Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1861-03-15
oood Hints for Farmers.
p. NfELENDY. Editor

Essrucss from the Address BY Dr. G. 'SpvugMe: or Llond
Os6ur Fails, September, 1860.
Nh. PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN ::
The occasion Of an Agricultural Fair is always
one of hurry, hence long speeches are not
appropriate at such times. shall therefore
only detain you for few moments.
Its source Of qualification to every lover
of the public prosperity, to sec farmers and
mechanics, and all others who are interested
in agriculture, (and none are exempt from
this interest," with their families congregated
On an occasion like the present. Agricultu-
raj Fairs aid in developing the resources Of a
coantry, and add greatly to the social influ-
cnce of the farmer. 1t is the proper occasion
for his annual holiday, and no class Of per-
sons il better entitled to a day Of recreation
than the tiller of the soil, or the mechanic
The only sources Of wealth in any country
devoted to the persuits of husbandry, are la
Dor and land. The farmer represents these
clements. Land, except as a source Of food
to man, is in the main valueless. To feed and
clothe the human family, it is necessary that
by far the greater portion Of the population
Of . country devote their labor and capital
directly to the soil. There is little danger Of
farming being overdonc. So true is this prop
osition, that we have, as evidence to sustain
it, that there never has been, and perhaps
never will he, surplus of agricultural pro-
ductions, if the whole world be taken into
the account. If the farmers were to cease
from labor, want and famine would visit the
doors Of the rich.
life upon the farm, is one Of quiet and re-
tirement, and does not lead men into public
life. 1t has the opposite effect. The intri-
cues of politics are not learned at the pillow.
II often happens where farmer is induced
to accept Office, that he rctires from it, dis
gusted with the common hollowness and want
Of sincerity prevalent in public life.
The position Of agriculture in this country,
is second to no other, in point of Importance
AID responsibility. Our revolutions are revo-
lutions of invention, Of knowledge, and OF
improvements. Revolutions in the old world
GENERALLY bind the masses more firmly in servi-
tude to the few. Their railroads and tele'
graphs are powerful engines in the hands Of
monarchy, used for the speedy concentration
Of armies, and transmission Of intelligence Of
popular movements.
4 w
The rapid introduction Of improved impli-
ments within the past few years, has very
much hlightened farm labor, and given the
farmer more time for study. Hence every
improvement in farm machinery should be
hailed as boon of immense value to the
husbandman. Our children will live to see
the art of farming in a different aspect from
which we see it.
Special legislation has been lavished upon
many enterprises, while the art Of husbandry
has been put off with mere pittance. We
do not complain Of encouragement being cx-
tsnded to worthy objects, but ask that agri-
culture be encouraged alike with other per-
suits,-that she receive her proportion of
public benefits, as compared with other bran
ckes of industry. This should be granted by
men of all parties. The pillow is Of no party,
and knows no distinction. Her broad fur
rows are opened alike in the north and south,
in the east and in the west, developing the
innate element of nutrition alike to the cotton
pls1t, Is well as to the more northerly farm
aron **
The time is not far distant, with our pre-
sent rapid increase in population, that we will
be compelled to cease from cultivating as we
have in years past, . piece Of land until we
have robbed it Of its natural fertility, and
thso abandon it for another, and SO on from
farm to farm, and from State to State. :
Remote from market as we are in Iowa, it
is question Of the first importance to deter
mine what system Of farming we should per-
sae. W. cannot groU grain for shipment
eth profit.
Startling Is this proposition may appear to
msn who have been accustomed to manage
min fhrms only, we nevertheless believe it
= Be strictly true. We invite your attention
teaA facts and figures, and base our state
mcnts on the very reasonable supposition
that the laborer is worthy Of his hire.
If farmers and their sons do their own farm
work, aided by their own teams and tools,