Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1876-02-11
Advantages Of Rural Life.

DR.. Taylor, a member of the War
saw, ILL.,, Horticultural Society at
their last meeting read paper with
the title as above, from which we ex-
tract the following:
Plant life yields is secrets of growth
and decay to the rural seeker of
knowledge. He can command the
violet, rose, vine and jasmine to I'M
fold their structure and their require
ments Of growth. He may breathe
their perfume and sip their life giving
properties. By the leaf in early life
he may discern the qualities Of the
fiuit and know what kind of soil and
climate is necessary for its produc-
ton. The earth III its life giving
properties made to reveal its secrets
to him. Not only the elements may
be told but even the quantity neces-
sary to plant life.
1t is the product of the soil that
has built our cities, made our canals,
caused our railroads to be built, tele-
grashs to be run and ships to be Con-
strncted. The farming community is
the nations security. It properly
conducted it is an exhaustless treas
ure, enriching the owner. Most 9th
er kinds of business are more or less
dependent on it. The farm is a fixed
home-eternal as the hills. Whether
rising or falling in the market, it is
still the home and furnishes tho COM
forts and necessaries for the tireside.
The farmer can with rare exceptions
raise everything that is essential or
desirable, so that he may truly be
considered the most independent of
Business men. If we glance for a
moment at the merchant, we find that
he is dependent not Oh the amount Of
goods on hand but on the profit and
rapidity of his sales-h2 must sell to
live. And the manufacturer must
find sales with a margin that his fam
lily may be supported. And so il is
with every class that does not draw
its supply directly from the soil. The
learned professions are entirely de-
pendent. The doctor, attorney and
theologian must find patients, clients
and followers in order to furnish their
table with the nacessaries Of life
Farming is honorable and lucrative.
The history Of the world shows that
lit pays. Our own community proves
it.
Unfortunately farmers are deprived
of often meeting the man Of science
and attending with frequency our in
stitutions of learning, Of hearing the
eloquent and learned in pulpit, col
lege and State, and coming in contact
with all kinds of business men. 1t
is not common or convenient to meet
in consultation in reference to crops,
animals and the bearing of seasons.
Storms of hail, wind and rain come
when no mortal can set their time
and place of birth, when many
months labor and hundreds of dollars
are in an hour destroyed. The severe
winters cannot be moderated. Fruit
trees and grain must perish in conse-
quence. Extremes Of wet and dry
being uncomfortable disadvantages.
The wevll, beetle and grasshopper
appear, and the field beautiful to-day,
is tomorrow desolate and dead
Pestilence and death visit the stock.
Late and early frosts and disease may
destroy grain and vegetables. SO
rural life has its thorns as we'll as
roses, shade as well as sunshine, dis
aster as we'll as success. But with
application, enthusiasm, and energy
success is certain, health is assured,
and an honorable position attained.