The Red Cloud chief., 1880-11-18
The Spirit OF improvement.

EVERY neglect of the farm. every
missed opportunity for improvement,
every neglected fence, or half-cultured
field. and every other fixture Of farm
labor that is contrary to the spirit of
improvement now so dominant in the
agricultural world. is covered over with
the mantle of charity, i. e., the want
of time"
If time is of any value. and the cost
OF these Improvements were put into
the balance against it, it would be
found in a majority of cases that the
greater number of these actually-de-
manded improvements would cost but
very little, if any. more than this time
which is counted so valuable. The
primary cost of these improvements
can never be exactly ascertained until
they are put in operation and their
value determined by use and COMPARE
son with old methods that they have
superseded; and when their superiority
is demonstrated, the precious time that
first stood in the way of their introduce
ton will be found to have been either
largely wasted in getting along with
Old-time tools or methods, or largely
Over-estimated.
If the spirit Of improvement is to be-
com q factor in farm labor, it is q val
liable feature to study out and know in
advance exactly what is needed or what
line of labor is necessary to put in prac-
tice the particular improvement that is
desired. When it is determined upon.
do not allow any side issue to supplant
the idea, and finish it up and perfect it
before leaving it or ~neglecting it for
some other plan that has come in to
dispute occupancy.
If this spirit of improvement is once
begun, it will enlarge as the farmer
sees new results and finds that farming
Is an exact science rather than an en-
perimental business of doubtful result.
If disaster comes from this spirit it will
be the result OF over-reaching and at
tempting too much rather than q lack
of realizing upon any thorough and
~well-worked plan, and it is from this,
rather than the former. that the farmer
must guard himself. The adoption and
perfecting of n plan or method at 3
time is 8 safe way, and the amount of
improvement and sdornment that will
follow as n year is compared with
another will be 3 surprise, and the ad-
ditional labor with the increased in
come derived therefrom. without call
ing for more hours of labor. or greater
exertions to perform it will be the CON-
plete answer for participation in the
spirit of progress.
This spirit has an effect upon the
family for good. The improvement of
house, barns, machinery, lands, and
general identifying and lending addi-
tonal attractions, will inspire a refined
taste in the family that will not be con-
fined within that circle, but will extend
and show its influence over wider areas
and enter other circles. This spirit
put in operation would be con-
trolled by judgment, and directed BY
q systematic course of study that will
promote this desirable quality so essen
tial to a higher farm life. and guard and
protect against its extreme extrava-
gance and unrestricted ouilays. agains.
which no farm revenue can contend.
but if wisely used will promote the
happiness and inspire the intelligence
that stamps the farmer as a true
sovereign of the soiL."-Erchonge.