Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-29
Experiments.

Mr.. Editor "A prominent writer on ag-
riculture classes the practices as Of three
kinds: First, those which are known to be
profitable; second, those which are known
to be Improbable; third, those in which the
profits are doubtful; and concludes that
premiums for the first are useless, for the
second injurious, for the third beneficial.
At this time, when states are considering
experimental farms at the public expense,
it is proper for any citizen to express his
opinion in regard to the class of work which
ought 10 be undertaken. The above division
is definite enough for general guide. The
funds supplied for working these farms
might be considered as premium, or incen-
tive to desirable work. In one case the So
ciety that offers the premium indicates the
line of work in the other case the common
sense of the professors and farm manager is
all the public have to rely upon that judi
cious work will be done. The idea often
comes before the public that farms worked
in connection with agricultural colleges and
experimental farms are not profitable, and
ought not to be expected to be profitable;
and the fact, as the public mind receives it,
is that there is so great loss in tilling
these farms that their methods do not de-
serve imitation, or any special considera-
ton. This is not as it should be- At some
time and in some place there should be
farm established that shall mainly do work
of the first class, and attempt as much Of
the third class as the superior intelligence of
the managers of these farms, with their
abundance of means, can make profitable.
The sentiment of the majority of farmers in
our country, if given voice, would call for
an illustration of profitable work. They
have losses enough to mourn over, and many
cannot radically alter their practice without
outside aid and influence. The papers of
the country are doing great work in dis
seminating useful information, yet it is
fragmentary. Seeing is believing. In the
breed of cattle, sheep or poultry, will ap-
pear; in another number other breeds or
vegetables are discussed, and cases of excep-
tional profit narrated, and so on. These
have not such decided effect as visit to
an establishment where all the practices are
profitable. Profitable farming should be
demanded for the instruction of the boy
who grows up upon the farm, and only
leaves it because it is Improbable, as he has
observed it, The average farmer is not a
good instructor in his art he is often 81
lent, reserved man, in regard To his meth
ods. He may know some things we'll, but his
work is limited to few profitable prac-
tices. His tools and appliances are often
mperfect-home-made, gathered from the
auction sales, or inherited The model farm
in each state should practice the things pos
sible and profitable in that state. In Ver-
mont, cattle, horses, sheep, grain, vegetables
and fruits, would take the lead. As there
are ignorant beginners in schools, so there
will be on the farm. A model farm would
also be great help, and very desirable to
the mechanic or professional man who, for
any reason, desires to make home upon a
farm, and is seeking instruction in farm
management. Editors are often called upon
to tell in few words the way to success in
farming. They generally dodge the ques.
ton, yet the fact remains that instruction
is desired. Again these model profitable
farms are desirable in every state that is
adapted to agriculture. and is not fully set
tied. If the Vermonter goes to Virginia, OF
Florida, to buy himself homestead, would
not such farm be visited that he might
learn the profitable practices Would not
immigrants to Vermont visit its model farm
and learn from it and from the manager
who would explain his practices In large
states several farms might be required, as
the climate would influence production. YET
they should exist, as there would be no loss
to state governments. The value of the
farm would be enhanced by its management
Are there men enough in the country tina
can make farming pay to give managel
who can also be an instructor, to one farm
in each state? If so, they have not beer
found. Without blushing, they ask NOR
thousands of dollars to expend on the farm
1t is not useless to encourage profitable meth
DDS. At these farms successfully managed
so many things would prove profitable tina
farmers would soon have greater variet
of food of their own production, and
greater number of sources of revenue, snt
an increase every month in the year. Th
man that could not buy the large farm woul
find the small one ample to supply his need'
Agriculture would prove attractive to thou
sands who now think its profits are delusio
and a snare. After profitable farming ha
been put in way of constant illustration
1t may then be well to start farm where a
its practices are of doubtful profit. Wha
experiments it would be advisable TO try i
that class deserves much consideration.