The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1878-02-08
RURAL ECONOMY,

EDITOR SOUTHERN CULTIvATOR.-
There are more ways for farmers to econo.
mize than by eating corn bread and wear
ing homespun clothing. In this country
labor is the dearest factor in farming. I.
Therefore, horse power should be used as
much as practicable. Land being cheaper
in many localities than anything oljc, that
system Of farming should be followed that
utilizes tho most la1d, and least labor, itn.
plements, &C., Fencing in crops 1is often
practiced, where fencing in stock Would be
cheaper Poor crops are very nearly as ex-
pensiye to make as good ones. Tho~afore,
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ments, good work, stock, good seeds, and
thorough cultivation will produce.
1t does not pay to let your soil deterio.
rate and finally become exhausted. 1t re-
quires more labor to make crop on o thin
soil than on rich one. The loss in pro-
duce while your sol is becoming exh hausted,
IS enough to buy three sach farms. Rent
ers are no exceptions to this rule, if they
rent for long enough periods A great por
tion is applicable to short periods all Of it
when the farm is in high state of cultva-
tIon. 1t never pays co pasture any cultiva.
ted crop. The objections are, cost of cross
fences, waste Of produce, loss or idleness of
the soil, and damage to the soil by tramping
OF stock. Land can be too dear to even
have pastures of the grasses; practice soil.
ing instead, with other products. Pasture
grasses that do not mature swaste aud decay
like cultivated Drops that are not gathered
at tho proper time. Farehermore, the soil
becomes compact and does not tramp so bad
ly. 1t pays we'll to protect stock from incle.
mcnt weather. The food saved in a few
years would put up commodious buildings
1t also pays well to keep stock in good flesh
They pay for food by growth. The saving
OF food by inferior and scant feed is over.
balanced by loss of growth, stunted stock,
and increase of feed requisite to restore flesh
or to fatten, ~
AS Josh Billings says, "when start
down hill u find everything creased for the
occashun:" But going up hill, you have to
furnish the "ile" yourself: 1t pays we'll to
have good stock when you have food to cor
respond. 1t takes less food for a given
amount of growth. More flesh in proper
tinn tn tho -l4ss valuable horns. homes and
entrails. In the matter of food For man
and beast, there IS much room for reform
The cost of food for man comes in the fol-
lowing ratio: fruit, vegetables, bread aud
meat, For stock, pasture, hay, oats, peas
and corn.
They should be used in proportion to re-
quirements Of flesh, muscle, heat and fat.
For stock, they are adapted in the ratio iu-
dicated. Perhaps it is very near true of
human beings.
Sell for cash. Buy the same way, Do
not rush into market. Nor hold too long.
There is medium between. BE satisfied
with fair sales. If you raise produce for
which there is n market at home-do not
dribble it out. But sell in bulk to your
merchant, for cash. Do not be too parsi-
monious when you get behind in cultivating
or gathering your crop, to pay good prices
for day labor. 1t pays we'll to get help then
at any price. But do not over-crop and de.
pend on day labor. o. JONES.