Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-05-08


On passing neighbours the other day. l was
forcibly reminded Of the very descriptive words
of the wise man in reference to the field Of the
slothful, and the vineyard Of the man devoid
of understanding, and of their applicability to
most of the roadsides in every neighborhood.
They are all grown over with thorns nettles
have covered the face thereof, and the stone
wall thereof is broken down. The wise man
considered it well he looked upon it, and re.
ceived instruction. Can we not do the same P
How many neglect entirely the roadside adj
joining their premises, and how many more not
only neglect the roadside, but their field SIDE
and fences or walls. In numerous instances, l
have seen walls and fences so overgrown with
brush, briars, &c., that the owner, for years,
probably had not had access to them. On
some farms, acres are thus lost so far as pro.
ftabe use is concerned, to their owners. These
bushes and briars, unless vigorously combated,
will encroach year by year upon the field. The
only sure remedy seems to be to commence on
the roadside, if the field is thus bounded, and
make thorough work of them on both sides. l
will ask you, whoever you may be, who have
such roadside fences, if it never occurred to you,
that every intelligent, observing passer by of
your premises would look upon them with sor-
row at their neglect, and regard you with pity
as being either devoid of understanding, or
farms we know ofin our several neighborhoods,
where we invariably zee the fence corners piled
with brush and briars; wall, if any, overrun
with the same, and often broken down. Old
carts, cart-wheels, plows and other farm imple-
ments, piles of wood, boards, barrels, and some
times mulch Of various kinds, gathered in other
places) all commingled in the road, within
stones cast from the front door of the house.
Pigs, poultry, and often other farm Stock also
allowed the largest liberty of the highway.
Does such state of things indicate prosperity
Would you not, if going to purchase farm,
pass such an one by, as being unworthy ofyour
inspectionP The farm aside from its slovenly
appearance, may be equally as good and pro-
ductive as its neater ueighbor, cultivated under
the same circumstances. But who cares TO as
sumo the task of clearing up and putting such
place in order, unless it can be purchased very
low
This brings the question to bear where
wished in the outset, viz, that it is the interest
of every farmer to keep the roadsides of his
farm neat and clean.
Most men are moved by this motive, when
all others fail. If you don't care much how
things look about your premises, and the roads
adjoining, depend upon it, there are dollars
and cents involved in the matter that must be
needed, or you suffer loss. If you set to work
III BOOu earnest, 10 clear up Inc ROADSIDE OOrQ-
ers of your farm, you will soon extend your
operations to other parts, and not rest satisfied
until the whole is put in state of neatness.
You will in all probability then discover that a
spirit of improvement has somehow got hold of
you, and that the farm not only looks better,
but pays better. This, however, is not all the
good you get. There is an undercurrept Of
feelings awakened that will gush up into living
springs of enjoyment. You will feel your man
hood as you never felt it before; new strength
for the conflict of life and greater selfrespect
and be held in higher esteem by all who honor
you, which will give to your example greater
influence, and not only bless the present. but
coming generations.
If such state of things could be brought
about, we should hear less of high taxes and
hard times. Cheerful contentment would be
found on every hand. The wise man passing
by, would be pleased with the change, and in
stead Of predicting poverty and want to come
as strong man armed, would regard you as
being diligent to know the state of your hocks,
and looking well TO your herds the hay and
the grass appearing for the sustenance of the
same the lambs for thy clothing, and the pro-
ducts of thy fields and focks for thy food, for
the food Of thy HOUSEHOLD. and for the mainten-
ance Of thy maidens. XXX.
Rochester, Mass, Dec, 1861.