Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1883-02-07

As we take II Retrospective view of thi
subject in the light of experience, VIC dis
cover in tho first place in our own town {
sm ,ller number OF farms, consequent,
fewer farmers, than there were some fifty
years or more ago; the more industriou,
and successful having absorbed the iant
as soon as 1t was ready for sale. Now
what is true of our own town we think
more or less applicable to neghborins
towns, and in fact to all those states which
have been titled for half a century anG
upwards.
As d result. we learn that the soil oil
those large farms has very much detel 10.
rated in value, within the memory of our
oldest farmers. Now in this connection,
although foreign to our subject, we ask
candidly: Is this process of absorption to
continue until the land of this country like
that of Great Britain is owned compare.
lively by few individuals
In our review of the past. we discover
in the second place, generally speaking
(for there are exceptions to all rules), that
our smaller farms also are not in that
high state of cultivation which we all
should fondly hope to see 1t needs only a
passing glance rs you travel the highway
in summer to convince yourself of this
fact.
Now, who shall tell us how to pursue
farming on correct principles and take US
back to the point We have lost, viz, of
producing two blades of grass where we
now do one. For, one who sells the larger
part of the hay and grain his farm pro-
duces. considers that he is right; while on
the contrary another remarks that he is
not going to take his farm to the city one
load at time. Another considers that
it is best for his farm to raise beef for
market. Bat in either case, and in fact
py most of our farming as at present
conducted, are we not robbng the soil of
some of its most necessary ingredients
for the growth of plants, and thus becom.
ing land poor9
By robbing, we mean that we do not
retu. n an equivalent for what we take
from the soil. Are we keeping the amount
of stock in our town that we ought
considering its size3 How many farmers
and other conducting farms in town can
say that farming paysp Perhaps they are
getting living (for we have not as yet
heard that any farmer in this vicinity has
died of stsrvation), but are they doing as
we'll as they olghl?
Is there no remedy for the ills which
have fallen to our lotP Time will tell
Firstly, from Humanitarian point of view
which considers the greatest good to the
greatest number, we, as a nation of farmers,
on whose success depends the success of
so many of our national industries, should
be united in policy, the tendency of
which will cause manufacturing establish.
menls to spring up, and thus utilize the
great water power and privileges which
this country affords.
Then, as a natural result, farmers will
find market for their surplus near their
door with CORES sponding benefit. Who
will consider that it pays equally well to
dispose of produce 100 miles or more from
home when at 10 miles it can be sold for
the same money! Consider for moment
the practice of sending millions of bushels
of wheat some 5000 miles from home,
paying the cost of transportation. AM!
then taking in exchange costly goods
manufactured in a foreign country. Will
not such policy take the life blood from
our soi' Suppose that everything goes
ell now, so long rs we export more than
we import, how long, we ask, can such a
policy hold outp
If this saying be true. viz , that "west
ward the star of empire takes its way"
then is it also true that the toheat belt of
this country is taking the same direction,
and if we are to judge the future by the
past will soon reach its terminus on the
shore of the Pacific ocean.
Oh, Farmers Shall we live for ourselves
alone without regard to posterity9 We
fear time will show that in this respect we
were not wise IN our day and generation
| If it is not visible now it soon will be-the
necessity for change, viz: That we
should manufacture more OF the raw
material produced in this country. and
consume more of the grain product of our
soil Then will point be reached that
will be of some practical benefit to farmers.
Secondly, to return to our own vicinity,
and dropping the question whether so
cres or 500 is sufficient, we need to adopt
some plan that will tend to restore our
soil 10 its former fertility. Much of our
soil is in the condition of man reduced
by sickness, and needs something nourlsh-
ing and strengthening.
Who knows but the system Of ensilage,
now springing into existence. may prove
to be one remedy we need? If by its
adoption we can keep two cows where we
now do one, and cause two blades of grass
to grow where one Iow grows. the desired
result may be obtained.
At least, AS the prospect is, we Shall
sooner reap benefit from this plan than the
one before mentioned. The sugar beet
industry. we hope, may eventually prove
another remedy for US.
In this brief and rambling review of
farming, with suggestions for its needs. we
shall be pleased if we have furnished any
matter for your thoughtful reflection.
AFTERNOON.
Hon. Barnes Frsbie. of Poultney. gave
an address upon the "Science of farming"
which will be published entire. This was
followed by a discussion upon the hard
hack and m cans of killing the same. the
result of which was that it could be often
cut and killed, but would spring up from
the seed until the land was so fertilized
that it would produce grass.
DR.. Fl. A. Cutting then made some
remarks upon milk, urging all to look out
for taints and smells, as they would effect
butter. Tie remarked that smoking while
milking or about the milk room would
flavor the butter. He also spoke OF the
want of ventilation in close barns rs
detrimental to the butter interest.
Referred to various cases, among which
was Charles H Cole, of Lunenburgh. that
built a superior barn, but for lack of
ventilation his milk was injured. He
increased that ventilation and all was
right. A gentleman in Orleans county
with new barn was reduced s or 10
cents per pound on the price of his butter,
which was only restored by proper venti-
lation of his stables. Barn cellars should
always be ventilated. Capt. Clark, of
Montpelier, lost some young cattle for
want thereof, and in several cases loss or
damage has resulted from this neglect.
In one instance the hay in the barn above
the cellar was so contaminated that it
could not be fed to mich COWS without
injury to the butter product.
EVENING.
DR.. Fl. A. Cutting addressed the audi
ence which was very large, upon the
"Means of foretelling storms"
After describing the atmosphere and its