The Democratic pioneer. [volume] (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1845-1853, 1849-11-02
iAGRTCULTURE.
improvement Daty of Farmers.

The spirit which animates our people, is that
of progress--improvemen Ever since the Dec
laration Of Independence, Enterprise has been n
distinguishing trait of tho American character
and at no period Of our nations history have the
skill and industry Of onr population been more
wisely md pro6tably employed than at this mo-
ment. Lock at the progress which has been
made during The last ten ycars-the improve
ments now being introduced into almost every
department Of agriculture and manufantures.
trade and commerce--and consider the vast influ-
cnce which this rapid and mighty change must
have upon the destiny Of our people and coun-
try! It is true that this spirit does not wholly
prevail, especially among agriculturists; but the
period Is fast approaching when those farmers
who now st and aloof from the aid Of science,
win be compelled to adopt the inventions and
improvements Of the age, in order 10 compete
with the more shrewd and enterprising. For
example, If A, by the adoption of superior
mode of culture, and the use Of labor-saving
ing implements, c,n produce one hundred bush
els Of wheat of an expense of $780, while the
same number of bushels costs B $75, it is clear
that the latter cannot successfully or fairly COM
pete with Che former, in the same market. And
so, nlso, in the raising of stock, the growing of
wool, and the production of pork, butter, cheese.
&c. Those who produce these articles at the
least expense will ever be the most successful iii
The accumulation Of wealth.
Admitting The correctness of our premises, 1t
is the bounded duty Of American farmers to
adopt every improvement within their reach---a
duty which they owe equally to themselves. their
children, and country. The responsibility which
rests upon our rural population is one of great
Importance, aod from which none can shrink
blamelessly. AS the motto of the uge is Ton
ward" so also should be that of Individuals
Each and oil should work both individually and
collectively, for the advancement of themselves
and their professions:
AS an individual, the farmer can do much to-
wards the introduction of improvements in
neighborhoods and communities. BY u careful
study of his professior-thc adoption of i'm
proved modes of culture and management of
crops and stock-the use of judicious Iabor-sa-
wing implements, und wise economy in all
branches of husbandry--any farmer can arouse
alaudable spirit of inquiry, which must lead to
Improvement amang those engaged in the same
calling in his immediate vicinity But he can
establish still more in another manner. BY com
municating the results of his well-directcd ef.
forts tothe agricultural and county presses, thou
sands instead of dozens would be benefited by a
knowledge of his management and success The
Introduction of agricultural books among his
neighbors will likewise prove beneficial to the
community.
In a collective capacity, farmers can cxert a
powerful influence for Improvement, and also
promote their individual interests. And here let
us for a amoment consider the Importance of Ag
ricultural Associations, as means of improve
ment. Are not the State and County Societies,
now in operation, advancing the true interests
of the farmer2 And If so, is not all-mportant
that these associations be well sustained and
others organized throughout the country We
think every intelligent reader will answer these
questions affirmatively; and we beg TO suggest
that they have duty to perform in this matter.
Itmay truly be said of many farmers, concern
ing this as well as various other subjects, which
demand their attention, that
"They know the right, and they approve 1t too,
Condemn the wrong, and still the wrong pursue"
They admit the benefit of association, but
year after year decline or neglect to become ac-
tive, interested members of the societies and |
clubs in their localities Friends, we respectfully
but plainly remark, that you are not discharging
your duty in this matter--and beg you TO con-
slider whether some action is not necessary. The |
present is favorable time for exertion in the
direction indicated. The annual exhibitions of
the various associations are to be soon held, and
your aid and influence would add to their inter-
est and value. No matter if you have bnoth-
ing3t exhibit this year-go and see what
others have accomplished Attend the fair of
your country society, and you will not fail Of
learning something useful while mnging with
others of the same calling, and witnessing on ex
hibition of the products of their skill and labor
-and do not forget to enrol yourself as a regular
payiug member of the association. In this man
ner you can essentially aid inpromoting the lau-
dable objects in view.
There are various other means Of improve
ment familiar to the intelligent farmer, that
should neither be neglected or over looked by |
those who de sire to keep pace with the progress
sive spirit of the age.
[Gen. Farmer.
SowNe SEEDS IN AUTUMN.--Cobbett, in his