Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1878-02-14
tarm anO honseboIO
s?s.s-s..: Experiments.


Experience i the only source OF
scientific agricultural knowledge, and
this can be obtained only b, long
series OF observations aud experiments
carried on. not by single farmer or ex-
perimeuter, but bv many. Satisfactory
deductions cannot be made through ex-
perimeuts IN 4 single locality; extend
ed experiments are needed. prosecuted
in various sections and under various
combinations. America might be CON
verted into one grand experimental
farm, If our different organizations, az
ricultural societies. farmers clubs,
Grange clubs, agricultural colleges and
state agricultural officials would c.tab-
fish programme Of action BY which
hundreds OF farmers in each county
throughout the country migfs perform
q set OF easy comparative experiments
at the same time, sending IN the results
OF the same to,recsgnized officials.
This isolate Experience OF individu-
ais. ps.-ued without design and reach
ed Without lethod, are yalueless, cx-
cept in so for a. they chow the posi-
billties Of culture. The fact that farm
er has raised an extraordinary crop Ct
grain or roots, or acciGeIlly aud with
out definite plan reared 4 promising
colt, lamb or calf, proves nothing ex-
cept that such thing, can be done. II
demonstrates that the difference be.
tween what j. ordinarily accomplished
and that which j, occasionally secured
leaves wide margin for profit, and
opens the mind to the desire fo- learn
ing the reasons why, for knowledge
OF the combinations necessary to pro-
duce most favorable results at viii.
If agriculture is ever to change it,
present slow pace, and assume degree
OF progress that shall attract alike the
capital aud Iabor.of the nation, it must
be through cooperation. Not By Those
visionary schemes which seek TO con-
troll the politics, the finances or the
transportation OF this country, not By
those delusive attempts of mercantile
and manufacturing business, or al
banking and insurance, all of which are
foreign TO he taste, the position, the
education of the farmer; but the future
adya ice Of the art must be through the
earnest, united, associated efforts OF
hundreds and thousands Of iutelli
gent cultivstors, in attending TO uni
form directions aud plans for tilling the
soil, and in registering results for fu-
iure guidance.
Present perfection in cotton and
wooden machinery, in the locomotive,
the steam ship. in the arts and science.
has been attained by hi massing the
collsting, and reducing 10 practice, the
thought, investigations and ithe expe-
riences OF thousands of earnest workers
and thinkers. So must it be with agri-
culture; the best results of the average
experience this year must be accepted
as the starting point, the siepping-stone
10 the future edifce of next years
sttainments. Nothing should be lost !;
individual successes and failures should
be gathered in all their details and ag-
gregated to the general good. Through
organization and association much NAV
he accomplished in the direction OF pro-
gress aud improvement. Dissemina-
ton among the masses of such facts as
might be deduced from the accumulat-
ing testimony of thousands pursuing the
same advocations would prevent many
false and unnecessary steps, would d.
rect labor and thought in the most prof.
liable channels, and would enable agri-
culture to take the rank in business
precision and systematic arrangement,
with other occupations.
This grand work must take its rise at
the fountain-head, among. the practical
farmers themselves, at their village
clubs. All great movements have an
humble Origin; great structures are most
security raised stone BY stone and brick
by brick. Individual labor must pre-
ce,le associated effort. The village
club is the forerunner of the country
agricultural Society, and finally State
and national aid may be invoked and
shaped in proper channels through the
earnest, unselfish, persistent efforts OF
active. legitimate, well-organized farm
ers' Sssociafions.-Posf.