Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1873-02-14
Westminster Farmers Club. Feb. z /.

" csthuihsecf II aIhCfs Siuo, ECo.
MISUNDERSTANDING, That the
West offers greater inducements for far
mers than New England.
N. G. PrERcE.-This "ball" will never
start unless some one gives it push.
We are all interested in this question
and probably anxious to hear something
said either for or against the system of
New England farming. 1t may argued
that in pecuniary point of view, we
ought as farmers to go West, but wish
to speak of the beauties of New Eng
land-of the lakes, rivers, forests, and
mountains. They are far superior to
those of the West, and all afford profit
to the farmer. Most men, if they can
have farm just to their liking, prefer
it situated among hills and mountains
on some flowing stream, protected from
driving winds by the former, and fur.
nished with power by the latter. Such
farms produce well and are usually in
close proximity to market, two essential
points in successful farming. New Eng
land furnishes many such farms, and if
| were to locate young man intending
to farm, would recommend New Eng
land-and for more reasons than one.
The influence OF society, is sufficient of
itself to recommend New England for a
home. Our climate is such that health
and length of life induce us to recon-
mend the same. When | read of the
hundreds of lives cut short in the West
by the severity of storm, there is no in
ducement for me to 60 West with view
to farm, or make me home. The West
ern farms furnish crops for less money
than New England farms can afford land
they are sold at greatly reduced prices.
Corn that must be sold at 10 or Is cts.
per bushel, dosn't pay for harvesting.
Most of the farmers in the West have
made their money by the rise of proper
ty, not by the profitable business of farm
ing, only, If we should economic as
many western farmers do we should ex-
pect to save few dollars every year.
The fact that we have but very few peo-
bic unable to support themselves is
convincing proof to me, that, as people
we are doing we'll in New England.
GEORGE SABIN.-Mr. Pierce has taken
broad view of the subject, and is, /
believe, in most respects correct. There
are probably many cases where the in
ducements for young men are strong for
them to invest in the West, but they are
the exceptions, not the rule. 1t is true
that we have rough soil, but our prox-
unity to consumers affords us the inside
track with the western farmer. They
can raise large crops but it requires two
thirds of the crop to get the remaining
third to market. Many farmers of the
West acknowledge that with the same
energy and close economy they could
have made as much or more money in
New England. In the West they sac
: rifce much to save dollars and cents
: this sacrifice should be taken into consid
Grafton. If dollars and cents are the
great end and aim of life, then perhaps
we had better invest in western stock
/. but for man educated in the social cir
Giles of New England, enjoying the bles-
sings of a peaceful home, to exchange
his situation for nine of any ten in the
west, is running too much risk for the
} profit in prospect. | think we had bet
ter remain in New England for The pur-
pose of educating our children, if for no
other reason. Judging from what read
and by conversation with people from
the West, there is too much risk in be-
coming acclimated toinduce me to leave
New England for a home on the " prai-
RE"
ID. c. WRIGHT.-I am finally of the
opinion that no place in the West holds
out as good inducements for the farmer
as New England. 1t is claimed that no
young man can "run in debt for a farm
in the Connecticut valley and ever pay
for it. | don't believe be can do it in
the West by any management of land.
We are near the consumers, if we make
any change in locality we better ge.
nearer. For myself, | am satisfied to
farm in the valley OF the old Connecti.
cut.
SHERMAN DAvIs.-This question is
something like jug, we all want to get
hold of the same side-where we can get
a good hold, of course. Considering this
question in peeunisry view, according
to reports, the Inducements are not all
found in the West. Many so called
western farmers are leaving their farms
and going farther west. They are too dis
tant from the market, and find it neces-
/ sary to get nearer or find some new To-
cality where they can raise crops cheap
, er. If they could induce the people to
! purchase the farms make 10 or II of one.