250 Wisconsin state agricultural society . 
bers and pulpits, but we want our ranks well filled with those who 
are no less noble and gifted because the world does not applaud 
their sayings and doings. Stores and shops have no need of our 
help. Cities are full and more than full of their own offerings to 
•supply their demands. 
As we open our doors to let in the pure air, the sunshine and 
■the melody of God’s chorus singers, in the glad spring days that 
are soon coming—so let our hearts be open to the beauties that 
.are so lavishly spread around us as to make us ignorant of their 
very existence. And as we till the soil deep to receive the seed 
for the coming harvest, let us not forget the young minds and 
hearts dependent upon us for daily food. In many instances our 
life is not only one of labor, but of cares and deprivations. We 
need to watch our own minds, that they do not get narrowed and 
dwarfed by circumstances, which we shall surely conquer if we 
meet obstacles with patient endurance and uncompromising de¬ 
termination. 
And will my words reach any of “ our boys.” Let me advise 
you; look well to yourselves; look well to the life before and 
beyond you before you leave the home sheltered from vice, 
•walled in from temptation, and covered from the storms of sin. 
This paper was read by Miss Hattie Bacon of Manitowoc, a 
student of the University of Wisconsin. The paper and the very 
fine delivery of Miss Bacon, merited and received hearty com¬ 
mendation from the convention. 
Mr. Robbins said from his experience hard work never hurt 
boys, and referred as a living example to ni3 son, a healthy and 
intelligent young man present. 
Mr. Phelps thought labor gave physical strength, but that se¬ 
vere application of the physical powers without some time being 
devoted to mental culture tended to dwarf the intellect. 
President Stilson said that he had listened with unusual interest 
to the paper just read, as he was well acquainted with the author. 
He commended it highly, aud regretted that there were not pres¬ 
ent more of the wives and daughters of the representative men of 
the farming interest, who had convened here. He hoped that 
these interesting and valuable papers written and read by ladies 
