t 
400 , WISCONSIN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
reasons for the processes of cultivation he goes through. And so I 
would have him learu carefully and scientifically of plant and ani¬ 
mal life, in health and disease; of the laws of breeding applicable 
to each. I would have him understand the principles of mec-hanics, 
that he may the more wisely select and more skillfully use his im¬ 
plements and machines. And not alone these things which relate 
to personal work in production — his chief but not his only work as 
a farmer. I would have him with equal care inform himself of his 
relations to others; of his rights and privileges and duties as a cit¬ 
izen. I would have him so informed concerning the principles that 
govern exchange of products, that he should not be a prey to de¬ 
signing men with whom he deals. While this theoretical knowl¬ 
edge should always be accompanied with familiarity with and skill 
in the manual work of his calling, I would also have it accompanied 
by as much knowledge of other things as is practicable, that he 
may have a well developed mind, a sound judgment and the greater 
:ability to enjoy the higher and nobler things of life. 
This may not pay ” in all cases so far as the mere accumulation 
of money is concerned, but even in this, a thorough preparation 
will bring increased returns in the majority of cases. As our ag¬ 
riculture advances, and it becomes more difficult for those without 
a capital either of money or of skill and knowledge to succeed as 
they have succeeded in the past — thanks to the most favorable 
■combination of circumstances which ever surrounded any great 
'people — as all this changes, the money payment for thorough 
training will be more certain. This change is going on faster than 
we are apt to think. Within the next quarter of a century there is 
to be a greater change in our agriculture than in any former equal 
time, and he is wise who prepares himself to take advantage of 
this. 
The average American young man wishes to do more than sim¬ 
ply make money. He wishes to secure influence; to be a leader and 
a power in his community. No brighter prospect lies before any 
young man so far as this is concerned that which presents itself to 
him who with well disciplined mind, and well trained, goes out 
to be a practical farmer. It is not true there is any such prejudice 
against the farmer as such, as makes it either impossible or un¬ 
usually difficult for him to secure respect, influence or position in , 
society, church or state. 
