Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1882-05-24
Will l Paw!
"A paper read at meetings Of the poard Of Agricul
ture by Hon. L L. Pember Of Wells. member Of tn
Continued from 18th page.)

"A payer AZ ui luaAA u TsAiNAt-
ture by Hon L. Il. Pember of Wells, member Of the
| B1ardl
Continued from 18th page.)
1t may be said that some will have
special aptitude in particular direction
that they possess one talent In excess of
others. Then cultivate and develop II. l
would by no means advise all young men
to be farmers, or every young man to
always live in Vermont because he was
born there. There are exceptional cases
always. II boys mind runs naturally
towards some legitimate speciality, by all
means let him fellow it, and follow II. too,
where he can do it most advantageously,
and, all things considered, to the greatest
benefit to himself and those dependent
upon him. But the great majority of
young men are not specialists. With
them the question still recurs. Will it pay
for me to continue my home in Vermont
and become farmer, or seek other occu.
patton or home elsewherep
| The young man sees also now and then
one who has made a brilliant success in
his profession or trade, and is held up as
showing how much greater results may
be expected in other lines than in
farming, and he hesitates before he at
Temps farming in Vermont, fearing that
at best but trifling gains will reward his
labors.
1t is true, painfully true, that many
Vermont farmers but barely make com.
Portable living for their families; but
would the some amount of labor, the same
thought, the same habits, bring them any
better results if directed in some other
chsnnel? Are not these instances of mark.
ed success always contingent upon the
governing force that turns all conditions
to favorable account? Is it reasonable to
/ suppose that the man who is careless, in
different or slovenly with his farming.
and consequently not successful, would
succeed better in any. other business
following the same habits to govern himp
Like begets like everywhere. Man must
be superior to the occupation to achieve
success in anything. Successes are al
ways heralded abroad, but failures rest
quietly with their victims; and sometimes
one is led to suppose that success as rule
may be won with but little exertioD, when
in fact it is the rare exception.
Are not the instances Of marked success
as common among farmers as in any
other calling? DO not larger per cent
Of the whole number succeed in finally
owning homes OF their own than can be
found in any ether occupation? Is there
any ono that cannot call TO mind many
instances that have fallen under his own
observation in which the poor boy of
twenty or more years ago is now the sole
owner of his fine, we'll improved farm,
and, It may be, holds his mortgages and
bonds besides, and his life is pointed out
as financial success? And are instances
of this kind less common in Vermont than
elsewhere?
One of the leading sheep breeders in
western Vermont, whose flock is now
eagerly sought after by buyers of thor
oughbred Merinos from the west and even
from far of Texas. at almost fabulous
prices, commenced his business over thirty
years ago, his only money capital being
two common sheep which he bought with
MS first earning. That his quiet, unob.
Lrusive life has heen n success is obvious
to all This is only one illustration, and
It is by no means an isolated one. Every
town can furnish many similar cases,
either in this or some other of the differ
ent branches of farm industry, showing
that good judgment, economy and per.
Sistence are as sure TO win in farming Us
in anything else.
But it is said that our hills are steep
and rocky; that our climate is severe :;
that much Of our soil is poor and worn
out. Surprising we admit this; let the
poorer and more inaccessible portions
grow up to timber-we shall need it all as
soon as it is grown. viii it pay to aban-
don all the fertile valleys and slopes. and
the good land scattered everywhere
through the state because il is not all
unmixed with evilp 60 where you will,
some drawback. some unpleasant feature
IS always found. Tho place cannot be
found on this earth where soil, water,
climate, oil exist under the most favorable
conditions.
If our mountains are steep and rugged
they catch the gathering clouds and the
rain is precipitated in gentle showers so
that long continued, burning droughts
never occur. They break the force of the
wind and the death dealing cyclone can
never gather sufficient force to sweep with
its relentless fury over our hills and
through our valleys. The blackened,
desolale track of the fire liend, strewn with
the charred remains OF its victims, is never
seen among our homes and the terrible
scourge of the grasshopper is unknown.
If one of our clear mountain springs
could be placed in some of the richest
portions of the Mississippi valley it would
be welcomed as bonanza. Many a
western farmer would gladly exchange
acres Of his rich alluvial soil for one acre
of our numerous rocky ridges where stone
suitable for building purposes may he
found.
1t is said that the majority of farms in
Vermont are under mortgage, many oil
which can never be Cancelled; that il
farming paid IA it should this condition oil
things would not exist. Is this anything
pew or peculiar to farming or to this state:
Has il not always been 50, and do we not
find the same everywhere and in all kinds
of business? Go the so called richest por.
tons Of our country, and venture to say
you will find lands as heavily encountered
and foreclosures as frequent as in the
poorer parts of Vermont.
The time was not long since, when the
energetic young man could accept the
famous advice, go west" and, will
little or no capital, after n few years la
Dor and privation. secure some land, see
the country developed around him and
the rise in the value of his property make
him competence. Many fortunes have
been made in this way; but that time i,
now passed except in an occasional place
and it is very doubtful, too, where thai
place may now be found. Capital is Of
more Importance there now even thar
here, and it is question worthy Of favor.
able consideration whether the same capl
tai will not secure more real benefits in
Vermont than in the west or south. With.
out capital it is the rule, almost without
exception, that man can do better in any
of the eastern states than in the west.
Will 1t pay, then, to cast these consider
, ations all one side in determining where
=, ones home shall be? 1t is not all in the
depth of the soil or the gross amount O
the crop produced on which the prof
depends; but, What is that crop worth il
net proceeds
!, 1t is not all alluvial deposit that in tn,
form of dust or mud hree.fourths of thu
year sticketh closer than brother tina
makes man happy or home pleasant. Mar
cannot live by bread alone, and something
more than wheat, even. is needed. Corr
, | ko :.