Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-09-15

( stimulus may be given to the agriculture
c mechanical and manufacturing interests O
b. the State. To secure this end, and to pre-
g mote the highest interests of the State
= the aim of these associations. And sue
cessful accomplishment is looked for in
0 union of these two societies on basi
9 satisfactory to ALL 1t is, Mr.. President
with feeling of pride aud satisfaction tina
| unite with you to-day in congratulatiul
3 upon so happy result.
! We look with hope and encouragement t
the future of agriculture in this State: Their
is much to be accomplished before we real
ize favorable state of profit and culture
but 1t will surely come, il farmers will bu
awaken to their real interests The dignit,
of labor will be exalted and the pursuit Of
agriculture will be recognized as among tn,
most honorable and desirable.
In ancient Rome agriculture was
highly esteemed and proud was the Roman
citizen who could boast of bis broad acres. II
was only when the great empire succumbed
to the allurements of luxury and ease that
agricultural pursuits were left to slaves and
to an ignorant and dependant peasantry.
Let it be oars to restore the profession of
farming to its old time honor and esteem.
There has been too much of disposition to
under-rate the pursuit of agriculture and to
WITHHOLD the just merit to which il is en-
titled. But with the advantages which
exist at the present day In all branches per-
tanning to it, agriculture is fast approaching
the dignity Of science. Progress is now
the watchward and each year shows ad-
vancement toward realization of the true
ideal State after State has yielded to the
progress Of civilization until now the great
expansc of the West-in itself an empire
unfold TO our view its rich acres OF bound.
less extent and limitless capabilities and
destined soon to become the great centre Of
population, wealth and power.
| Never in our history has this expansive
power shown itself so active as now. Every
branch of trade and commerce is stimulated
| to the utmost and never have science and
| art and inventive talent been laid under
such contribution to supply every growing
demand.
Under such pressure no department of
industry can remain passive. Emphatically
true is this of agriculture. The rapidly in
creasng acreage of virgin soil brought into
productive utility in the West and North
west, the vast tide of emigration toward
that field, become important factors in this
grand development The invention of labor
saving machinery and the many new meth
DDS in husbandry have given a new stimu-
lus to agriculture which imposes upon the
farmer of today and especially ia Vermont,
new cares and responsibilities and demands
from him the adoption of active and intelli.
gent methods. The life even of the farmer
and his household have changed. The ideal
picture of the farmer drawn by the pencil of
theartist and described by the pen of the poet
Is a thing Of the past. The doctrine of
Darwin-the survival of the fittest-applies
to the farmer of to-day. lie who would
reach the goal of success must fight with all
hn II in Il
overcome them. He must inteligcn,ly and
skillfully conduct his business, awaiting him.
self to the largest extent of the best meth
DDS and appliance who wins in the race
and eledatcs himself and his pursuit to the
highest standard of attainment
would that could impress every farmer
in this State with the importance of seeking
the highest standard of excellence in his
work, for therein will he find the true path
to success and profit
The changes going on in every depart
ment of business are rapid-iu many re
spects radical.
The slow, easy going methods of former
years are past and we live in an age of
telegraphy and steam Prices current in
London for every article of American
production are known in this country almos,
as soon US they are announced on the other
side of the Atlantic.
Agriculture is no longer circumscribcd
local industry. Tie telegraph SUNNI )ns and
the railroad transports the productions of
the most remote granary of the north
west or the furthcst distant ranch in the
southwest to the seaboard swift steamships
convey these productions to the hungry mil
lions of the old world.
10 conform to and keep pace with these
great changes the former must also change.
He must be actively on the watch for every
improvement in form and method and be
ready to adopt the best that offers. Some of
the novelties that are offered as improve
mcnts must be regarded with some degree of
suspicion lie must learn to reject the use
less and accept and make practical applica-
ton of the useful.
Among recent discoveries OF improved
methods that have engaged the attention OF
farmers is one which if found successful, as
1t must be, will revolutionize farming, par
ticularly in New England | refer to the
new method of preserving food for cattle in
the form OF ensilage. And yet why should
call it new? Its principles are centuries old.
1t has existed in certain localities in the
mountainous region Of Thibet time out of
mind.
The speaker then gave an account of his
experience in the use Of the silo and strong
been tried and found wanting he was con-
WINGED the failure was the result of improper
rather than of any defect in the
system itself.
From the product Of III acres there were
for @ months and 12 DAYS, AZ cows
and within that time only the usual quantity
of grain was fed. The stock was in The best
of health the flow of milk was in.
creased in quantity and was of excelen,
quality; the quantity and quality of the
butter was also increased and improved.
Inc progeny OF the cows were healthy and
vigorous.
The farmer using the slo must mauifestly
become largely gamer, for by its applica-
ton, while reducing his acreage, he is able
to increase his herd Of cattle, while his
means fol. fertilizing his land increase each
year thus enhancing the productive capacity
and value of his farm.
The land in Vermont to-day is not made |
to produce what by proper husbandry it can
be made to produce, nor is the product of the |
dairy up to its proper standard. This latter |
is the staple article of Vermont product, and |
it is against this branch of industry that the
severcst competition Of the West is made.
Vermont should be able to defeat this COM |
petition with her great natural advantages, |
and her nearness to the Market affording |
cheaper transportation. No State in the Tn |
ion is capable of better results in dairying
than Vermont it needs only that hor people |
should awaken to juster appreciation Of
their advantages, and intelligently utilize |
them to retain the position she has so long |
and soproudy held in this respect. With |
more perfect methods, AID more intelligent |
her agriculture will attain to its
rue position Of eminence and profit.
Our young men will be attracted to its
pursuit and be induced to remain at home.
II Greeley had known or thought of the ad-
'antages offered to theyoung men at home,
he probably would have advised them to try
their fortunes there rather than given the ad-
vice which has become proverbial to "go
West, young man."
There isgreat delusionin this idea of realiz-