The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1866-11-03
Progressive Farming-What is It d?

1t is not adopting every new idea with
out trlal--bclleving every new thing you
hear or read Of. 1t is not buying every
new implement that comes along. II is
not expending two thousand dollars per
year in the cultivation of farm and pro-
ducing but fifteen hundred. All this is
advancing backwards" Progressive
farming is that system Of husbandry
which produces fruit, grain, forage. roots,
wool aud meat in the greatest quantity
and perfection at the least cost, with the
least possible deterioration Of the soil. It
is doing little better this year than the
last. Impcrfectiou is stamped upon eve
ry system of husbandry, as upon all sub
lunary things; yeti is our privilege, if
not our duty, to strive for perfection. In
no other way can We hope TO make pro-
gress in our profession, for assurcdly, if
We are satisfied with knowledge already
acquired, We shall 90 along in the same
old routine. We shall make no expert
ments aud no new discoveries, unless We
are fortunate enough to stumble on them.
The thinking, progressive farmer, while
using i'm plemcnts OF various kinds, notes
their operation, and if defective, his mind
naturally suggests improvements If he
loses a crop, he does not rest satisfied un-
Ill he has learned the cause of failure, so
that in future he can apply remedy
The progressive farmer loves his business
and he knows that to be successful, he
must follow it with energy, patience aud
perseverance,. lie is often enthusiastic
IN its pursuits. And why should he not
be There is no profession more honor
able, none more healthful or pleasant TO
those who have taste for it, and safer as
Il means of subsistence How seldom We
hear Of farmer failing in business. His
gains are usually slow, but if he uses care
and economy they viii be sure.
The progressive farmer sells his pro-
ducc for cash, preferriug to deal with men
of character and standing, rather than en-
courage reckless spectators, though they
may offer large prices on credit. The
progressive farmer does not hoard his
money. He spends his money freely for
the comfort of his family; makes every
thing about his house as convenient as
possible keeps his premises clean and in
good order, and does not grudge a few
dollars spent in ornamcnting his grounds.
He keeps no more stock than he can keep
we'll, and that is generally the best of its
kind. He employs sufficient help to do
his work in proper season aud gives his
personal attention aud oversight to all the
oncrations of the farm
He is an early riser and often works
late, but he finds time to read, think and
investigate. He has the very best imple-
ments, and arc kept in good order and
housed when not in use. He keeps good
teams and sees that they are we'll fed and
groomed. He is thorough in his tillage
sows good, clean seed and takes pride in
carrying good sample of grain to mar.
ket. AS far as possible, he pays cash for
everything, and keeps an accurate account
of all receipts and disbursements All
the substantial enjoyments of life he has
with as little of its perplexities as falls tc
the lot of most men. lie is good citi
zen, cheerfully bearing his share of al
the burdens of society," full man in
every place you put him. Who would
not be proud to be Progressive Farmer
Il Correspondence Rural New Yorker