Page:The empire and the century.djvu/430

 Muscular strength was its mainstay, and the constant exercise of rigorous self-denial almost its only economy. Its chief difficulties seem to have been of a similar character to those which Adam experienced after his Paradise was lost. In the growing of crops, unfavourable weather, weeds, insects, and fungous diseases, are called blessings in disguise. The disguise is unquestionably good.

Nowadays, agriculture may be said to include not only the cultivation of land, but the culture of the people who live on the land. The efforts of the farmer must be directed by intelligent purpose, if he is to prove successful in maintaining the fertility of the soil, in raising and keeping live-stock profitably, and in preparing products for markets. This all calls for education suitable to his needs. Such an education fits the people to derive happiness, material prosperity, and vigour of body, with strong gentleness of spirit, from their rural occupations. It is not so common now as it was to hear that sort of education sneered at as 'utilitarian' by those who hold to the mischievous notion that culture consists in acquiring and exhibiting conventional manners, and is shown at its best by a life of idleness in the midst of beautiful and luxurious surroundings. To the educated farmer that sort of thing is corrosion and corruption of the fibres of physical, mental, and moral life.

The wholesome fruits of culture are satisfying and nourishing only to those who follow a worthy course of action, careless of personal ease, for some important public good. To many of us who are working for the improvement of rural education, it appears that moral courage and intellectual enjoyments rest upon, and rise from, the basis of a people like Canadians, who are intelligent, capable, and disposed to work together for the good of all; who are well fed and well clothed; who live in comfortable houses; and who keep themselves perfectly clean.

Certain places are especially adapted for certain rural