Rensselaer Union, Volume 10, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 March 1878 — Poultry Keeping by Boys. [ARTICLE]

Poultry Keeping by Boys.

It is one of the most premising indications of character when boys show a disposition to earn something. This desire to hold something in lee simple is the very opposite of trampism. Among boys, the enjoyment of owning, buying and selling is very keen, and is often gratified in the getting of knives, old watches and trinkets, and making exchanges with each other. Who does not remember the wonderful dicker and trade of his boyhood? It was only the beginning of a develment, or, rather, a self-education. This matter should not be permitted to go without some guidance. Parents and guardians should take an interest in it; not exercising a meddling interference, but inspiring confidence, so as to be able to co-operate, plan and watch the result. Now comes a scheme that is just right. How can we teach a boy business habits better than by giving him an opportunity to “run’’a hennery? The account must be accurately kept; there must be buying and selling; there must be bartering; there ought to be profit! A miniature business springs up. Inasmuch as it is real, why is it not as good as a business college? It may be better; for it may prevent spending time in the streets or away from home, perhaps among questionable companions. A love of home is fostered oy the ownership of flowers, small fruits and poultry. A fondness for the finest things produced by our climate —to cultivate them, if belonging to the animal—is not only a source of keen enjoyment, but indicates good traits and a certain elevation of character above that which is brutish. Young people should be deftly guided, step by step, through pleasant paths, with here and there a little job of earnest work, made easy by social frolic and recreation, which come after in their proper place. With a little encouragement, boys may become quite familiar with the points of excellence in high-class poultry, pigeons and other pets and learn the best methods of breeding and management. They may learn when and where to purchase supplies to the best advantage, and how to sell the surplus products, so i s to give the most profit with the least expense. A pleasant self-re-liance and good business habits may be growing, and at the same time a love for Nature, for refinement andhumanity.—