Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-10-24
Farm and Household,


vermont Farming--.Its Prospects,
have always believed that If Vermont far
mers would accept the situation, and use the
same industry and brain work that is rcquir-
cd in almost any other branch of business,
they would succeed. In my recent travels
over the eastern part Of the State / was
pleased TO notice n change for the better in
this respect
Coming from Connecticut river to Mont
pclier | noticed that largo number of far
mers have recently raised their old barns or
put up new ones, with cellars under them,
realizing that the first step to is to in
crease the value of the fertilizing material of
the farm. They are also clearing up the
bushes, removing stones, smoothing of
knobs, dtching, etc. One man said 81
have been fooling around my farm long
enough; now l am going to stay and i'm
prove the farm, and die here" Sensible con-
clusion
Although farm products are low, and it is
hard for those in debt, yet the cases are few
in which they will not succeed in clearing the
farm of debt if the courage is good, and they
use proper economy. One great trouble has
been discontent-some looking for chance
to sell and go West and others having n de-
sire to buy large FARMS and thus run head
long into debt If man owns hundred
acres in Vermont, he should be satisfied.
/ will mention as a sample, one of the con-
tented class who bought n small farm in 1860
for $500, paying about $500 down, run in
debt for the rest, got married, and went to
work to stay In a few years he was out of
debt, with good stock. He then sold out
and bought another farm joining this, of $50
acres, for $4,000. He now owns this and a
good stock and has money at interest; has
always been n good liver, has a family of
phil1rnp tolrps "a 6aap iptpragt IL, fbair aJn
cation, and is happy, contented man. He
has never specialized, but raises good stock,
and spends no more time away from his farm
than necessary, and his example has had an
excellent influence on all around him, Undue
ing others to go and do likewise.
In looking over my acquaintances, l rare
ly find man who has tried to improve his
mind, his farm and stock, and attended strict
ly to Legitimate farming that is not prosper
Gus man, in spite of the hard times, while
every town is strewed with financial wrecks
of men who have made haste to be rich by
some speculation, thinking they knew enough
to get living without work.
For one. think the future of our farmers
never looked more permanently prosperous
than now, if they will only improve their OPP
portunities. Labor and labor saving machn-
cry are low, and, with the improved nipple
ments, one man and boy can now do more
than three men could few years ago, in ma
ny kinds of work Now let us take courage
and pitch in, forgetting the past only as it
may serve to show us where we missed it, p"
and stop grumbling and trying to make our
children dislike farming but show them that
we love it, and SO turn over a new leaf"
and we shall be surprised to see the change.
But as long as a man is continually decrying
his business and complaining that farming is
all drudgery, and that he cannot make any
thing at it, and deprives his family of the re
quisites to make home attractive, Just so
surely he must expect his children will take
him at his word and leave him as soon as
possible for more attractive pursuits, to
trudge along alone in his old age, down to
his grave.--NontpeLier Letter to ". Il. Far