ADDRESS OF M. 0, RICHARDSON, M, D, f 



OF NEW MARLBORO'. 



Mr. President, Ladles and Gentlemen: — Much has been written and said 

 about improvement of farms and farming implements, and many have been the 

 discussions about that care of horses, cattle, sheep and fowls, by which they 

 shall attaiu the greatest possible perfection. That the residents of Southern 

 Berkshire, aided by their own common sense and practical observation, have 

 given good heed to what has been written and said, we have had abundant evi- 

 dence in what we have seen during the present exhibition. And, look the 

 county over, one will see everywhere crowded barns and granaries, cellars 

 well stored, — an abundance for man and beast of all that we must have in com- 

 mon with them. In all this the farmer should rejoice and be glad. 



But there is a higher want for him ; a thinking, hungry mind, also, needs 

 food. What provision "has he made for himself, wife and children, to meet 

 this want ? A few suggestions on this subject may properly occupy us for a 

 few moments. No time is allowed for indefinite remarks — fine sentences, or 

 speculative ideas; so I come at once to the consideration of a practical subject. 

 It is said, and with truth, too, that our sons are inclined to leave us as soon 

 as they grow up. They are attracted to mechanical -or professional life — to 

 almost anything, rather than to spend their days on a farm. There must be 

 some cause for so prevailing a tendency. We live in one of the favored regions 

 of our country, as far as soil, climate and beautiful scenery are concerned. Be- 

 sides, there Ls an innate love of home to keep our children with us. And yet 

 they go away. Have parents considered and decided the reason why ? After 

 a careful examination into this case, my diagnosis of the disease is, in the words 

 of the Prophet, "Thou art the man." In a large percentage of the cases, chil- 

 dren are driven from home. You say, " This is assumption, without founda- 

 tion in fact.'" I admit that your words may say, " remaiu with us," while at 

 the same time your conduct — the whole atmosphere of your home says, "you 

 can do better elsewhere," and our young men believe it. Sooner or later they 

 go from home far enough, and are away long enough to see that others have 

 comforts that are not found under the parental roof. Without stopping to con- 

 sider the reasons for the difference, our youths arrive at these conclusions. 

 Fanaiag i* auttsmpatible with high social position A farmer •a»not kave s« 



