Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1877-09-27
THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 81. 1877.


The changing seasons OF the year have
brought another harvest Autumn is al
ready bounteous with returns to the hus-
bandman. The leading agricultural eN-
hibtion of the state has been held, and
within a month the farmers Of the different
sections will have gathered to celebrate
their distinct fairs and festivities. There
IS now an opportunity to rejoice, and to
lay wise aud vigorous plans for the lshors
of the coming year.
Among the ancients, the Romans were
most advanced in the arts of agriculture.
Il was even = source Of pride to Roman
TO Re called a good husbandmsn. 1t may
surprise us TO learn that this practical peo-
pie possessed an agricultural literature,
which nss only been surpassed by that OF
thc leading modern nations. The adysn-
tage Of small. well cultivated farms was
well understood then,ior Virgil wrote, The
farmer may praise large estates, but let
him cultivate L small ouc." But modern
agricultural progress dates from the 10th
century, though this century alone has
given life 10 the real advaucements in the
art. In considering the progress OF agri-
culture, we are surprised 8, the great re-
suits accomplished nv the efforts of
single man. Before Arthur loung, there
had been workers and writer's IN England,
but to this mans efforts. the world is
very largely indebted for spreading in
formation on agricultural subjects. He
labored Increasingly. lie made journeys
of inquiry, experimental with different
soils. and wrote many works containing
the results OF his labor. The great zeal
and energy OF Sir John Sinclair, was the
means Of the formation ofthe British board
Of agriculture Bot, when Sir Humphrey
Dayy in the early years OF this century,
began to spply the science OF chemistry to
the Improvement OF agriculture, and it
was placed on 4 scientific basis, then began
the real progress OF the art.
Davy showed how soils and plants could
be analysed, and how manures could be
selected which would furnish elements
necessary 10 the growth Of different varie-
ties Of plants. Through the Iabors OF Lie
big, The German philosopher, came
knowledge OF phosphates and other artih-
eisl rhAnures. And 10 other active minds
ia different countries are we indebted for
the many great and valuable inventions.
Not many years ago the condition Of hus-
bandry was low in the United States.
Bat here, as in England, Germany and
France through the application OF chemis-
try, the invention of machinery aed new
implements, the publication OF journals
and other works, the present standard OF
agriculture has been attained. The inven-
tons enable the same number Of men and
horses 20 do double the amount OF work
formerly possible; and the knowledge OF
the capabilities OF the soil, and of the value
of manures has immensely increased the
p-oductiveness of the land.
A bret survey shows Us that only within
this century has the art OF agriculture
been placed on a scientific basis, within
this time has been the greatest progress.
And this progress has only been attained
by the devotion OF scientific scholars. and
the toll of inventors and devoted men; q
fact which the farmers of Maine might
heed with advantage. In certain seasons
OF the year, no class labors harder than the
farmers. \ large portion Of them. too, 3 re
characterized by great industry and actiyi-
ty, the result Of which is pictured in the
excellent condition Of their farms and the
nestness OF their homes. But too large q
portlon OF the farmers OF the State are con-
tented 10 live on in a traditional way, con-
tented 10 make no Improvement in farm
management. eoniented to give up TO idle
ness so many hours which might be devo-
ted to labor and the reading OF works
which would make them better citizens aud
better farmers. 1'hey lack that pushing
activity which is TO be found in cities. And
regarding the returns which the farmers
receive, Gov. Connor 10 his address at the
New England fair truly said, Energy aud
intelligence avail as much in this vocation
Is in airy other Ii is but for the farmer
to take the pains aud the gains will fol-
low Kennebec Journal.