Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1860-06-07
Letters From a Farm No. 6.

Ed IhEEmAN -O0iouSSlnS w OudO Cldsc
denominated the " Working farmer" the la
bors of our occupation, for tho past month,
have utterly precluded the possibility of wri-
ting Indeed, so favorable has been the sea-
son, SO free from storms of any kind, that
there has not been day of rest-except the
seventh-until now.
With such an unprecedented season for Ia
Dor, it may be supposed that the usual
springs work is nearly completed, and in the
best possible Manner.
1t is not often that such an opportunity is
afforded to cultivate low grounds, or there
has not been sufficient moisture or dampness,
to deter working with the pillow, or prevent
sowing and planting.
Fears Of drouth have been entertained
for some time past, and not without apparent
reason, as another week Of dry weather must
have affected vegetation seriouSly--but these
fears may now be dispeled, as the warm and
genial showers of to-day, bear witness to the
watchful care Of our Heavenly father, and
bid us ever trust in His name.
The Spring is somewhat earlier than usual
grass looks we'll considering the dryness of
the time, the early-sOwn grain the same, the
fruit trees are blossomiDg profusely, and al
ready the indications Of the " Autumn-in-
gathering" are quite favorable.
1t was my intention to have written let
ter upon the different farm crops, but the
hurry of the season prevented my doing so,
and it not otherwise treated upon, =" the mat
ter" must rest until another year, when, per-
haps, from experience, wo shall be better
able to communicate.
A word about hoeing. If the land is not
too rough, and has been properly prepared,
this will not be difficult task-but if the
field is covered with stones, the sword indif-
ferenty turned over, and not half narrowed,
the labor will be sufficient to make ono wish
for the fertile bottoms Of the West, Or the
boys determine to be anything but farmers
The thorough cultivation Of tho hoed crops is
all-important to their highest development
and maturity, and the man who prepares
his ground in SO sovenly manner, as to
be obliged to literally dig 1t up with hoe,
and half way at that, may be assured that
there is something yet that he can learn.
There is no piece ofand that pays SO large
profit, in return for labor bestowed, as the
garden, and perhaps no piece thai is SO much
neglected by farmers as this.
10 be sure he has large fields on which to
bestow his attention, but these only furnish
the staff OF life"-the garden, properly
taken care of, will afford him many luxuries,
that would be highly grateful, and properly
appreciated by himself and family, when
fatigued by care and labor, spend little time
in the garden, and who will repeat next fall
that it does not pay?
Repairing and building anew" is tho
"orjer of exercises" in the intervals Of
farm-labor. A neat, comfortable establish
ment, presents an agreeable prospect to the
passer.by, and is a source of pride and sat-
isfaction to the owner-and there are many
such establishments 10 our vicinity, This is
certainly as it should be,--but in the consid
GRAFTON of dwellings, or othor buildings, due
regard should be had to comfort and conven-
fence, as we'll as " outside appearance" fash
ion points too much in this direction. 10
have large house to look at, and " little
one joined on in tho rear to Inc IN, is not
exactly as it should be.
10 sec as we'll as to be SEEM is worthy
OF notice; therefore all should, if possible
have that part of the building in which they
hVe-at least the largest portion of the time
facing the road but it may, and should
compare favorably with the main part of the
edlhce' SO as not to disfgure in the least, the
general outline.
The " surroundings also, have much tc
40 with the beauty and general appearance
of residence. A large and cos ly house
without corresponding enclosures, and devoid
OF ornamental trees and shrubbory, looks