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ploughshare which turns the black furrows to the sun, 

 and combs the ridges with the harrow, and drops the 

 seed into the mellow loam. The spring-time is nature's 

 morning. The white spread vanishes, sun and shower 

 send greetings from heaven, the buds burst, the birds 

 sing, and a soft verdure clothes the fields. The pastures 

 are clothed with flocks; the valleys are covered with 

 corn. 



This lesson of rest we read in the world of growing 

 things. Man also rests from his labor. There is no 

 scene of greater beauty than a rural landscape at the 

 close of day. The ploughman lifts the yoke from the 

 faithful ox ; the milk-pails, brimming with foam, are 

 brought in, and the quiet herd lie down to rest. The 

 fowls crowd the perches ; the shadows lengthen on the 

 western hills, as the farmer gathers with his family round 

 the evening board. The gates are closed — the bars are 

 up ; night draws the curtain, and the tired farmer sleeps. 

 No dreams of unpaid notes disturb his slumbers. No fear 

 of failure or unfair competition. He has done his duty ; 

 he leaves the rest to Him who sends the rain and sun- 

 shine. He rests in peace, for God giveth the increase. 



THE FARM A SCHOOL OF THE INTELLECT. 



There are many schools in which man is trained for 

 duty and for life. Among them all I do not hesitate to 

 rank as of first importance that which has its place in the 

 unpretending home of the farmer. In the quiet beauty 

 of every rural scene, the central object is the old farm- 

 house, with shade trees, and garden, and orchard, and 

 spreading lawn. By the fireside, in that home, the farm- 

 er gives lessons of wisdom to the growing boys. With 

 his few books and his weekly newspaper, he keeps his 



