Proceedings of the Farmers' Club. 363 



parity for attaining distinction in any of the higher relations of life. 

 There is but a feeble exhibition of brain power where the stomach 

 has been restricted habitually to inappropriate diet. Nutrition must 

 be constantly varied and abundant to supply the various organs of 

 the body with elements necessary to the full perfection of their func- 

 tions. The farmer, therefore, who mainly subsists on a few articles 

 of food — because he imagines he cannot afford to consume anything 

 that would sell for a profit — loses far more than he can ever gain by 

 that policy. 



It is said, that one reason why farming is not looked upon 

 with more interest in Ireland, but perhaps unjustly, is because those 

 engaged in it are not remarkable for intelligence. Certain it is that 

 field laborers there are fed principally on potatoes ; but when they 

 reach other countries, and especially the United States, where it is 

 customary to have a variety of condiments and a mixed diet of meats 

 and vegetables, instead of an exclusive diet of potatoes and salt, they 

 change entirely in mind and body, and exhibit traits of character, 

 enterprise and bold determination quite beyond what would have 

 been their social, political or intellectual status had they remained in 

 their own oppressed native land. In order that a farmer may advance 

 the interest of society, he must possess those qualifications which 

 command respect. His knowledge of the business to which he is 

 devoted is regarded with attention by those who wish to improve 

 tbeir own condition by following his example. Next, with a reputa- 

 tion for being discreet, a safe counselor in whatever appertains to the 

 management of his property, makes him a man among men, whose 

 acquirements give stability to institutions with which he may be con- 

 nected, and thus a moral force accompanies all his acts, and his moral 

 influence is a rich investment for his posterity. 



During my autumn rambles, I visited the homestead of one of our 

 number, who often gives us, in these meetings, the benefit of his 

 experience. I was desirous to learn whether he practices the arts and 

 the virtues which he so often recommends, and I was greatly pleased 

 at learning how admirably his farm business is conducted. Order 

 reigns there. Cheerfulness, refinement, good taste and economy are 

 visible in all the appointments of the place. A convenient dwelling, 

 in which comfort has not been sacrificed to empty show, is a pleasant 

 feature for contemplation. A fine collection of books, especially on 

 the favorite pursuit of the proprietor, various objects of virtu, 

 musical apparatus, and, above all, a wide range of vision, on which 

 every eye may feast from any part of the mansion, might be cited as 



