28 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



have the love of the beautiful developed in him, and that in 

 all things pertaining to his life he should show that love ; that 

 neatness and order should preside over his farm, in all its 

 arrangements, even to his cattle yard and pig pen ; that taste 

 should construct his dwelling and make it attractive without 

 and within, adorning its grounds with flowers and its walls wifli 

 works of art ; that culture, refinement, personal graces, aye, 

 the lady-like accomplishments of life, should add their attrac- 

 tion to the homelier merits of wife and daughter. Possibly, if 

 the farmer's home were thus made more beautiful, its influence 

 might be greater over the sons to keep them in their father's 

 calling. 



V. In all true Manhood is there a moral element also. It is 

 this that gives independence and integrity. These are qualities 

 which find in your sphere of life encouragement and help. 

 The farmer is his own master. He has no party to serve. He 

 is one of the sovereigns. He has no favors to ask ; no offices, 

 tariffs, bounties to beg. These things helping others, may 

 indirectly help him. But he does not depend upon them. He 

 need not sue and cringe, and debase himself for one of them. 

 Nor are his interests at war with the higher elements of his 

 being, his judgment, or his conscience. His work, the obtain- 

 ing of a sure living through it, requires not the sacrifice or the 

 subjection of these elements. Thus it is given to him, if he 

 will, to maintain his individual freedom and to stand fast in his 

 conscious integrity. 



VI. The crowning element and finish of the true man is 

 religious faith — a reverent recognition of God, of his pres- 

 ence and operations. " An undevout astronomer is mad." An 

 unadoring farmer is a brute, fit only to herd with the cattle of 

 his stall. 



Such are some of the elements of manhood, the high end 

 which every man's calling should serve ; which your calling 

 fosters and may more efficiently promote : physical vigor, mental 

 activity, social sympathy, love of the beautful, moral integrity, 

 religious faith. 



