The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1880-12-16
For the FARMER ASD mechanic
Importance of Agriculture.

The most improved style of cultiva-
ton, how to take the best care OF
lands and how to get the largest yield,
per acre, is a thought which shgull
command the attention not only OF the
practical farmer, but TO some extent OF
the greatest minds In this, and all coun-
ties. When we think Of the millions
that are dependant on the farming
class for their daily sustanance; Is 1t not
strange indeed that we havn a more
systematic mode Of farming? All other
vocations of life are better organized and
ordered than the one which Is their main
foundation; and without which all must
soon perish. Ought this TO be the
case? The encouragement OF expe-
rimental agriculture has been In general
neglected, while diffusion Of practical
knowledge has been either wholly over
looked or considered subordinate to
other objects.
Little National efforts have been made
for the general improvement OF the
methods of culture and it would seem
that all vocatlons are opposed to any
measure which would give the farming
class even their natural rights.
Other classes have schools In which
the special elements OF the branches
necessary for eacl class are taught, and
good business men have been made by
such training. No such schools hav e
been instituted for the benefit OF the
everyday agriculturist. Certainly this
branch of industry ought to be rs well
! provided for as others.
" hen we remember how our popu
lation is daily increasing, can we say
how far the fertility of the soil may be
I, increased or how long 1t may Keep
ahead of the growing number OF the
people, 1t is true that we have our
own past experience, and the example
| Of other countries to assure us that the
limits of its productive powers can De
perdicted or foreseen, pr0r"dcd we give
it the attention we should. But wt
/ should endeavor for greater achieve
sments. The result OF each new I'M
movement seems more astonishing tt
us than its forerunner. Alter waste
piece of land has been brought into Al
average state OF cultivation, we are not
prepared for any great improvement Oh
| ir by new lahurS nor can we readily
see that the same land III few YEAR
may be made to double what ha, beer
raised per acre by bc>tcr draining
deeper ploughing, and more thorough
manuring, but such Is the case as has
been proved by those who have mad;
practical farming life study. and whC
have not been satisfied with small re
suits, and are determined yet to have
greater Yields from the fertile telds o
the South.
Does it not lehoove US who belong t
this class to exchange our though
through agricultural Journals and try
and bring about a more improved styl'
of cultivation? We do not need nice
theory from some gifted writer who ha
never had any experience IN practica
farming. we want to hear from mes
who are in the field daily; those VIII,
lreadiIy know the merits OF a farm I'M
plement after they have used 1t them
lselvcs and who are not dependant 81
some one else for their opinion. Sucl
articles are of vastly more lmpor
tancc to us than any book we ca
read ON agriculture We know wha
others are doing and it stimulates us t
greater eXertIonS.
We should also remember that com
) paratively 81 eaking it Is useless Tor u
to manure our lands to any great eX
tent unless we ditch properly and III,
our rows SO that we can keep on on
fields what we spend for manure
Manure made by hands we hire Is ex
. .lrensive and we should be sure to man
age in such a way that we can reap tn
tI,U banofit of al Our la bOrS.
Timber it seems to me will be quit
An item with us In few years, If W
continue to clear as we have since tn
war. Would it not be better for us t
renoyate our worn out old fields than t
persue our present course? Ii we thin
carefully of the cost Is 1t not cheaper /
| jdollars and cents These are question
it seems to me which ought to b
thought of and acted upon.
And in conclus on allow me to ga
that while we try to take better care o
our land and try to make our vocatlo
more profitable is there no way b.
which we can make farming more agree
able and enticing to the young men 9
our country? Can We induce them b
some means to stay on the farm lnstea
of running to town for employment
There is certainly nothing more Col
ducive to health than the life which W
t lead. Would that could see our com
. ing generation more interested IN tn
. uoblest of all the callings of life.
WAKE FOREST FIELD.