The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-12-23
Diversified Agriculture.


Press the following on the above theme:
The great interest of our farmers should
be to know what to do and how to do it,
to make their labor and capital give the
largest return.
They have tried wheat and barley
raising until many of them have been
compelled to mortgage their farms. This
single cropping can succeed only in iso-
lated instances, and then only when the
crops are good and prices high. Meat,
vided for families, either by raising them
or by purchase Any farmer in any por-
ton of Pacific Coast can produce meat,
bread and vegetables in great abundance
for family use; in some sections with but
little labor, and in others it will require
more, but it can be done, and ought to be
by every farmer on the coast; and the
sooner this course is adopted will pros
perity follow. The three articles of food
mentioned above will cost a family of six
or seven persons from $500 to $500 per
year. In most cases farmers can raise
them cheaper, and a better article than
can be purchased from other parties.
No farmer can be said to be independ-
ent OF prosperous who refuses to raise all
or most of such articles of food as are re-
quired for family use. In doing this the
Younger members of the family are edu-
Gated in all the industries OF the farm,
which is very important. When boys
learn how to handle, to feed, and to man.
age all kinds of stock, they learn to love
it. 1t keeps them at home; it gives them
constant employment; it teaches them
patience, method and perseverance, and
in large majority OF cases they become
good and prosperous citizens.
What pleasure to see the farm stock
ed with the highest type Of horses, cattle,
sheep, hogs and poultry. In breeding,
feeding and cultivating this class OF farm
stock in connection with other farming,
to my mind is the most interesting as
we'll as pleasurable, that men can follow.
1t is the parent of good habits; 1t is the
foundation of good living; keeps the
family together; is interesting IN its de-
tails; moral in its associations; and leads
to prosperity.
The occupation of the farmer cannot
be overrated or overstated. They feed
the millions. Let them cease their Ia
bors for a single year, and famine en-
sues. From their ranks the mighty IN
tellect is drawn that governs and con-
trolls the United States in all its depart
ments. All the presidents and most, II
not all, the distinguished statesmen and
generals of this country, from its founda-
ton up to the present time, were ut one
time farmers boys, and learned their
first lessons in LIES business on the farm
and at the farm hearth. Their occupa'
ton and habits at outdoor work ensures
q vigorous constitution. ms gives a
GOOD foundation for the intellect to grow
and ripen. The country supplies the
great commercial centers with brains,
muscle and energy that has astonished
the world in all the departments OF in
dustry. 1t is the daily inquiry where
was SO and so from The time honored
answer Isl Born in such county, and IN
such a State; a farmers son; worked ms
way from small beginnings up higher
and higher, until the great people seeing
his worth have made him general,
Judge, q senator; and every four years
they select one from among them, and
make him President. Then take cour-
age. farmers. All the world have to draw
their drafts ON your ranks. Then make
farmers out of your boys, and II they
have talent to fill high stations IN lie,
they will find their way up.
All the improved breeds OF stock are
more or less valuable to breed and raise
on the farm, and especially so in regard
to cattle They fill larger space in sup
plying families with the good things OF
life than any or all other stock. 1t may
be said that any class of cattle is valua-
bio to the farmer. This is true. But
still there is one tribe which is pre-
eminent in my opinion, taking beef and
milk of a superior quality, early matu-
rity. besides other valuable considera-
tions. The Short Horn is the grandest
and noblest animal of the bovine tribe.
The history of the Snort Horn, for gen
erations back, is full of interest. The
perfection the early breeders brought
them to. by the exercise of common
sense in breeding and feeding them for
long series of years, until they had estab-
lished the perfect type, both in form,
pedigree and color; and that type has
been maintained by succeeding breeders
with the utmost care up to the present
time. Their early maturity, the quantity
and quality of marbled beef they pro-
duce at any age Is most en-
couraging to farmers; and when they
are bred for the dairy they are
as much esteemed for their milk and but
ter qualities as they are for their juicy
and succulent beef. They have the quail
ity of crossing to great advantage with
ali other breeds to an extent that no
breed of cattle can claim or are entitled
to. 1t is safe to say that all farmers can
and ought to keep more or less stock IN
connection with other farming; and that
kAI hat