The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1871-09-07
Theories Practically Applied.

I find that each number of the Rual
CaroLntan contains something valuable
t, me, and for the benefit of those who
cry down "book farming" I will say that
I 10 not think it advisable to read All ar
ticle on any subject in agriculture with a
view to following its suggestions ''to the
letter." as soldidr would follow Har-
d,e's Tactics for drilling, or a housewife
receipt for making cake; for the same
rule for drilling or for making cake will
hold good anywhere. Not so with farm
ing. Judgment and discretion are he
c,ssary to the successful application of
any theory. Where the climate, soil
and seasons are so varied as they are now
in our country, that plan for raising corn,
cotton. wheat, or any other crop success
fully in one locality, will, and in many
instances does, prove ruinous in another
part of the country. Theory and prac-
tice must 60 in hand. lp other words,
las faith without works is dead" so is
theory without good practical judgment
to back it. And whenever the two can
be brought to amicable terms with each
other, and be induced to keep company,
there will be a profound silence among
troakers against shook farming" and
agricultural papers will be more largely
circulated, more appreciated better sup
ported.
Let us read the articles written by
those who have been so generous as to
70 to the pains and expense of ascertain
ing facts, and call therefrom such ideas
a1d suggestions as are applicable to our
own case and necessities For my part
I don't expect everything in the paper
to bo adapted to my wants, but am
thankful for such as does suit me, and
willingly allow the rest for the benefit
of others
Otherwise I should be as ungenrous
and unreasonable IS the man who said,
eff it didn't rain for him, he didn't want
it to rain for anybody else" Hence I
wish YOU much success with your, or
rather or paper, for l believe it does
more good than what pay for can pos
sibly do you
But I have not done what 1 set to
do, viz: to say something about small
grain, and the Importance of making
or laying plans at least,
even this early for another crop. The
notion among farmers generally since the
war has been to SOW down largely Of their
old fields in small grain, because it does
not require freedmen to work it. l in
tended this article to show that it is an
error, and should be abandoned. | also
wanted to say something about rust in
wheat, but maybe have written enough
for this time, it being my first attempt.
Little boats must keep near the shore.
- am young farmer. Came out of
the war and went at it, and expect to
keep at it, for it is an honorable and in
dependent profession, affording an un-
limited supply of pleasure, health, and
profit for its faithful devotees.
: However, I would like, before I am
done, to invite other young men of the
"plough and hoe" to a social interchange
of views and experience in our business,
using, by your permission, the columns
of the R,ual Carolinsan as medium.
We may not be able to express ourselves
in language as terse or elegant as those
of other callings, but hope, at least, to
make ourselves understood.
q " PLoUGH AND Hoe.
Line Greek, Laureas County, S. c.