Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-02-23
Farmers nnd Turning.

Farmers and FdrD1tn0.
During the last twenty five years there
has been a constant effort on the par, OF
certain educated men, and on the part OF
practical farmers. 20 adopt various meas
ures for the Improvement OF farmers and
farming. Many and various are the e1-
pedieuts which have been reSoried to in
srder 70 accomplish This purpose. The
formation OF agricultural societies with
their annual exhibitions, were among the
Grs; These have continued 10 greater or
less activity up 70 The present time. That
they have been productive OF benefit &C
cording to the outlay. by dilldsiug agyi-
cultural knowledge among iai mers, may
be admitted Ba, {, is doubtful, even
after The experience OF quarter OF a
century, whether much true scientific,
practical aud systematic Improvement
has been introduced in.o the methods OF
farming TIE opinions about the best
method %. Increasing Die quantity OF
manure. which j, tLe foundation of aI.
farming. are no better set, cd ,hAn they
were twenty-five years ago The same
NAV be said oil the manner OF cultivation
OF the SOil-the rotation OF cgOpS-lhe
bes, Kinds OF stock. The most profitable
products, The best agriculture. imp.e-
msnts, and al other things thai enter into
the economy and prom, OF farming. CO
these questions j, is impossible 70 ind any
two farmers whose opinions agree. There
has not been any OF that careful, Observa-
ton OF lae,S-,ha, careful Trial % expert
meu,s or these various subjects. which
enables one 90 say. "I.o here Is the way
io.law therein snd yor are sare oil
.ucces-
Tie press has been as active In dissom-
mating information among the farmers,
As IL has among all other classes and
occupations. Something, undoubtedly
has been accomplished in stimulating
agricultural knowledge among the ira
isrnity. But let any farmer undertake
TO read, compare, and test all there is
published and he will find himself more
conlsunded than aided by the directions
and theories furnished by the press.
More recently there has been an effort
on the part OF the United States 10 pro-
mote the objects OF agriculture and the
mechanic arts by the establishment Of
agricultural Institutions in the several
States. These have not been in existence
long enough 10 verify their ability and
power for good. What they may be able
70 accomplish remains TO be seen. Sew.
eral classes have been graduated in the
New England States; and cut OF them
All there may be half dozen who have
formed the resolution to adop, farming
for living. The old saying was "Send
= boy one term 10 the Academy and you
uni, him Tor labor" /, may be that
sending him four gears 10 College will
affect him. as to labor on farm, in a
propOr,ionate degree.
To be successful farmer requires a
good common sense mind. a fair, naiui al
intellect. a moderate education. a good
muscular system, fair amount OF cour-
age, and willing hand to labor. Learn
ing or science or both are no substitute
for these. Theories and analyses OF soil
AID food and blood are 10 substitute Tor
these. They may aid and perfect, but
they cannot degenerate or replace the
great and fundamental elements Of labor,
courage. muscular force and good COM
mon sense. There i no royal road Il
success in this department. Those who
neglect the vii. aud muscular pow er, and
seek for success in books. muscular ease
and fine spun theories Of spontaueou
crops and railroad engineering. viii
simply end in iguominious failure The
old couple, still holds
he who. o. the pillow Voul thrive
Must himself or hold OF drive
An excellent but quaint observer, in q
company OF farmers recently discourseC
as follows: Farming is farming. Tain
attending Academy much nor College
much. faint sSieatin' the Intellect alone
or chiefly. It's educating both mind anC
muscles cut tie latter most. Ii man i
not willing to use his muscles be bette
not engage in farming. unless be is al
Enghshuan's first child. and owns s
County, and has a lot Of tenants who =,
can order, and pay as he pleases."
Talk as much as you please abou
farming; look into as many books as YOU
please on Agriculture. edited by theerist
and teachers; but there is no principle
so important as the one: Keep you
farm and it will keep you The idea tina
you can take worn out farm withou