Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1882-01-05

Farmers are beginning to realize the neces
sity and importance of a means by which ag
ricultnral knowledge can be increased ant
diffused, and, to this end, the establishment
of schools, colleges and agricultural institutes
SC.
While we are pleased to note these evil
dences of progress we will not, we think, b,
considered wide of the mark when we sa,
that agriculture as science is yet in its in
fancy, and that, as Knowledge increases, W,
may mark an era of progress scarcely yet con
ceived of by the most sanguine.
/ may be excused when say the present
| generation OF farmers seem too prone to fol
low in the old ruts, and are but beginning tC
realize how hard it is to betake themselves
to new and more enlightened system. The
subject of the varied nature of the soils, 6
knowledge CT which is essential to a wise pro
duction, Is to most an arcanum. The knowl
edge of the compositions of the soils, modi-
fed by so many circumstances, is the key to
the treatment which the soil should receive
in practical husbandry.
Agaln-how little is known Of the influ-
ence of climate as it modifies, and should
modify the practice of the farmer. And
again, the influence Of population, as it beam
the resources and revenues of the agriculturist
So the subject of farm buildings, their plans
and principles of arrangement and structure,
as protection to stock and for convenience
and labor saving, are subjects of vital import
ance in practical husbandry.
Vital for the consideration of the farmer is
the subject Of plating his arabic and pasture
| lands, for convenience and comfort in his
farming operations. So of fencing, the vari-
eties, with reference to durability aud cost OF
construction.
a
dry have an important place in the farm
er's vocabulary, such as ploughs, harrows,
scarifiers, cultivators, rollers and land pres
sers, manure distributors, seed sewers, har-
vesters-as reapers, mowers, hay makers
thIeshers and winnowing machines;
all these require careful attention. The
improvement and care of farm stock.
the preparation of soils for tllage. as pairing.
burning. trenching, draining, manuring, the
kinds and methods of application, following,
the actual tillage as plowing. narrowing, cul-
tivating, rolling, the succession of crops, and
the adaptability of soil TO the crops sown or
planted, all these are subjects of great inter-
est and importance to earnest inquirers, and
all requiring intelligence, skill. judgment and
application, for the achievement of the best
results, and for grand achievements the sun
of God does not. shine upon a better land
Lnan yours
1t should be the highest aim of the farmers
to raise from Ghat contempt into which the
calling has by Misrepresentation falleI, and to
ennoble in the minds of the young. this occu-
patton, more honorable than that of kings and
princes. The farmer is the prince of Gods
heritage. When first breathed the breath
of life, it was in the pure atmosphere of the
farmers home, and the experience of not long
life has taught me that its comforts ares more
to be desired than all the empty and feeting
honors that the world can give.
And now, friends, you have assembled to-
day to consider of the many topics glanced
a., and seeking the best information as tohow
you may best obey the command, and subdue
the earth; and hoping that great results may
be achieved, that mutual benefit may follow
your assembling together, and the interests of
your noble calling may be advanced, now
have the extreme pleasure of bidding you acor-
dial welcome, in the name of the people of St
Clairsville, whose greatest pleasure will be in
your abundant success.