The Hartford herald., 1880-02-18
A Sensible Letter-Farmers, Read n

Editor Herald:
1t is demonstrated beyond the shad-
Ow of a doubt, that the farmers of Ohio
county have no better friend than the
HERALD. As an evidence of this fact,
witness the recent corn and tobacco
fair, attended by one of the most in
structIve lecturers the people of this
county ever listened to. My purpose,
however, is not to enter upon an eulO-
gium of the HERALD.
In conversation with the farmers of
this county, one thing is apparent TO a
casual observer, viz: That we have
some good farmers, who understand
the theory and practice of farming I;
and a great majority who really know
but little about it. This ought not to be
the case. Farmers, as a rule, are COM
municative, and but few things afford
''Bro. Jonathan" more pleasure, than
to give his experience to his fellows.
One person will spend years in expert
encing, demonstrating and ascertain
ing the truth or falsity of theory, in
reference to agriculture. While this
person is at work at his theory, another
is at work eqally as hard upon another.
Now, why could not these parties im-
part to each other and to those less IA
vorably situated, the information thus
obtained? This, to say the least, would
be sociable.
We find i'm all other professions, So
cieties for mutual improvement. When
one member ascertains any fact that is
of Importance, he communicates the
same to his cOmpeers, so that all may
receive the benefit. Farmers alone, OF
all the professions, stand aloof, each in
dividual ploding along in his own old
way. The question may be asked,
how is this to be avoided? The an
swer is, organize farmers club. Let
the farmers meet together, discuss the
best methods of farming i'm every par
ticular, interchanging opinions, COM
pare results and thus enlighten each
other.
Why should the tillers of the soil, Oc-
cupying, as they do, the highest plane
i'm life, stand sullenly aloof from
each other, acting as though each was
envious of his neighbor's knowledge
and success, and determined not to let
anybody know he is not so well in
formed? Farmers, shall we continue to
go ON in the same old ruts as of yore ?
Are you favored few who do know how
to farm successfully and prOfitably, not
willing to impart the knowledge to your
less favored brethren? Or is il the
fault of the majority? Did our fathers
go to mill with the corn in one end OF
the sack and rock in the other? and
per force, must we do the same? Or
rather will not those who know, en-
tighten the rest of US? For surely no
one is so Obdurate as to refuse Informal
ton. Farmers, shall we see?
Aside from all other considerations,
from social standpoint alone, this
matter must commend itself to all.
You are well aware of the fact that in
all countries where farming is success,
the farmers meet in deliberative bodies
and discuss the different means to at
tain to "a desired end. In some of the
Eatsern States, Farmers Clubs are now
in existence, whose formation ante
dates this by half century. / do not
say these clubs alone have made these
places garden spots, but / do maintain
that they have played an important
part in achieving the grand success.
1t would seem that the voice of wis
dom would say "GO thou and do like
wise"
With some concern, | cOnsign these
suggestions to the earnest consideration
of my brother farmers, hoping that an
intetest in this matter may be aroused,
and that we shall hear from some
through the columns of the HERALD.
Feb. 9th, 1850. j. X. III.