248 Wisconsin state Agricultural society . 
driven from home, and into other walks of life, simply by the 
injustice of those that love him better than can be told, and 
whose last hours would be crowned with gladness if blessed with, 
his presence. I will not admit that a child is selfish because he 
recognizes the right of property. Why should he not practice 
early in life, what he will surely claim later, and learn generosity 
with his own, for it is hardly generosity to give what belongs to 
another. 
And the matter of compensation. I will pause a moment if I 
am a surprise to any when I mention compensation in connection 
with the labor rendered us by our own boys. I acknowledge 
that a large share of mankind eat their bread in idleness; but it 
is not farmers or their families. That “children cost more than 
they come to,” is often sounded in our ears; but it is an argument 
so weak that 1 will not give it a moment’s thought. If one re¬ 
ceive labor at the hands of a stranger, be it ever so unsatisfacto¬ 
rily rendered, we expect to pay for it. Yet how many a farmer’s 
boy works early and late, bearing with him the cares and respon¬ 
sibilities of half the farm, for his is interested labor, and receives 
in return, three or four months schooling in the winter (during 
which time he does the chores, cuts the wood and stays at home 
an occasional day to help father draw hay), his clothing (which is 
none the best), and a few shillings (reluctantly given). Perhaps 
during the summer he attends 4th of July, and a circus, and dur¬ 
ing the year a few sabbaths see him at church. On his occasional 
trips into town he sees boys of his own age, well dressed, passing 
to and from school, or carelessly enjoying life. If he troubles 
himself to inquire, be is informed that they are the sons of me¬ 
chanics and artizans whose parents are far less able than his to 
support them in this manner. How, what is the effect upon his 
mind ? A dissatisfaction with farm life, and a determination to 
leave the farm and try the town. As this is the very thing we do 
not wish him to do, shall we not seek a remedy ? It is easily 
found. When your boy faithfully renders you his service, and 
saves your hiring some one else, pay him at least half what you 
would the stranger. If you consider him already in your debt, I 
advise you to keep him so. It is a good investment upon which 
you may wish to depend when strength fails you—in the winter 
