Nebraska advertiser., 1857-01-01
farmers Department,
From the Rufal New-Yorksr.
ARE FARMERS IMPROvrNGl

~
and especially at the close of a seasons
practical operations. 1t is an all-im-
portant question with many, and merits
the careful consideration Of every Ru-
ralist. The pecuniary interest and
general welfare of community depend
upon, and are directly enhanced BY the
progress and improvement of its in
dividual MISUNDERSTOOD in proportion
to their advancement in modes of cul-
ture, the judicious management of
theio affairs, and in the attainment of
Wisdom and Wealth, will be the Happi-
ness of the People and Prosperity of
the Country. 1t is perhaps difficult to
determine the relative progress of i'm
provement during the year now clos
ing, or the past FIVE or ten years, yet
by discussing the question somewhat
interrogatively, we may aid individual
readers in deciding whether material,
substantial advancement has beenmade
by themselves, and in their respective
localities.
Much that is so called is neither pro-
gress nor Improvement. Appearances
are not always reliable testimony
Good buildings, fences, &C., though
always creditable to the owner, and
indicative of Improvement, do not in
variably accompany superior culture
and husbandry. The production of an
extraordinary crop on limited space,
or of a single animal of extra weight
or beauty, does not prove the owner a
profitable cultivator, breeder or grazier
for the crop or animal may have cost
far more than its market value. We
admit that much depends upon the ap-
pearance of the farmers homestead
and premises generally, and have ever
advocated the Importance of good
buildings, fences, roads, and the vari-
Gus ''improvements" and convenience
which tend to renderhis home pleasant
and attractive alike to his family and
in the eyes of strangers. Yet these
items, and the addition Of superior
educational and religious privileges
the cOnveniences of good schools
churches, &c.,-though exceedingly
commendable and important in and Of
themselves, do not invariably demon
strate marked improvement in Agri-
culture. So of extra garden culture,
ornamental surrounding, fine stock, and
other matters;-all are pleasant to be-
hold and creditable to the proprietor,
yet if he is not annually increasing,
or at least maintaing, the richness OF
his soil, and augmenting the value Of
his premises, he is not a passenger in
the car of Improvement.
The great question for every culti-
vator, and community of farmers, to
decide, is, whether he and they are
laboring advantageously and profta-
bly,. Is the soil deteriorating or i'm
proving? Does the farm produce less
or more than formerly? Is the income
sufficient to leave proper balance over
and above the necessary expenses oi
cultivation, for the support and educa-
ton of his family? IF farming does
not pay-why? Is it lack of good cul-
ture, rotation, manuring, &C., orin con-
sequence of persistence in endeavor.
ing to produce what is not adapted to
the soil and climate, or crops which
are annually ravaged by insects? Or
is the reason attributable to the want
of convenient and good market fol-
the articles produced? By the way
as much judgement and attention are
requisite in preparing for and market
ing as in the production of many
articles-matters too frequently over
looked, and which subject the pro
ducers to much loss. For instance, the
packing, shipping and marketing o
fruit, dairy products, &C., and prope
information as to prices and the bes
markets, are often of as much import
ance as their productien. Thes
articles are frequently sold to specu
lators and "middle men, at from one
fourth to a half less than their actua
market value-asad commentary upol
the intelligence and enterprise of pro
ducers.
But we are DEPRESSING, and return t
the qlery-Are Farmers Improving
; The great majority of our readers i
this State, the West and Canada, ar
grain growers. Are they improYin,
in culture and management?-sustain
ing the fertility of their soil, increas
Z ing its productiyeness, and augment
ing their profits? This is vital ques
ton, and one which will come home t
the minds and pockets of thousand
; herein addressed. Can you, reader
answer it satisfactorily? Have yo
not "missed il" and failed of improve
} ment, in some Of your operations? B
persisting in depending mainly upo,
one crop-wheat, for instance-hav
, you not made much slower progress:
and far less profit, than you would b
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