Morris tribune., 1882-08-10
PLEASANT VIEW
STOCK FARM

There is growing disposition among
farmers in this county to abandon the all
wheat policy which has heretofore pre-
vailed. Farmers are beginning to realize
that it is unsafe to place their dependence
upon any one crop. There is growing
demand for stock. Potatoes and garden
vegetables are being raised in larger guam
titles. Larger fields of oats, barley, corn,
fax, etc., are to be seen, and less wheat,
than in former years. Last week we had
the pleasure of visiting a model farm,
and as it is ''leader" in diversified ag-
riculture, we will give >ur readers the
benefit of the few things Itch We're most
apparent. hoping that by doing we may
be able to stimulate other farmers to imi-
tate a good example. This farm is stu
ated midway between Morris and Hancock
and contains $40 acres of excellent roll
ing prairie. 1t is owned by r. G. Jeffer,
son, of Woodstock, Illinois, an enterpris
ing business man, with ample capital, who
will do all in his power to develop its re.
sources. E. P. Watson, an experienced
and practical farmer, is general superin,
tendent and has half interest in the stock
upon the farm. Mr.. Watson took charge
last spring, and the various Improvements
which have been made bear witness to his
skillful management. Ten men thus far
have done the farm work There is the
most hearty cooperation between Mr..
Watson and his crew, and the work is
done well and in season. The most notice
able features are the new buildings which
are being constructed. The barn is nearly
completed. 1t is AZ feet wide, 112 feet
long and has 90 foot posts. There is q
drive way through it, bins for feed, and
avery large amount of space for hay. I'm
derneath is basement conveniently ar
ranged for stock. The walls, built by
Patrick Cannon, are eight feet high an6
about three feet thick, perfect emblems OF
solidity, which afford ample support fol
the huge structure without danger of set
Ting. The house, which is also nearing
completion, is a spacious structure and {
model Of convenience. The walls are sub
stantial and are laid below the frost line
There is large cellar and q three hundred
barrel cistern-items whose importanc,
cannot be over estimated. There is a con
venient arrangement of large rooms will
folding doors on the first floor, with tWt
stairways, and numerous sleeping room
and closets above. The apartments ar
airy and pleasant. From the lofty situa,
ton of these structures the view is boil
interesting and extensive. Briefly VI
would describe shem as "model farm
buildings" which reflect credit upon tn
possessor, Mr.. S. F. Leavitt, who con
stiucted them, and upon the country a
large. Upon the farm the raising of stool
will hereafter receive most attention
There are now fifty brood mares upon til
farm. The number of cattle at present i
small, but thirty head of blooded heifer
have been shipped from Illinois: and from
one to two hundred head o
cattle will be placed upon tn
farm this season. 1t is also expected
to have about GOO sheep in time. Unit
this year this has been an exelusivel
wheat raising farm and it will take som
time to make the change to q stock farr
even with the present rapid strides in tina
direction. Flom the large fields of oat
and the amount of hay being Put up W
judge that feed will not be lacking in tn
year to come. Eight hundred acres hav
been sown to tame grass this year, so tia
Timothy, Redtop and clover will take til
place of the native grass in the future
This farm, upon so much is being done b
skilful men to make still more attractive
natures beautifully formed broad fiel6
and prairies has been appropriated
named pleasant View Stock Farm
We take the liberty to ask farmers to Wis
it, believing that if they will tax
the trouble to do SO they will be able
learn considerablesof practical value. MI
Watson takes pride in the farm, buildin:
and stock, and is always pleased to la,
people come and admire them.