The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-05-22
Buying q Farm.

First. then, it may not bo advisable to buy
at all. Farming on paper is easy, pleasant
and gives good show of profit; actual cul-
tivation of the soil may be as enjoyable and
rcmunerativo, provided man understands
how to accomplish work easily, is enthusias-
tic in the business, and hasibrains and expert
ence to plan wisely. It is not always best for
men of middle age, brought up to other call
ings, and possessing limited capital, to buy n
farm. 1t requires experience and skill, as
well as hard work, to lift mortage, and
most novices will DO disheartcned before it
can bo accomplished. Young men of nerve,
whose habits of lifo are not yet fully fixed,
have better prospects Of success yet, in their
case, it would be wiser to work few years
under instruction, to gain at least tho rudi-
ments of cultivation, before involving them
selves by purchasing land.
But supposing tho cost to have been count
cd ard decision made, where shall no buy?
The proper answer depends upon the branch
of agriculture which is to be made prominent,
whether dairying, raising stock, grain, gar
den vegetables or fruit. For the last two,
nearness to market are almost indispensable !;
it is desirable in all cases. For other pur-
poses, it is safe to locate where Others are
successful in the kind of business desired
Unlike manufacturing, there is little danger
from competition in any particular locality !;
one must leave q farm before another can enter
upon it; though on the prairie there is room
for all.
Buy land of no man without thorough per-
sonal inspection. If inexperienced, secure
tho services of q friend competent to mako
tho examination. Ascertain the character of
tho neighboriug society and the distance from
schools and churches. Give thorough ex.
animation to the soil. The growing crops
may not bo fair test of the capacity of the
land. An unpropitious season. or an unusu-
ally favorable one, may lead to wrong os-
timate. Dig down through tho surface soil.
in various fields, and noto its depth. Farms
covering equal areas may differ by moro than
one half in amount of serviceable soil-one
being not more than four inches, the other
twolvc or more inches deep. Observe the
character of tho subsoil, whether hard pan,
requiring draining, or gravel, unable to bear
drought. A moderately firm, deep loan is
desirable for tillago. and one containing lime
stone generally tho best especially for wheat
corn and orchard purposes. If wo had capi-
tal to drain and subsoil we'll. We should not
object to stiff loan, approaching clay, Tor
such soils are permanent, can hardly DO worn
out, and If we'll drained and thoroughly
worked, they make the best use Of manure.
arc less affected by droughts, and give agood
yield Of hay, as well as other crops.
Examine tho slope Of tho fields, whether to
the north, where winter will lingcr, or to tho
warm south, where spring shows her iirst 10.
yors. Arc the fields we'll laid out and fenced?
Well watered? Are there sufficient buildings?
and what is their condition? If the capaci.
tics of farm DO sufficient, it may sometimes
DO bought to advantage, although littlerun
down. Proper management will bring up n
naturally good soil, and money may often bo
made by putting such aplaco ints good heart.
But no one should attempt such an operation
without tho most careful estimate Of tho
amount needed, and the reasonable assurance
that Il will not bc likely to exceed his..avail-
able capital.
When favorable decision ismadc, engage
tho services Of reliable lawyer to search the
title. Fifty or u hundred dollars expended in