Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1866-10-27

log more than one third the cost Of trans
portation.
Such facts rs have been stated afford
the substantial inducements to immigra
tiou. They also afford encouragement
to settlers who have already located their
homes in this Valley.
| am now to consider how we can
make our chosen place of residence more
attractive, and our homes abodes of con-
tentment and prosperity.
To be a good farmer, is a significant
appellative 1t implies something more
than skill in the operations of farming.
He may handle all the implements of his
craft with the effectiveness and strength
of Hercules, he may be industrious
and frugal, honest and reliable, he may
rise early and set up late, and eat the
bread of carefulness, and still not be a
good farmer. 1t may, however, and
ought to include all these qualities, but
/ it implies more than these. To be a
| good farmer, one must possess a thor
oHgh knowledge of his business, n sound
and discriminating judgment, good taste,
and love for his vocation.
Farming like other kinds of business,
requires an apprenticeship, or special
training in that particular line. A far
mer should be familiar with the whole
routine of farm work, with the care and
management of working animals, all
kinds of stock, and farming implements,
/ and with various other matters pertain
ing to the business. A good general ed
ucaton is also almost indispensable to q
successful farmer. This not only tends
20 enlarge his views and give him infu-
ence in society, but enables him to keep
accounts correctly, to calculate with ia.
cility and accuracy, and to take part in
| public affairs that concern the welfare of
his neigh borhood, and the community
4 where he lives. An intelligent farmer
more readily aVails himself, by reading
and study, of the opinions and expert
! ences of others.
To be a good farmer, it is not necessa-
ry to own or cultivate large tracts of land.
| have now in mind two good farmers in
one of the southern counties of this State,
one of whom cultivates eighty acres of
land, the other six hundred. Both Of
these farms were esteemed as models,
but the one of eighty acres took the pre-
cedence, both in profits, and the com
pleteness of its management.
We are apt 20 forget that our gener-
Gus and bounhful soil may, by careful
cultivation, be made even more produc-
! tive than it now is.
Who can estimate the waste and loss
consequent upon needless and sloyenly
farming?
In great many instances, our homes
have the appearance Of reckless waste
and desolation. Costly farming nipple
ments, thresbing machines, reapors and
plows are suffered to remain exposed
without covering o. protection through
! out the year, while the less costly nipple
ments lie scattered about in wasteful pro-
| fusion, as things without use. or value
Ii is common, quite too common, to see
lumber wagons, sleds, and carriages of
every description, while not in use, bra
wing the storms, the searching winds and
the shrinking heat. But ere long the
elements Of Nature prevail; the tyre snd
the Joints of the best constructed become
loose and rickety, their shining lustro be-
comes dim, and decay begins its fatal
work. No wonder that rs farmers, we
need an army of mechanics TO keep us
Supplied with necessary implements, and
keep them 10 repair. No wonder that
we gToan unde. the burden of accumula-
ted expenditures, and that mechanics
prosper and become rich by our negli-
gence.
Let US, for illustration, take one single
instance Of this wholesale recklessness in
husbandry. In the town of A. there
lives a farmer of reputed wealth, and
somewhat noted for his eccentricities
He is among the oldest settlers in the
community where he resides, and has
enjoyed the best facilities and advanta
ges possible. His selection of q tract of
land most conveniently located in respect
10 wood, water, and market facilities, and
of the richest soil, is creditable to his
judgment. His buildings are no mean
structures, but are sufficiently commodi-
Gus and expensive. But here the bright
side of the picture ends. Not tree or
shrub promises ever to shade his dwell
ing. His stock buildings are so situa-
ted az to be cruelty offensive to at least
two of the most exacting senses. His
fences around his buildings, built at first
with little regard to rectangles or straight
lines, seem to be leaning and staggering
gike drunken man; in some instances
propped up, in others, flat upon the
ground. All around, the premises are
thickly sown with remnants Of boards
and timber, and rubbish. Not a reaper,
or wagon, or implement of any kind is
housed or protected from the weather.
The whole appearance is wasteful, shift
less and repulsive. Still he raises his
thousands of bushels Of wheat, works
early ard late, and knows no rest. He
contributes nothing, either socially or
generously, to the well-being of society;
he lives like a niiser, amid his own sur
rouudings and congenialities.
In contrast with this illustration, let
US take another example. In the town
of B. lives an independent farmer. He,
too, is one of the oldest settlers in the
county Of his residence. His pre-emp-
tons and early purchases were judicious-
ly made. His buildings are not expen-
sive, but neatly arranged and tastefully
buiIf DIaoeopf Ioyur,c aud c.royoe