The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-04-10

I Mr. Brooks of Princeton,s said his experience
i'm EARNING was similar to that ofMr Parker.
lie went on his farm about twenty ycnrs ago
at which time he could only winter six head
ofcattIe. lie now winters thirty head ofcat-
| tie two horses and two colts, from the pro-
ducts ofthe same land.
Mr. Parker thought the profit Of farming
! should not be estimated by the crops alone,
but that the improvement of the land should
also he taken into consideration On the
farm which he alluded TO in his remarks,was
Two acres of bog. This he offered TO sell for
1895. Finding 10 purchaser, he employed
TWO Irishmcn TO drain it, which they did
thoroughly in day. He found the bog 10
be composed ofpeat, and since that time, he
had cut and used in his factory 200 cords of
this peat, per year, whereby he had saved
$500 per year in the consumption Of fuel
Mr. Wheeler said that when he was young,
the children offarmers were taught but little
beyond reading, writing, cyphering, as far as
the rule of three. The want of an education
is more felt in farming than in mechanical
business generally. 1t is no wonder that The
sons of farmers become disguised with farm
ing, when the same routine is kept up rom
year to year, without effort 10 improve and
apply the lights afforded by science.
lfproper attention was given TO the cduca-
ton offjrmers, there would not be so strong
desire to emigrate to cities and to the West.
Farmers would then divide their farms IT.
mong their children, and keep their families
about them, and, with the help Of science,
each of the portions oIthe farm so divided,
would he made MS profitable rs the original
farm.
Mr. jerks Of Boston, mentioned some sta
tislics given in the fifth annual report Of the
| 81 a. IaI N
that the educated farmer or mechanic had II
great advantage over the uucducatcd. The
application of science to agriculture, has
made great improvement in that art. The
present form ofthe mould board ofthe plough
for instance, is the result OF the application
OF scientific principles. The application of
the science of chemistry has produced like
improvements.
The subject of the practical education of
farmers is II new one in this country, but it
has been long practiscd in France, Denmark,
Sweden, Scotland and England. In Ireland
there is an agricultural school, where boys
receive sound practical education for ElO
per year. Ifcducation is so beneficial to the
farmer, why should we not give Our farmers
its benefits?
Mr. jerks said he had sometimes thought
that the scicuce ofiurming should he taught
as II branch of education in our common
schools or ut least that an agricultural school
should he established in each county. 1t
would not answer to teach it in colleges, rs il
would he too expensive for the masses.
Mr. Lincoln of Worcester, said he still
held to the opinion which he expressed at
each Of the preceding meetings, that farming
is not profitable.
Mr. Brooks of Princeton, explained some
remarks which he made at the previous meet
ing, with regard to the profits Of farming.
He thought the average of farming through
out the State was profitable TO the extent OF
10 to Is per cent on the investment. but that
some particular kinds of farming paid u lar
ger profit.