Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1876-02-12
COMMUNICATION.

Mr.. Zittle-As your excellent paper,
the Shepnerdstown Register, is justly
acknowledged to be one OF the best
mediums within the range of its circula-
ton for tho dissemination of knowledge
appertaining to the agricultural prosper
ity, will you allow me through Its col
umns to say word to my farmer
friends of the Shenandoah and Cumber-
land Valleys, touching their intrinsic In
terests Having completed that part OF
our farm labor that usually occupies the
attention of the farmer during the late
fall and early winter months, we found
it convenient to take stroll through
the adjacent sections of the country for
the purpose OF noting any improvement
in the agricultural pursuits OF our friends.
After visiting several sections with
much pleasure and considerable interest
in what was transporting, on last Thurs-
day we crossed the Potomac to visit the
"Spring Dale Stock Farm" of DIR. l. 5.
Tanner, near Shepherdstown, and to
take a close observation of his celebra-
leu ueTu Vi CuOIl RSh WI
rival at the Doctors residence we had
an excellent view of Elmwood Gene
tery,w which presents most beautiful APP
pearance from that place. After taking
an observation of the surrounding coun.
try from this point, which with its old
residences in full view, seemed to call
to recollection scenes of former years,
and DAYS that have passed never to re-
turn, we turned our attention to the
immediate premises. Here everything
seemed to be conducted by systematic
arrangement, and really, to practiced
eve, in true farmer-like style. One OBJ
iect OF our visit was to inspect the pew
barn, built by David Dodd, of Little
Georgetown, Berkeley county, and
Gregory Britner of Shepherdstown,
slight description of which We had from
q friend who had visited Spring Dale
for the purpose of purchasing some fine
stock since its erection.
This building is in every respect
model of convenience and comfort. The
workmanship, the material, and every
thing composing its structure is of the
very best quality, and reflects great
credit upon the mechanics who built it,
as we'll as those who desi gned the plan.
have been farmer (and fancy sue
cessful oue) for more than fifty years,
and have taken great pride in raising
fine stock, aud in erecting fine and COM
Portable buildings for their protection,
but | am free to confess, that this barn,
for convenience, comfort, and saving of
labor, entirely revolutionizes the base
ment part of the highly priced old fash
toned "Switzer Barn" and l shall here
take occasion to say to my farmer
friends of the Shenandoah and Cumber-
land Valleys that q visit to"Spring Dale"
will richly reward those whowish to i'm
prove in the old fashioned slovenly and
wasteiul mode of feeding and handling
stock. AT every step our attention was
arrested at the convenience and comfort
of the structure, until we arrived at the
apartment containing the Short Horns.
Here all our interest i'll the newly ar
ranged plans and convenience of the
building, was lost in admiration of the
thirty head of elegant Roans, Reds and
Whites, hitched side by side apparent
ly ENJOYING all the comfort and content
ment possible for the animal kingdom.
| shall not attempt here TO describe
this elegant herd, as any attempt on my
part to do so, must necessarily fail to
do it justice. will only say to those,
however, wishing TO improve their
stock, call and see them. For carly
maturity, neatness of form, compactness,
weight, and elegant calves, | do not
believe they can be surpassed.
There are several animals in this herd
imported from Great Britain, Kentucky,
and other places, but none of them su-
psrior to those bred and raised at
aspiring Dale"
MIR. Editor / make these remarks,
not in the interest of any individual, but
in the interest and the advancement of
the agricultural prosperity of the public,
many of whom refuse or neglect to avail
themselves of the advances and improve
ments inaugurated by others than them
selves, until hundreds Of dollars are
lost by their obstinacy and folly in not
adopting the improved method of farm
ing. FARMER.