VHE FARMER AND HIS FELLOWS. 99 



with suitable recreation, and accompanied by the discharge of 

 civic, social, and religious duties. The importance of the 

 social side comes from the fact that through that we in a great 

 measure shape the lives of our youth. Recreation they will 

 have, and if they deteriorate it will almost certainly be 

 through companionships formed in pursuit of recreation in 

 which parents do not participate. The economic importance 

 of this chapter grows out of the danger that under present 

 social conditions the drain of vigor from the farm to the city 

 will be greater than the farming class can endure without 

 impairing its power of survival. The weaker residue left 

 may not be able to sustain themselves in competition with 

 other classes. As the lack of social enjoyment on the farm is 

 unquestionably the main factor in driving boys away from 

 the farm, it is best to frankly recognize the fact. Rational 

 recreation is an economic factor of great power. 



