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ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION. 



their own experience. There are many now living on farms who have- 

 passed their school days and who need educational helps; to meet this- 

 need, the Illinois Farmers' Institute has inaugurated a system of free 

 libraries which will be sent into the rural districts for the use of those 

 who wish to continue their education through the medium of books. 



Everyone is said to have two educations. One which he receives' 

 from others, and one which he acquires for himself. The latter is the 

 most important and with an ambitious person is never completed. Each 

 day should leave us wiser in some respects than the preceding day. In 

 the process of self education no medium is so valuable as good books. The 

 book which you can open with pleasure and close with profit is the one 

 to read. The Institute libraries will contain books suited to all the mem- 

 bers of the farmer's family. There will be books on the various lines of 

 farming, live stock and dairying Books on household subjects and of 

 various kinds for boys and girls of all ages. The best habit boys and 

 girls can acquire is that of reading good books; books that will telL 

 them about the world outside and away from the farm, and books that 

 will help them to see and appreciate some of the beautiful and wonderful, 

 things that come into their own e^ery day life. 



Thomas Carlyle said: "All that mankind has done, thought, or been, 

 is lying as in magic preservation in the pages of books. They are the 

 chosen possessions of men." Another writer has said: "The supreme 

 privilege of our generation is not rapid transit, nor increase of comforts, 

 and luxuries. Modern civilization hath its flower and fruitage in books; 

 and culture for all, through reading." 



The city resident of necessity can not choose his company nor con- 

 trol his environments; he must admit to his ear and eye, every day of 

 bis life, many things that grind and wear upon his finer sensibilities and', 

 try his soul. There are advantages in the quiet and isolation of the coun- 

 try if we but use them rightly. If we select books as our companions, we 

 need to have only those companions who are pleasant, agreeable, enter- 

 taining, instructive, and helpful. There is no better place in the world 

 in which to read and enjoy the company of books thian in. tke tajrmhome. 



