28 



connected with his pursuit. This journal might be 

 so kept that at the close of the year it could be post- 

 ed, and show the cost and value of each crop, and 

 each variety of animals upon the farm. I know not 

 in what other way one can learn with accuracy the 

 comparative profits of his crops or stock. Such 

 knowledge is surely desirable, and can be obtained. 

 If procured in the way here recommended, the farm- 

 er's labors will become more intellectual.and interest- 

 ing than they now generally are. For the habit of 

 recording at night the observations of the day, would 

 keep the mind awake to the occurrences around it ; 

 would cause one to be accurate in his observations ; 

 inquisitive for the causes of what he witnessed, and a 

 reasoner from the facts so carefully noted. Thus 

 the mind being kept active and bright would acquire 

 a deepening interest in a pursuit which is constantly 

 presenting new views of nature's operations. If 

 properly pursued and explained, I see not why the 

 business of husbandry need be less attractive to the 

 intelligent, active and enterprising boy, than is the 

 business at the merchant's counter, the mechanic's 

 bench, or on the merchantman's deck. But to ren- 

 der it such, more employment must be furnished for 

 his mind than most of us had in the days of our boy- 

 hood. The boy is directed to learn in the school- 

 room ; but on the farm he must work. This is very 

 well, though I cannot allow that it is enough. More 

 pains than is usual should be taken to teach boys the 

 best methods of doing their work, and the reasons 

 for those methods ; more care and experience be- 

 stowed in procuring for them the best of tools, partic- 



