynasties may be subverted, and society moves along almost 

 undisturbed, but let the plow stop for a single season, and manufactures 

 would be paralyzed, merchandising would be suspended, commerce would 

 be at a standstill, and demoralization, stagnation, death and destruction 

 would be as widespread as the world." 



ROADS. 



HUGH PATE, FRENCH, IND. 



[Read before Ohio County Farmers' Institute.] 



One of the most important subjects confronting the American farmer, 

 and in fact every American citizen, is summed up in the words, "country 

 roads." When our forefathers settled this country they scarcely thought 

 of roads, and why should they? It is true their nearest neighbors were 

 miles away, but when they called on each other, they went on foot or on 

 horseback, and could dodge around trees, jump gullies, ruts, etc., and never 

 think of blaming the road supervisor or county commissioners. Then they 

 had nothing to haul to market except a little corn to a grist mill, and that 

 was taken on horseback. But now what a change Almost every farmer 

 travels many miles each week in his buggy, and farmers don't like to be 

 jolted much these days. Besides, crops of all kinds must be hauled to 

 market, the farmers' sons and hired men must go to see their girls, and 

 to parties, candy pullings, etc., and are always in such a hurry that smooth 

 roads are very desirable. 



The "American Wheelmen," a society organized of, and for the benefit 

 of bicycle riders, have a map of the roads of the United States, which 

 are most desirable for riding, and it mentions the best roads without re- 

 gard to distance. In going from Rising Sun to Madison, Ind., the map 

 requires the rider to cross the river twice, and then he saves time and 

 strength in making the trip, although he travels many miles more. If it 

 will pay a wheelman to travel miles out of his way, in order to ride on 

 good roads, thereby saving himself and wheel, as well as time, why will 

 it not pay us to have good roads, in order to save time, patience, vehicles 

 and horseflesh? 



