The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1879-03-06
SOUTHERN FARM AND HONE.
summer work I'm Winter.


"In time of peace prepare for war"
is venerable maxim, applicable to the
farmer as well as to the soldier. The
farmer should occupy at least portion
of the peaceful, leisure days, and long
evenings of winter, in preparing for the
active campaign OF the ensuing summer
in field, orchard and garden. Now, in
the early part of the year, is the time to
study and mstrr re plans for the approach.
ing season. Every wise husbandman
will give much thought TO the subject
of changes and Improvements upon his
premises. With a map Of his farm be-
fore him he can ea-lfv mark the course
10 be pursued and decide as to the best
manner Of accom- olishirg the objects de,
sired. 1t is not best 10 be in q hurry,
however, for IL IL always wise TO carefully
digest plan beFore oeciding to adopt it
in practice The better way is to con-
slider the pros and cons until satisfied as
TO the advantages of any proposed
change in your system IF culture or
management.
ANY farmer who cultivates rom only
twenty-five to one handred acres or
more, viii find it tor his interest to de-
vote time and attention 10 this matter
OF preparation 1t will pay good divi-
bends before the close of the year to now
(or before spring opens) decide and map
out, or even write down in detail-sub-
ject, OF course, TO modification il neces-
sary what he pro- oses to SOW or plant
on each field to be cultivated, noting
the changes and having regard to a
proper system of rotation. If it is pro-
posed to make any additions in the way
of buildings, etc, he should not only
have carefully prepared plans, but pro-
vide suitable material and arrange all
details 30 far as is practicable. If other
improvements are 10 be inaugurated,
whether in fencing, drainage, the plant
ing of orchards, the making of better
garden, or the ornsmenting OF the
grounds about the dwelling, ETC., every
thing should be so carefully considered
and provided for, that there may he no
delay when the proper season for action
shall arrivc,
The man who thus employs his brains
in winter will be rewarded therefor dur
cheapness with which bis plans can be
carried out; for, having fully decided
what to do, and having made his arrange
ments deliberately, every operation will
be performed in Its appropriate season,
and with that prOmptness which follows
foresight, readiness and energy. Indeed,
the wide-awake, progressive cultivator,
will so study and mature his plans dur
ing the winter season, that when spring
opens he will be prepared TO put his
forces in the field at the earliest prac.
tlcable moment. and, by leading and
directing in person, see that there is no
delay or waste of time at the season
when time is money" nd -r-
Winter is also the proper season to de-
eide as to what seeds, implements and
fertilizers viii be required, and to secure
the same, or make such arrangements
that they can be had when wanted. If
changes are to be made in the varieties
of any grains, vegetables or grasses, it
will be well TO secure the seed early, and
it is unnecessary TO add that the best is
always the cheapest. If new tools or i'm
plements arc required, or old ones need
repairing, to enable one promptly and
properly 10 perform the necessary operas
tions of the coming campaign, give the
matter early attention, and thus guard
against hndrances and accidents at a
time when delays are expensive, if not
dangerous.
1t is well occasionally to jog the mem
cries of even the most intelligent, for it
may be truthfully said of host of well
advised farmers, that
They know the right, and they approve it
too;
Condemn the wrong, and still the wrong
pursue"
Albeit this couplet may not apply to the
reader, it will just fit some of his neigh
bors. But be that as it may, we insist
that the prudent, far-seeing husbsndman
may, by q timely exercise of his brains,
do much of the coming seasons work in
advance of its opening - with which
axiom we close.