STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 107 



our labors and to appreciate our work. Wben we realize the real 

 blessings of rural life, and what the farm may be made to yield of 

 comforts and enjoyments, as well as profits, and do what we can to 

 interest the boy, it will take more than the allurements of the city to 

 induce him to leave his home. 



Unfortunately, it has been thought by some that any one knows 

 enough for a farmer. No greater mistake could be made. No 

 occupation in the world needs more intelligence and none is more 

 conducive to education in its best sense or better fits a man to dis- 

 charge all the duties of life than conducting the varied business of 

 the farm. He enters into partnership with nature to manufacture 

 from the elements of the soil and air, the magnificent fields of grain, 

 the trees and bushes loaded with the luscious fruit, and those animals 

 which graze upon our many hills, all of which are cilcalared to 

 strengthen both mind and body, and give happiness to the soul. 



To enter into business with such a partner for such a purpose, 

 ought to give a man a thousand limes more self-respect than to weigh 

 out sugar and nutmegs, or to measure off calico at five cents a yard. 



A few years ago a Mr. Lyon and his son came to my farm in the 

 West to buy some steers. Upon looking them over carefully him- 

 self he said to his son, John, look them over and see if we can afford 

 to pay that price. I said to him, "I am glad to see that you con- 

 sult your son in matters of bu-^iness." He replied, "He is young 

 now but we are both rapidly growing older, and I shall soon pass off 

 and want him to be accustomed to the business." There was no 

 question about that son remaining on the farm. 



Mr. Ellis of Belfast, one of the most successful farmers in the 

 State, has two sons who approached him when quite young with the 

 request that they might keep some sheep. He said, "Yes, you may 

 keep as man}^ as yon wish on this condition, that you accurately 

 weigh all you give them, both hay and grain, so you can tell me 

 everj' week just how much the}' are costing you, and consequently 

 at the end of the year you can tell me what you have gained or lost." 



By such treatment those boj's soon learned to take an interest in 

 the farm and early acquire the habit of conducting their affairs in an 

 accurate, business-like manner, which not onl^^ secured in them a 

 love for the business, but made success doubly sure. 



Unless a man's account shows a reasonable amount on the right 

 side of the ledger at the close of the year, he cannot expect to make 

 farming attractive to the son, or long expect him to remain at home. 



