No. 4.] NEW ENGLAND FARMERS. 209 



Opportunities of Kew ENGiiAND Farmers. 



BY WESLEY B. BARTON, DALTON. 



I do not come before you to-day, gentlemen, prepared to 

 tell you how all farmers can increase their incomes and im- 

 prove their surroundings, but to make a few suggestions 

 that will perhaps start a line of thought that will prove to be 

 of some advantage either directly or indirectly in improving 

 the surroundings and conditions of some of my brother tillers 

 of the soil. 



Opportunity is defined as a "fit time," " a chance." Now, 

 do the farmers of New England take advantage of the fit 

 times and chances ofiered them? Yes, some do, but many 

 do not ; some succeed, others make failures. And right 

 here, what constitutes success in life? Is it riches or hap- 

 piness? Last spring it chanced to be my lot to become 

 acquainted with two old people, the grandfathers of a friend 

 of mine, and I was entertained at the homes of both. One 

 whose sole aim in life had been the accumulation of property 

 was tottering on the brink of the grave, with scarcely a 

 friend or acquaintance who could enjoy a visit with him. 

 While he had succeeded in having broad acres and money at 

 interest, when the time came to follow his mortal remains to 

 their final resting place, the mourners were few and the tears 

 were more of joy than grief. The other had lived a simple, 

 quiet life, assisting many others in their efforts to battle with 

 the world ; and, although the cosy cottage where I was hos- 

 pitably entertained was covered with a mortgage, and it was 

 necessary for the sons and daughter to contribute to the 

 necessary expense, there was happiness and comfort shown, 

 and a contented spirit that is apparent only where life is a 

 success. 



Now, the New England man has every opportunity to make 

 life worth living. Education can be had, social life enjoyed, 



