The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1875-06-26
FARM AND GARDEN.


Whether farming rs a business Is as pro-
ftable as some other branches OF industry Is
a question admitting Of some doubt; but that
il is fairly remunrratlvc, besides being less
subject to those fluctuations which bring
disastrous results in other callings, has long
been settled beyond dispute. or course we
are not at this time taking into consideration
those regions liable to severe droughts or to
be oyerrun by nOxious insects, but the better
portions OF the country where agriculture -
a stable and well-established pursuit.
The principal cause Of complaint among
our farmers Is the small amount IN money
they are able TO obtain from the sale OF the
products of their labor; in other words, the
amount of cash they have the pleasure OF
handling during the year. They frequently
point to the mechanics OF our cities, or even
the clerks in stores and various offices, whose
salaries appear to be entirely out OF proper
ton to the work performed or talents requir
ed, as proof Of unjust discrimination maze
III remunerating labor. A casual glance az
the prices paid for labor in cities anu IN the
country would certainly lead one TO believe
that the former was really unnecessarily high,
or the latter ridiculously low. 1t Is this
seeming difference which makes so many
Young men and women in the country strive
10 get into the cities; it also makes their par
ents feel that they, too, are cheated out of
their rights in selling the products of their
farms at less than city retail prices. There
are, however, two sides to this question, and
it is well not to decide hastily in regard to
which is the most favorable without knowing
something OF both
If wages are higher IN cities than in the
country, the cost of living is in proportion
and there is no way of escaping it. 1t may
sound very well for carpenter or mason to
receive four dollars per day, but if he has to
pay two of 1t for house rent he is no better
off than the country mechanic who receives
only three dollars and pays one for an equal
ly good and perhaps better house. Then,
again, where rents are high other necessarles
of life are usually in proportion; consequent
ly it is not the amount of money man re-
ceives for his labor but what he can save,
which brings a competency. Now, II we
take the mass Of trades-people, mechanics
and other laborers of our cities, and the
poorer class of farmers, and inquire minute
ly into the circumstances OF each, the latter
will be found far the more independent OF
the two. A farmer who can actually save one
or two hundred dollars per annum after pro-
viding for the support of his family is doing
better than nine-tenths Of the residents OF our
cities who have an income of from three to
five thousand dollars per annum. Then,
again, a farmer who works upon his own
land is constantly accumulating wealth, even
if he cannot show a balance in cash at the
end OF the year, because every tree planted,
ditch dug, fence built or field cleared en-
hances the value of his real estate. These are
so much capital laid aside for the future,
which, If rightfully managed, will bring as
good interests as though invested in Govern
mcnt bonds.
We have only to take the proportions of
men IN both city and country who are really
II independent circumstances, that is, capa-
bic of supporting themselves and families
without fear of want staring them in the
face should anything happen toprevent them
from laboring or attending to business, in
order to see how much superior farming is to
other ordinary occupations. 1t is not pur-
suit provocative of riotous living but one that
Is safe from disastrous fluctuations caused by
panics IN monetary affairs. 1t is SAID that
about per cent. OF those who attempt bust
ness in cities succeed; but it is doubtful If
there are five farmers in hundred who fail
to make good living provided they are in
telligent and Enthusiastically. \. San.