Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1874-02-13

Fat cattle never get lousy. IL is the
poor, weak animals that are troubled thi,
way. Let us take hint from this, and
keep our vegetable products strong, viporou.
and healthy, and thus protect them from
parasites.
If any one doubts the correctness of this
theory let him try this experiment Let
him screen some wheat and SOW both kinds
separate for Eve years, taking the poorest Of
one and the best Of the other each year
The result Of this experiment need not pre-
dict. How many farmers do this in effect,
leave you TO answer. We all desire to
improve, but in this matter of seed there
seems to be two methods in use among farm.
ers. One is TO change tho seed when it is
run out, the other is to select the best To
prevent its running out. While do not OBJ
ject to changing seed, as we are likely to get
1t OF some one more careful than ourself, il
Is important that wo get at the truth OF the
matter, as we are not likely to undertake
any improvement until we arc convinced of
its necessity.
Ii changing seed is not the only panacea
for the ills referred to above, or the best one,
farmers ought to know it. Happily, We arc
not without some facts bearing upon the
case Asa Alden, Of Calais, has raised the
same variety of corn upon the same kind Of
soil for forty years do not learn that he
indends to change his seed until he has test.
cd it more thoroughly. Judge Pearce, Of
Calais, has raised the same variety of pota.
toes for forty years by selecting his seed in
the fall from the best specimens. lie has
also raised his own seed Of all kinds for
twenty years. need not add that he al
ways has one of the best, if not the best
garden in Washington county. Do not tell
me that it would be too much trouble for
you, when one who was so unfortunate in
carly life as to lose leg has set so good an
example.
Nj. 4 G. NJ. Fisher, Of Cabot, have raised
the same kind of oats upon their farm for
twelve years, with manifest Improvement
Alvah Elmer, Of Cabot, has raised the com.
mon oats upon his farm for twenty years; in
favorable seasons they weigh from thirty-iive
to thirty.six pounds Der bushel He has
passed through all the oat ievers, including
the Norway, without an attack, and now fur.
nishes seed oats to his neighbors. Mr.. FL
mer uses good fan-mll to screen out the
small seed LC. Fisher, of Cabot, does
not remember when any herds grass or clio.
yer seed has been bought to sow on his farm
As good grass crops as he raises arc not com.
mon on hill farm.
My own experience has been limited in
this matter, and has been confined mostly to
wheat. have sowed the same variety
eight years, always screening out small and
imperfect kernels, and am so well convinced
OF the utility of it that would make the
same difference in price that would between
scrub and thoroughbred animal for breed.
ing purposes.
The census returns for 1870 give for the
four leading crops, namely, potatoes, corn,
wheat, and oats, over one billion bushels.
An annual increase on the above of ten per
cent, and an average price Of fifty cents per
bushel, would give over seventy.fve million
dollars. have no doubt but by getting the
best varieties, and by careful selection of
seed, the above increase mig be more than
doubled.
In 1858 the Agricultural department at
Washington sent out several varieties of
beet seed. As Of old, much of it fell upon
stony ground, but single package fell in
good soil. Twelve years of patient industry
have brought its reward, and LANES beet
seed" is now a household word.
Tho soil and climate of Vermont seem
peculiarly adapted to the highest develop
ment OF animals and vegetables. Our Yer.
mont boys that 60 out from US take the front
rank in the different spheres of life. Yer.
mont sheep beat the world. Vermont hors.
es have a national reputation. Vermont
cattle take good share Of the premiums
wherever they are exhibited.
The same intelligent skill and untiring en-.
ergy as shown above. if directed to the inn
provement of our vegetable products, would
make Vermont the great seed warehouse of
the world. Although improvement in this
direction is in its infancy, there seems to be
a general waking up IN this matter, Invent
i've genius has been called to our aid, and
the Queen of the Harvest" separator is the
result. 1t is very perfect machine and
should be patronized by every farmer.
In conclusion, would recommend to the
farmers of Vermont to get the best varieties,
grow your own seed, and SOW and plant per-
feet seed