Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-04-25
Farm and Household.



1t is useless denying the fact that, to q
large majority of our farmers, the labors Of
the past few years have been unremunerativC
and in some instances almost discouraging
Such results are certain to be followed by dis.
content, desire for change of occupation, or,
perchance disposition to migrate to some
far-oG State or territory. In the isolation of
the rural districts, in the absence Of oppor-
tunity for comparing the conditions and
prospects of other classes, the hard-w orked
and lly-paid farmer fancies that no such de-
preston attaches to other occupations or per-
vades other communities in the same degree
as his own limited circle of operations is af-
fected. He imagines that the traders and
manufacturers, the mechanics and clerks are
enjoying prosperity far beyond the posi-
bilities of his present condition. He feels
certain that the farmers of Kansas or Texas,
Of Nebraska or Colorado, must be in the en-
joyment of advantages unknown to him
Such theories are but the offspring of limited
vision The broader the opportunity for OBJ
scrvation the more certain will be the conclu-
sion that agriculture is no exception in the
dizziness aud depression that pervades all
branches of business, and furthermore that
lack of present remunerative employment is
common alike to the East and West to the
North and South.
The impartial and intelligent observer will
find that the prosperity of those engaged in
agriculture is governed in a less degree by cir
cumstances beyond their control than that of
any other calling. Agricultural products of
superior quality are always in demand at
some price. Fashion, style, startling discoy-
cries in science, art and mechanics have new
er removed the necessity of bread and meat.
However low the market value of wheat or
corn, beef or mutton, eggs or beans, they arc
just as valuable in the sustenance of the far
mers family to-day as during the inflated
prices of the war period. One of the praoti-
cal lessons of the hour is the fact that in the
selection of crops, farmers, in the older States
at least, must determine that their farms shall
be more self-sustaining, and that such di-
versity of staples should be raised that but
small quantities of farm products need to be
sacrificed for cash. Let no farmer whose
success depends only upon the rain and sun
shine, upon his own judgment and industry,
envy for a moment the condition of the me-
chanic or the clerk, who are simply servants
of anothers will. Let no man fancy that low
prices and close competitions prevail alone in
his neighborhood. The same agencies that
create dull times in Maine or Vermont are in
full force in Town and Kansas The present
is indeed an unfavorable time to incur an
outlay of time and money in seeking new
and untried fields of enterprise, when the
closest economy, the most untring industry
and the most careful calculations are neces-
sary to keep ones expenses within his income
If the farmers gains are small, his wants are
limited as compared with the artificial re-
quirements of city life. Happy is the man
who is contented with the health, comfort, Sc
curity and independence which attach to life
on the farm --1me,Tcan Culticator.