The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1855-01-26
AGRICULTU U r A l. .
For the Union and Journal
Farms without Interior Fences.

There can bc no question but that in 10.
calitics where land is high in price, and
where farming materials are scarce, and
consequently dear - the following method
of fam management would be found to
possess many advantages. Its adoption
would unques,ionably enable the owner to
economize la-gly in the matter Of fencing,
and to increase, very greatly, the number oil
his animals. The latter advantage would
also enable him to apply TO his lands annu'
ally an increased quantity of manure, which
would render his arabic fields more produc-
tive and profitable. Soiliug has thus lar
received little serious attention in this coun-
try-less, we are confident, than it de-
serves. In Europe, and moro particularly
Great Britain, i, is practiccd to great extent,
and with the most aattering success.
Its principal advantages over the old sys-
tens, are it in the FIRST place enables the
farmer to keep more stock, and in the Sec
ond, to realize an increased quantity OF su-
perior manure from the same number oi
animals.
We can speak OF the method, however, only
from the representations Of those who have
investigated its operations, and from pub
lished accounts. Those who are disposed
to try it, can do so on u few acres, and with
few animals. The utility and feasibility
of this system, viii thus be ascertained
without trouble or expense, and those who
may prefer it, can extend their operations
ad Ibiium, while those who think it not
practicable, can rcnounce it. 1.-The Hon
Josiah Quincy, President Of Harvard Col
lese," Says late writer, "has one Of the
finest farms in the vicinity Of Boston. 1t is
extensive and surrounded by nourishing
hawthorn hedge, but there is not an interior
fence on the premises; the whole presents
single field, devoted to all tho various
purposes of agriculture. No part Of 1t is
allotted to pasture, properly speaking. as his
cattle are fed in their stalls, and never sui-
icred to roam over the fields - and the ad-
vantages OF bis system are thus given -
Formerly there were seven miles Of inte-
rior fences to be kept in repair, but by keep
ing his cattle up, the whole Of this expense
is saved. Formerly sixty acres Of this farm
were devoted to pasture; but now greater
number Of cattle by One.third are kept on
the product Of twenty acres, and the cattle
are in the best condition.
The saving by these means is enormous,
and the immense advantages arising from it
are too apparent TO need to be dwelt upon.
During the summer the cattle are fed upon
grass. green oats or barley, cut the day be.
fore and suffered to wit in the sun, and the
manure which is thus saved will more than
pay the extra expense and trouble. The
farm is mos. highly cultivated, and every
kind Of grim and vegetable has its place. y
The expense ef keeping seven miles Of fence
in repair, is certainly no Insignificant item,
while the increase in. the number OF animals
ono Third. demonstrates that more cattle
can be fed from the same number OF acres
under the new. than under the old system
Still, the expense Of feeding, il must be
recollected, is increased somewhat under
the latter. W.