To the Young Man on the Farm

TO THE YOUNG MAN ON THE FARM. BY MILTON BENNION, M. A., PROFESSOR OF PHILOSOPHY, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH. "Cities are the graves of human species." These words of Rousseau may be extravagant, but they are not wholly devoid of truth. The city not uncommonly becomes the grave of a whole family in the course of a few generations. On the other hand, the farms steadily renew the population of the country districts, and at the same time pour a stream of recruits into the cities to renew and invigorate business and professional life. There are two opposing tendencies in human nature, both of which have to be combatted. One is that of mere inertia, a tendency to settle down in whatever situation one finds himself, and be nothing worth while; the other is a discontent that makes one always dissatisfied with his calling. "I'll do this because I have to, and in the meantime look out for something better," is the characteristic attitude of this class. It is a good thing for a person to be able and willing to do anything that needs to be done, and to be able to make a living by following an occupation, when there is occasion for it, that is not first choice. It is, however, desirable that every young man decide early in life what he can do best that will make him and his a living, and at the same time be of service to his fellows. If it is to learn and follow a profession, such as law, medicine, engineering, or teaching, very well, let him devote his energies to this end; but let him consider well beforehand the final results of this course to himself and to his family. The young man in the country is ko frequently attracted by

372 IMPROVEMENT ERA. the older professions because of the vagueness of his ideas of them; while the occupation of farming seems to him too familiar and commonplace. It is not known to him as the new profession of agriculture. What are the advantages of life on a farm? In part these : It furnishes opportunity for the most varied mental and physical activity, and for the development of a stability of character unexcelled in other vocations. It calls for an out-door life that tends to develop and perpetuate "a sound mind in a sound body." This soundness of mind is not restricted to the intellect. It includes also sanity of feeling, a right attitude toward life, the surest safeguard against suicide, insanity and crime. It offers the best opportunity for a free and independent life in that the farmer, who owns his farm, does not have to go out hunting a job, neither does he have to cater to other people. He calls no man master, but rules his own affairs, subject only to the Lord of all and the common moral law. The extension of modern conveniences to the country makes it generally possible for the farmer to have in his home water connections, telephone service, electric lights and an electric motor. Socially, he is provided with good common schools, and has, or soon will have,easy access to good high schools for the education of his children. It requires only a little intelligence and energy to enable him to add to his natural advantages the best that the city can give. The farm provides most favorable conditions for the rearing of a family. No where else can the enemy of race suicide do such a flourishing business so successfully and economically. If this seems to be a matter of little consequence to a young man as an individual, it may, nevertheless, have some weight when he answers the question: "What can I do that will be of lasting benefit to mankind?'' Add to this, the fact that in mature life probably nothing else gives more enduring satisfaction to a man than to be successful in bringing .up a family. The importance of agriculture in relation to the prosperity and stability of the nation has received substantial recognition in

TO THE YOUNG MAN ON THE FARM. 373 the establishment of the Department of Agriculture, the Agricultural Experiment Stations, Agricultural Colleges, and Farmers' Institutes. The existence of these agencies must be added to the advantages of farming as an occupation. Given the inclination to do so, a young man can easily obtain some instruction in scientific agriculture. Whether he gets little or much training in agricultural schools, he can and should supplement this by the constant use of the bulletins of both the Deparment of Agriculture and the Experiment Stations. A good local farm journal, such as The Deseret Farmer, for the intermountain district, will furnish guidance in the use of this material, besides giving a great many practical suggestions concerning local problems. Thus the farmer can always be in touch with the results of the most recent and careful investigations in agricultural science. Forest Dale, Utah.