Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-10-01
Utilize.

MEssRs. EDIToRs:-The people of Au-
gusta have probably never been more
aroused to the necessity of diversifyng
and charging their business operations
To develope her minerals ON an extensive
scale requiring more money than can at
present be commanded, yet a commendable
effort is being made in that direction;
lromiscuous manufacturing is not largely
attempted for want Of skill and capital:
in farming there is considerable improve
ment, but the remuneration is meagre.
Many young men of capacity and energy
are casting around for something to en-
gage in with compromising results. In
some places the forests are laid under con-
tribution With adequate returns, giving
employment tr labor; but the greatest
opening for industry and small capital is
our vast pastoral districts, which, as yet,
have engaged but little attention. Our
people have not been accustomed to the
Shepherds life ard occupation. They
have imbibed but little of the spirit and
sentiments of Virgil, who loved to view
the hocks and herds, to tell of their habits
and management; to portray the inviting
landscape with its rich pasture, its spark
ling streams, with it's banks studded with
beautiful flowers. the forest hills resound-
ing with the sweet carOling of 4; thousand
feathery songSterS, and the cheeks famed
with the gentle Zephyrs which sport over
the enchanting scene. Some of them have
gone to the far-West and engaged their
services as herdSmen and shepherds and
are enduring, the hardships of that in
hospitable climate, who might have en-
gagged in business among friends and home
with equal success. Some have, here,
priced land. with very satisfactory results,
doubling the capital invested the first
year. The results accomplished in other
states and countries are surprising. where
the climate and soil are not SO well suited
as ours. The census of 1870 shows that
Ohio produced 90 ,539. 643 pounds of wool
while Virginia only produced S77,11O
pounds. The poor State of Vermont pro-
duced 3,102,137 pounds. On the high
priced lands Of Pennsylvania 6,571 1922
pounds were produced. These facts clear
ly prove that we have neglected to improve
a most valuable resource while our neigh
bors have grown rich by our side. Fifty
five per cent. of our farm lands remain un-
improved. and yet some of our people look
abroad for employment, when it is at our
very doors. We are daily treading under
foot the elements of wealth upon which a
Scotlander or u Switzer would grow rich
and happy.
Our children SILVER in the cold winds
in want of comfortable stockings and other
garments when the elements of supply lie
dormant on every hand.
Especially is sheep-raising suited to the
people of small means, who may begin on
just such scale as their L sources will |
justify. Many a mountain home might be
made comfortable and happy from the pro-
duct of even a small flock. which will be
cold and wretched. When will we lift our
heads above the old route which we have
been following and bethink ourselves of |
the fields of wealth which surround us and |
lay hold! Let the watch-words, Utilize!
Utilize!! Think Think! be our cry and
The land Of the diligent will grow fat.
AGRICOT,A