Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-12-30
some Plain Talk from q Farmer 60
Farmers.

some Plain Talk from y Farmer 60
Farmers.
Do the farmers Of Vermont appreciate the
efforts that are made by the state board Of
agriculture for their beneft2 II seems to the
writer that they do not, or they would not be
so Indifferent when its meetings are held in
their immediate neighborhood This board,
created for the especial purpose of benefting
the farmers, and whose expense is largely paid
by them, is permitted to meet and depart, and
not one in hundred attends or knows what
subjects are discussed what addresses are de-
livered, what essays read, or what good things
they have failed to learn and all because they
are too careless and indifferent to attend to
those things that tend TO advance their intel
lectual and material interests. This board is
composed of the best material TO be found
among the farmers of the state-practical
men, who know what they are talking about.
Is it fact that we cannot spare the time to
meet with them2 The agricultural horse-trot
has power to allure us away from the farm.
We somehow manageto find time to sample
the cigars and wet goods of the corner groce-
ry or village hotel. Let there be petty law
suit between neighbors, and the farmers are
sure to be there-and stay, too, until the jury
agree to disagree and are discharged, when
they reluctantly wend their way home, and
cannot get time to attend church the next
Sunday. Many of us spend more time in
bringing barrels of cider out Of our cellars in
a quart mug than we do in endeavoring to
improve our minds aud add dignity TO our
calling The writer attended a meeting Of
the Board at Townshend last winter, and at
the afternoon session not even the traditional
bakers dozen were present. The farmers Of
the county were conspicuous by their absence.
The feast was prepared, but the guests failed
to appear.
Now, il this board is worth having, its
meetings should be patronized by the class
they are intended to benefit; il it is not wor-
thy of our support, abolish it. But we be-
lieve no thoughtful, candid person can attend
one of these meetings and not feel that he is
amply repaid for time and money spent. No
man can listen to DIR. Cuttings address on
plant food and not feel that he has learned
something of value TO him as q farmer. Then
the genial member from Westminster, Mr..
Davis, can tell more about the COW, her needs
and the best way of supplying them, than an
ordinary man can pick up in a lifetime. And
so each member, in his own peculiar vein, can
open up treasures of great value TO the pro-
gressive farmer. 1t must be very unpleasant
for these gentlemen to travel long distances
and find nothing but empty seats to talk to;
nor can it be profitable to spend money in
that way. meeting of the board is an
nounced for the second day of January, at
Newfane Let the farmers of the county turn
out en- mdsse, and let us have n rousing meet
ing, and believe we can say as did one of
old, at is good for us TO be here 1t is high
time that we, the farmers of Windham coun-
ty, awake to lively sense of our condition.
Our land is rapidly growing poorer and de-
preciating in value our dairy products are
lower in the market than those of any other
county in the state. We cannot stand still
we must advance or retrograde. Competition
is sharp, and the active, stirring element is
sure to win. We must be part of and iden-
tilted with it, or we shall continue to be hew-
ers of wood and drawers Of water, and shall
deserve nothing better.
Ilpa Tsrru f.