Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-04-14
PROSPECTS, OF AMERICAN FARMERS
FOR 1855.

There never has been brighter prospect
opened for any class Of citizens, than looms up
befors the farmers Of The United States for the
coming, aud probably many successive seasons
Three of the leading commercial nations of Eu-
rope, and fourth-a second.rate power--eln-
bracing over 200 600 600 Of people, are en-
gagged in mortal combat, striving, by every pos
sible means, 10 reduce the products and rcsour-
ces Of each other, and render them unavailing
for their own use, or that Of neirhborng ma
tons. Already they have shut up the interior
of continent, that has hitherto supplied no
inconsiderabe share Of the European demand
for wheat and other breadslufis. The immeas-
urably extended and fertile plains Of Austria
and Southern Russia, are Theoretically sealed
against the expor, Of single cargo Of the staff
of life, and they may thus remain ill the close
of the present European war In addition 10
the comprehensive hostlitics that now prevail
abroad, Austria assumes the attitude of "the
freiful porcupine.' She stands brislling with
100000 aabrcs and bayoacis; aud on tho dawa
Of spring, it would not be surprising to find all
Europe marshalled on one side or tho other of
this hostile fray.
mense amount of human labor from the cultiva-
lion of the soil, which these operations insure,
that every article Of consumption must contin-
ue At very high prices, if they do not exceed
the present exhorbitant rates. Almost every
eatable, flesh, grain, vegetables, are worth
nearly double their average rates, and this, too,
when manufactured and other articles of neccs-
siy are unusually cheap, and probably below
their customary value. Thus while the farm
or is getting twice as much for his crops as he
has been accustomed to, he is paying less for
every necessary article required for his con-
sumption.
Labor is the only exception TO the adyanta-
ges the farmer has now in his hands, and this
he may reduce to the most uncomfortable point,
by the introduction and use of the many labor
saving machines, invented and perfected within
these late years for his especial benefit
He may now pillow and harrow with vastly
better implements; he may plant his corn and
other seeds, or SOW his grain, with the most
perfect and accurate seed-sowers; he may cul-
tivate his crops with implements adapted to
every conceivable purpose he may cut his
grass with moving machine, and his grain
with reaper, and rake both with revolving
rake; he may thresh and winnow his grain
and shell his corn by machinery; all these and
innumerable other operations about his farm he
may accomplish by horse or steam power, with
a slight superintendent, and aid of human in
lellect and labor thus placing ii in his power
TO become, in great degree, independent Of
increased wages, Let no man complain OF
high-priced labor, till he has first supplied
himself with every labor-saving machine he
can possibly use with advantage on his farm.
But the advantages we predict for our agri-
eultnrlsis, can be realized only by the inteli-
gent and the industrious. lfyou don't raise
the crops, you will surely not be paid for them.
Set vigorously to work at once, and prepare
your field as soon as the frosts will permit ;
provide your manures, and if you have not
enough already to give an ample dressing to all
your cultivated acres, procure them elsewhere !;
ashes, plaster, guano, bone-dust, superphos-
phate of lime, and whatever your own, or 9th
ers' experience indicates as best suited to your
proposed crops, and which can be readily pro-
cured get hs Jea seeds and the best implements
10 be hdd; adopt the most judcious systems of
cultivation and put every idle hand you have