25 



changes, laws, and mysteries of nature, his pursuit 

 may furnish most profitable employment to the intel- 

 lectual and moral powers. 



Health finds as peaceful a home, and holds posses- 

 sion as securely, amid the tranquil nerves and the 

 firm sinews that are covered by the farmer's sun- 

 burned skin, as is furnished for her by the men of 

 any other occupation whatsoever. No other pursuit 

 is attended by greater bodily comfort. But young 

 men and boys are prone to imagine that some more 

 cleanly and less active pursuit would be more agree- 

 able and less exhausting than the cultivation of the 

 soil. The browned face, the hardened hands, the 

 aching back, the stiffened limbs, the muddied trow- 

 sers, and dirtied shirt, are unknown in the school 

 room, at a merchant's counter, and in the shops of 

 many mechanics. Half the world avoid the dirt and 

 hard labor which the farmer must encounter. It is 

 not surprising that the young, observing this, should 

 desire to quit the farm. Experience and observa- 

 tion have not yet taught them that every pursuit 

 brings aches and various annoyances ; or that dirt 

 and hard work are not among the fatal foes to enjoy- 

 ment. Perhaps a word from one who has experi- 

 enced the sensations of both the student and the 

 farmer, may not be worthless. The farmer's aches 

 bring good digestion and quiet sleep. The night 

 will repair the wastes of the day. But the excited 

 nerves and throbbing temples of the student bring 

 dyspepsia and exhausting restlessness. Morning 

 often finds him languid ; unrefreshed by his unquiet 



sleep. My oft repeated experience proves that the 

 4 



