What Smith Knew about Farming
The poem explores the relationship between a farmer and his land, highlighting the importance of hard work and dedication to farming. It describes the farmer's knowledge and skills, which are passed down through generations. The poem also touches on the theme of tradition and heritage in rural life.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Satire · 1,888 words
First lines
There wasn't two purtier farms in the state / Than the couple of which I'm about to relate; -- / Jinin' each other -- belongin' to Brown, / And jest at the edge of a flourishin' town.
Brown was a man, as I understand, / That allus had handled a good 'eal o' land, / And was sharp as a tack in drivin' a trade -- / For that's the way most of his money was made.
What this Textopian page supports
What Smith Knew about Farming is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Satire, Fiction, Pastoral
- Length: 1,888 words
- Structure: 1 section, 26 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for What Smith Knew about Farming by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form with a rhythmic and rhyming structure.
- Humor — The narrative employs a humorous tone, particularly in its depiction of Smith's farming misadventures.
- Satire — The story satirizes the naivety of city dwellers attempting to farm and the cleverness of rural folk.
- Fiction — The narrative is a fictional account of characters and events.
Tags
Agriculture · Farming · Knowledge · Rural Life · Farmers · Practical Advice · Expertise · Experience · Tradition · Skills · Techniques · Methods