Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-08-15

The summer is the season that develops
problems for the observant farmer TO attempt
the solving We notice variations from what
we could have anticipated Astounding in every
direction on the farm. This field from which
we expected the large yield Of hay is harvest
ing less than this other field from which but
little was expected Here is a potato field,
one-half MANFRED, the other half treated with
artificial fertilizer. The fertilizer portion is
far superior to the other. Is this case Of
cause and effect? II so, why should not the
heavy manuring have availed to give a good
crop even if inferior TO the other half Here
is a spring seeded field of grass filled with
sorrel and an adjoining field filed with weeds
and no sorrel Has the manuring of the
fields caused this difference, or has the char
acter Of the land or has the sorrel seed exist
ed previously in one field and not in the 9TH
er Z Here is a field of melons, The hills
were all prepared alike and planted at the
same time. In one hill the growth is slow,
in the other rapid; yes, even stranger, some
plants in each hill are vigorous, and others
scarcely surviving the GOODNESS of the early
season. And so we might 60 on, and note
difference after difference; all that we observe
having q cause, if we can but see teach va
ration teaching a lesson, if we will but note
it.
In the presence of these natural and gene
raj experiences, it seems strange TO hear farm
ers sscribe all differences to the effect of the
manuring, or to cultivation. or to any other
one cause. We find in explanations offered
mark of illy-educated minds, who can see re-
suits, and are ever ready to ascribe to single
causes rather than a combination Of causes.
Here is sorrel The field has been fortified
with an artificial preparation. Hence the sor-
rel has been produced by the use of fertilizer.
If so, we might inquire why the appearance
of sorrel in this other field which has received
no manure. or that other field which has been
dunged We apply fertilizer to a hay field.
We have there a poor crop Of hay. Some
Immediately assert that the fertilizer is a
fraud. Does not the same thing happen with
manure, which we know is not fraud And
so we might question and reply, and yet be
no nearer convincing ourselves or others
The fact is, the changes produced by seed,
by soil, by climate, by manuring, by cultiva-
ton, and by the numerous combinations of
these factors, are so numerous that it is with
extreme difficulty and only by the closest OBJ
servation and reasoning that We, in farming,
can connect cause and effect rightly In no
business is there required a closer logic and a
greater common sense, and in farming good.
a superior, if you will, education is of great
advantage. The foundation Of this education
may be in experience or in the schools, but
how much easier, more reliable and eflicacious
is that obtained from the union Of the two
As farming is a combination Of labor and di
rection, the education required is not strictly
chronological nor literary teaching but a
judicious union Of the two. In the measure
that scientific education prevails over a lite
rary education in the general preparation of
men for skilled pursuits must an education of
a like character be valued for the farmer. The
farmer cannot be too highly educated for
r Il. -
Gated from the farm, instead of towards the
farm. Our agricultural colleges are hence de-
serving the goodwill of even the most prosaic
farmer who would have his children better
fitted to compete with modern conditions than
their parent. As the world improves, so must
the farmer improve, in order TO hold his own
in the race.-.SaeHtjfc Farmer