The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1858-01-15
SKILL In EVERYTHING.

The science of agriculture is made up of a
whole group OF sciences, whose theory and ap-
plIcations the farmer must understand and
practice, If he would be master of his profess
ION.
He must know something OF Chemistry, 10
understand the treatment of the soil, and the
composing and use OF manurps He must un-
derstand Botany, to manage all the vegetables,
grams and fruits which he grows. He needs
Fhysioiogy and medicine, TO treat his animals
well IN health and sickness. IF he builds a
house or barn, knowledge Of architecture will
stand him in good stead. If he has threshine
machine, or mower, be needs some acquaintance
with the principles OF motive power In the
construction OF drains, he must apply the prin-
clPles OF Hydrostatics, and to some extent of
Hydraulics too.
We give these facts as illustrations of our
mpaning, not by any means as exhaustiug what
might properly be said on this matter. The
truth is the farmer needs to be bit of genius
in almost anything, if he would stand at the
head Of his profession.
1t was not our purpose, however, when we
penntd the heading OF this article, to say much
on these grave themes. II was an humber Top
lc that tempted our pen.
We wish to eXhort our readers to become well
skilled in all the minor operations which the
management Of the farm and garden Involves
What we mean, two examples will show
Mr.. A. is farmer, and nothing else If
strap breaks in harness, he sends two miles
TO have IT mended, liza horses leg is bruised,
he will not treat it himself, but sends for far
rier. His bee-hves need repairing, and he
hires carpenter TO do what a very little skill
would enable him 10 do for himself He cam
not even mend an old sled, or repair broken
backed rake, without foreign aid. He is a
good .farmeT. He keeps his implements in
good condition., too, but it is at great expense.
Mr. B. is another sort OF man. He is as
good farmer as Mr.. A. But be is timber and
elastic too. All the little jobs about the house
he does himself, or teaches his boys TO do. He
can roof a house he can hoop barrel, or he
can dig and wall well. He can build she'd,
pot spoke into wagon-wheel, graft or bud
iru-iree, or make a new harness out of an old
one, with an awl, waxpd end, and bit of leath-
er. IT be attends fair, he sees the po.nn,s ia
the improvements that are on exhibition, ~ he
can apply many of them 10 his own work With
ou; any further aid.
We will go but little further. Our readers
see what we are at. We hope they will them
selves be, and bring up their sons to be, men
who will have some skill in everything.
Here are some reasons for this recommended
ton, which we will give at the risk of making
this article little longer:
/. Almost every farmer will need this kind
OF skull. Not one in thousand will live so
near village where there are skilled mechan-
lcs, as to be able to use their aid at all times.
Fewer still will farm on SO large scale as TO
embrace all these trades in the force employed
On their own grounds. He will need some skill
himself
2. Such skill renders its possessor more in
dependent. The sense of such independence is
great comfort. It's exercise is sometimes a
great advantage.
3. 1t saves great amount oftime and money.
We knew man who lost " hole DAVIS time
Ind several dollars in money in the following
way: part of the harness was taken away.
He had not enough tact and skill TO repair it
with piece of rein or halter.
II will develop talent in many persons, where
t now slumbers useless and poweress. The
exercises in mechanical skill furnished by the
arm, has awakened the mind OF many youth,
Who has ripened into noble and skilfui me-
hanic or artist.
Bot we have said enough. Give the boys
nd girls good chance TO cultivate their pow
RS in practical way. You can never predict
What treasures you will find.-Ohio Farmer.