10 TO OUR BROTHER FARMERS. 



we forget and we neglect important duties, for the want 

 of a little jogging, and we let slip the golden oppor- 

 tunity of overcoming difficulties until it is too late. 

 In this respect, mechanics who cluster in cities and 

 in villages have a decided advantage over us in all 

 colloquial intercourse ; and, by long practice, they 

 acquire a habit of communicating their thoughts with 

 more fluency than we who associate less with our fel- 

 low-craftsmen. 



We are accordingly accused of being more backward 

 in adopting improvements than other classes ; and, to 

 compensate for our living more remote from each other 

 than any class of workmen, we must write more and 

 read more. For these we have the means. We have 

 wholly the advantage of the mechanic in the leisure 

 afforded us in our long winter evenings for reading and 

 for writing. Let us improve these advantages, and 

 endeavor, by a course of mutual instruction, through 

 the medium of books and papers, to make compensa- 

 tion for the disadvantages of dwelling remotely from 

 each other. Let us remind each other of what should 

 be done, and of the time of doing ; and, if any one 

 has discovered an improved mode of cultivation, let 

 it be communicated as rapidly as improvements are 

 among mechanics. 



We have no idea that we have yet arrived at per- 

 fection in the art of cultivation. If any one has reached 

 that goal, let him teach another the way. We met 

 a farmer the other day, wrapped up close in wisdom 

 and his great coat, and invited him to join our society ; 

 that is, take our paper. "No," said he; "I know 

 how to farm it without books." " Yes," we said, 

 " we are well aware of that, and we wish you to 

 communicate your knowledge to others, that they may 

 become rich like yourself" He wrapped his coat 

 about him' still more tight, and said, " One is enough 

 for me to take care of" We hope and trust that few 

 in the community keep their wisdom so close as this 



