Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-17

The successful farmer must also be a
student. lie must know the science as
well as the practice of agriculture. Laugh
as some men do at book farming, it is true
in agriculture as in other callings that only
by the combination of science and art can
the highest success be secured. The best
seaman does not always make the best
captain, indeed is not fitted for the position
ut all unless he knows something of the
principles of navigation. In plain sailing
he might run the ship successfully by the
aid of charts and tables which wiser men
had prepared for his use, but in storm be
would very likely be shipwreUked. Just
SO, a man may be a plain, practical farm
or, without much acquaintance with the
science of agriculture; but to secure the
highest success in this art he must study
at least the rudiments of agricultural
chemistry. He must also keep posted as
to the important experiments and new
discoveries in the art. In order to do this
he must take one or more of the many
agricultural newspapers. He should also
learn from observation of the best prac-
teal farmers in his neighborhood. There
is no greater obstacle to progress in any
calling than tho idea that one already
knows all about it. AS job puts it, No
doubt but We are the people and wisdom
shall die with YOU" Farmers do no,
visit each others plantations enough with
an eye to learning something. Some OF
our best manufacturers have secured Eu'
rope purposely to perfect themselves in
their art, and the result is that they are
now finding European market for their
factory products. The farmer who is con-
tent to manage his land and stock just as
his father did before him, may make n
living, but cannot conquer any great sue
cess, Other things being equal, the sue
cessful farmer is member of an agricul-
tural society and attends the fairs, not so
much to exhibit bis own stock and prod
ucts and secure premiums, as to learn
from the exhibitions of others. lie is also
a member of some farmers club, and at
tends the meetings, not so much to venti-
late his own opinions and practices as to
imbibe the wisdom of his peers. He also
studies the markets and the best time and
mode of marketing his products, for sue
cess in farming depends almost as much
upon the skill in selling rs on the skill in
DIOluCiu
Finally, success depends upon the ability
to make good investments of the results Of
labor. These should not be boarded fol
heirs we know not whom, but spent liber.
ally for the education and comfort of the
family, and for the public veal, always
keeping one eye to windward and provid
ing against storm. I'm youth provide
for old age is a good MAXIM but wha
investment can be better than in educating
and training children for life of useful
nessp The farmer who has spent his sur
plus in educating some manly sons ant
womanly daughters is more sure of sup
port and comfort in his old age than he
would be had he boarded his gains anC
was the possessor of hank stock or United
States bonds. Children are the heritage
of the Lord. Blessed is the man that hail
his culver full of them So says holy
writ, and there is no denying its truth
Farmers, as class, have not though
enough of making home pleasant for thei
children, nor of educating their children
to II well cultured manhood aud woman
hood. A good stock in the house is of fal
more value than good stock in the barn
-NeW York Times.