Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1863-10-10

Ties OF lnclr SOIL ana cllulitio, ioT iu itooIi,
It is nothing seductive; its mists and
rains are proycrbial, and its humidity lit
tie favorable to wheat, which is the prime
object of al cultivation, while France has
numerous valleys and rich deposits eli
mate not so moist, but warmer.
Why then, it is asked, is English agri-
culture so much moro productive than
French? The answer is, Because of their
superior cultivation Of their soil.
1t may be ! have dwelt too long
on these comparisons. have already
excused our own country from any, yet
there is an opportunity to institute one
between Eegland and the rame area Q!
our own land. If we do SO, we shall see
that our fault, lko,slat OF France, lies in
cropping more land than we cultivate
thoroughly. We regard tho crop for i'm
mediate use Of more Importance than the
condition of the soil when cropped, while
the English will not for any such gam,
sacrifice their compcnsating system, that
leaves the land in high condition for
successive crops.
l give you these ideas for the reason
that they appear to me applicable, for if,
rs | have already stated. the real wealth
of n State lies in the productions of its
soil, it is a matter Of the first importance
to all, how we can add to its productions
The question should be how aCeH, rather
than mucA soil we shall cultivate; of put
ting our land 10 the best account; to
study how this pieco can bo improved for
grain, that part stocked with sheep. an
other wit cattle, anil at The same time
by proper changes, to keep tho part crop
ped in as high a state of cultivation rs
possible, end so have all in process of
revenue ut the same timn, without any
corresponding deterioration in its conditi-
Oh,
A glance at this Republic is sufficient
for us to determine that closely interwo-
ven with its future destiny, is the science
of agriculture. We have seen that 9TH
err nations have their Ministers OF Agri-
culture and Rural Economy, the same rs
Of the Treasury, Navy, War, &c., while
we have as yet a SUPPLEMENTARY only,
while our resources in an agricultural
point of view, are such rs no other Gov
eminent possesses. Adjoining each other
and under one form of 90, eminent, we
have the climate Of almost every nation
under the sun; productions of every vari-
ETY.; soil whose fertility is unsurpassed,
stretching from Ocean to Ocean, from
the Great Lakes to the Gulf; with our
harycsts rolling with one continued swell
onward Ike n mighty tide, to fad an out
let in the great commercial markets of
the land; over II 900 miles of internal
navigation; $4,000 miles Of Railroad /;
With 10000 miles Of Telegraph, annih-
: lating space between the cities Of the At
antic and Pacific. exten ling from the
rivers to the ends of the Republic, and
over which tIle electric spark conveys the
glad news Of q Nations rolling wealth.
A word to the farmers Of the st. Croix
Valley in regard TO sheep raising and
wool growing. Travel where you will,
and in whatever direction, you find
stretching out to view facilities unsur-
passed for this branch of agriculture, and
: it is for the farmers Of this Valley TO say
how soon factories shall rise along our
J streams to give employ to the numerous
operatives of the East, and TINS to fur.
n;sh you at your door in return for your
wool, all the necessary wooden goods for
your use, and save the expense of the ex-
portation ofyour products and the impor
tation OF the necessary apparel for home
consumption. Moreover, our mineral
wealth, consisting of iron, copper and
lead. but adds to the encouragement thus
held cut. Our numerous streams, with
an unbounded capacity for manufacture
ing purposes, Will cause an increased
consumption of the products Of the soil,
and give an impetus TO its improvement
if cnce brought into requistion.
Internal difficulties have drawn our
minds away from this subject, and caused
us to be unusefuy frugal in orr expend-
lures, in view of the increased expendi-
lures of our State, and National Govern
ment. Experience teaches us however,
that money is never scarce in time of
war, and it is more necessary to practice
economy at the close, than during its ex
istance.
For instance our State tax will be less
this year than any other since the COM
mencement of the rebellion. By means
Of the investments Of the School Funds,
in the bonds Of the State, and applying
it toward paying the soldiers wives the
five dollars per month. instead ef loan
ing as heretofore and taking worthless
securities, which are in most instances
thrown back upon the State. Thus the
School Fund draws its interest regularly
from the State, and tho Commissioners
nre not obligcdto be looking up, and TAX
ing care of securities Of that Fund at q
great expense Ill over the State, nor en-
ploy clerks for that purpose.
Also by reason Of its decreased valua-
ton of the real estate Of your county
under the last equalization. The State
board two years since, being inexcusable
in their appreciation Of you county, as
our own, bccau.e you carried off the
Prize Banner at the State Fair, put your
valuation at too high a rate.