FARMS. 103 



and genial companionship. From the simplicity of his inter- 

 course, his manners are simple. As his own head and hands 

 supply nearly all his wants, he is unostentatiously self-reliant. 

 A consciousness of his independence and of the important 

 functions which he performs in society makes him a man of 

 plain dignity. Tliese are the characteristics of a true New 

 England farmer, who, having commenced life with that intel- 

 ligence which our public schools can give, has remained true to 

 his profession. 



There is a very frequent complaint among farmers, that their 

 sons get dissatisfied with their business, and leave it as soon as 

 possible, deserting the certain independence of farming for the 

 lotteries of trade. In my journeys through our county, and 

 visits to various farms, I have often thought that this tendency 

 might be accounted for, in part, without supposing it was due 

 mainly to the unattractiveness of agricultural labor ; it may be 

 due to the unattractiveness of home. Attachment to ones* 

 birthplace is always strong, and the force of the attachment is 

 in proportion to the value of that birthplace as a home. The 

 most important requisites of a perfect home are an intelligent 

 man and a refined woman to preside over it ; these being 

 wanting the thing is impossible ; being present, all else follows 

 as a matter of course. Now the instinct of a New England 

 boy protests against being a mere clodhopper, and when he sees 

 this destiny before him he escapes from the farm to the city, 

 where, his wits having been sharpened by contact with his 

 fellows, he lives, or thinks he lives a higher life. If our farmers* 

 homes were what they might be, few of their sons would be 

 anxious to leave them ; but, not finding there the intelligence 

 which can change the drudgery of labor into a delightful em- 

 ployment, they go where the cravings of their nature can be 

 better satisfied. "When fathers cease to be guided by mere 

 beaver instinct in the complex business of their farms, their 

 sons will remain at home ; and, uniting the vigor of youth with 

 the wisdom of age, they will lighten the labor of life. 



In my visits during the past season, I have met with many 

 intelligent farmers who are deeply interested in all the agricul- 

 tural improvements of the day, who read the periodicals and 

 books on farming, and gladly learn from practical or theoretical 

 men. They are inquiring for better methods, better implements, 



