78 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



with its scenes and doings, or for the realization of a life-long 

 dream of Arcadian simplicity, and rural quietude and felicity. 

 Or drawn, it may be, by a more abstract theory or notion, that 

 the cultivation of the soil, as it was the first, is the most legiti- 

 mate of human pursuits; that it is best to get very close to 

 mother earth ; that if some other employments are artificial, 

 and of doubtful utility, this is surely God's ordinance ; that 

 here, if anywhere, is to be found health and invigoration for 

 body and soul, and that it is very good to pass one's declining 

 years, and close them at last, amid these most wholesome and 

 peaceful labors and influences. 



By whatever motives this class of farmers is founded and 

 recruited, it is a very valuable class in an agricultural commu- 

 nity. 



They often bring property into the rural districts, and show 

 what can be done by applying capital to the soil. They are the 

 persons to try new experiments in husbandry; for when they 

 fail in them, they can afford tlie loss, and when they succeed, 

 poorer men can profit by them as much as they. Coming from 

 more active scenes, with a wide and diversified experience, they 

 bring in and diffuse more liberal views of life and things. 

 Tliey introduce new and often better styles of rural architecture, 

 for houses and barns and fences, and all the farm offices, and 

 new ideas of neatness and good taste, in indoor living and out- 

 door sujroundings. Sometimes a literary and intellectual 

 element and influence accompanies them. They bring in some 

 of the refinements of the city, leaving behind them, for the 

 most part, I think, the follies and vices, and corrupting luxuries 

 of the city. A most useful class it is in many ways. 



And the benefit is reciprocal. These men learn as much 

 from their neighbors as they teach, and receive as much good 

 as they impart. They are a favored 'class. They, occupy a 

 position as fair, and witli as many of the capabilities of a 

 rational well-being, as the world affords. It is greatly coveted 

 by multitudes who never attain to it. A great portion of the 

 men in cities, men in trade and the professions, believe and 

 hope that finally, when certain objects have been accomplished 

 and a certain time arrives, they shall retire to a farm. A 

 dream, an illusion, it is with many. They cannot do it, or will 

 not, — an illusion, but a pleasant one. They find that tiie old 



