SHALL I HE A FARMEIf? 41 



would not accept, even if they did have to spend all their 

 income. 



SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE FARM BOY 



32. The choice of an occupation. One of the most 

 important decisions in the life of every person is the choice 

 of an occupation. One should carefully consider the 

 advice of his parents and friends, but the final decision 

 must be made by each individual for himself. It is 

 not at all necessary that every boy follow his father's 

 occupation. What distinguishes America from the old 

 world is the mobility of its society. Every boy may do 

 what he likes. He is not held by tradition. We must 

 strive to maintain this freedom for all time. It is just 

 as important as a free government. 



Each person should choose the occupation in which he 

 will be of most use in the world. Even from the selfish 

 standpoint, this is usually best. The ultimate rewards 

 in money and in pleasure are usually largest when one is 

 doing the work that he can best do. 



The farm boy has had a good apprenticeship that would 

 require several years to acquire. This is a valuable train- 

 ing for any occupation, but is likely to be of most value 

 in farming or in experiment station or agricultural college 

 work. 



The high salaries paid in cities are misleading. They 

 sound much larger than they really are, when the cost of 

 living is considered. 



If one is sure that he prefers some other occupation and 

 that he has a fair chance for success in it, he should cer- 

 tainly not be a farmer. But, in many instances, the dislike 

 of farming is merely 'a " case of the blues." Periods of 

 discouragement come to every one regardless of his occu- 



