Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1881-12-21

1 and regrets this movement. II farmers
will work as hard and be as economical
here as they are compelled to be at the
west, he believes better results will be
achieved. 1t will not be wise to lightly
consider the privileges and opportunities
that are so freely afforded us here. Their
value can hardly be computed in dollars
and cents.
OF course all young men cannot be
farmers. or all live here. IL a boy has
peculiar liking or adaptedness for other
occupation, by all means let him pursue
it. Thinks more depends on the man than
on the occupation. The same energy,
determination and well. directed labor will
as surely succeed in agricultural pursuits
rs in other occupations or the over. fl led
professions.
Compare the yield and prices of Yer
mont products with those at the west.
Compare results and see if the verdict will
not be in favor of Vermont; spoke of the
vast deposits Of marble and slate in our
state as affording profitable labor for thou.
sands, while thousands more are engaged
in furnishing the means of living for the
operatives.
Would not advise Young farmers to
pursue old methods if more progressive
measures promise better results. Adopt
those improvements that are necessary
and are always certain to pay well in the
end.
Mr.. Davis led in discussion of the i'm.
portant point, "Will farming payP' He
spoke of the deserted farms to be found in
the state, and asked what had become of
| fhntr &c a., l,,,I I, IL
be allowed to grow up again to timber as
the best purpose to which they can be
devoted He is of the opinion that the
verdict of many farmers to day is, 1t does
not pay. Thinks the farms are TOO large.
Concentrate the labor and capital on
smaller areas, and better results will fol-
low. Is of the opinion that some farms
cannot be made to pay by the best directed
efforts, while others will afford good
profit. To make farming more certain to
pay, new systems must be adopted and
rigidly followed in our methods of cult
vaton. Nothing of value must be allowed
to go TO waste, and all the operations OF
the fnrm must be conducted with the
greatest care.
DR.. Cutting is more sanguine of success
in Vermont agriculture than Mr.. Davis,
and guards her interests with Jealous care
Is of the opinion that hard wood land
originally, may be the best for a time
after clearing off the timber, but thinks
land where hemlock and spruce grew will
remain in good condition the longest.
This opinion was confirmed by an old
farmer present.
Mr.. Pember spoke good word for our
| hin fo althouorl, bau bo Il
cred hard by same others.
The secretary said that men are more
, or less in debt in all parts of the country
! and world, and we shall not be likely tC
: escape this burden by immigrating. Re
} member that at the west the rate o
interest is much greater than here, anC
: this is oftener more injurious to farmers
there than larger Indebtedness here.
| Mr.. Bliss being called upon, replied tha
, he was Vermonter and friendly to he
best interests. During the high prices o
the late war large farms were purchased
and reaction following, great discourage
ment and loss ensued. This was a mis-
take. and he believes that smaller farm:
would pay better. Would not seek t.
, keep all our young men here, as this il
, not expedient. Does not think that thest
5 very large yields of corn that are some
: times reported are cheap crop, as the,
, are necessarily expensive in labor AM
= fertilizers. We should use horse cultiva
5 ton AS much rs possible, and believes tina
r dairying will continue to be II leadin,
t industry.
1 Mr. James Barron of St. Johnsbury di,
: not like the west to be disparaged, as W.
f are so much dependent on it for portion
! of our living Referred to his experienc
$ in the nursery business in Essex county
s and does not regard it as very satisfactory
$ as only the most hardy kinds of apple
1 succeed here. Does not think that goo
. grass soil is best adapted to fruit growing
# A new growth of wood late in the fall wi
! be liable to winter kill.
# The discussion took quite an interestin
turn, and lasted till II: 80. when the meel
q ing adjourned.