Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1884-05-08
EcoEomiZing Land.

Concerning the differences in the
methods of farming between this coun-
try and certain parts of the old world
none are more striking to the traveller
than in the econOmizing Of land. In
Japan and China the steep mountain
sides are terraced and produce luxuriant
crops in situations that in our country
would be considered quite unavailable
for agricultural purposes In France,
Germany and other parts of Europe
nearly every square foot of soil IS care
fully TILED and made to yield its share.
The ground is broken close TO the
hedges or other confines. and everv
nook and corner is utilized. The aver
age farms" in some Of those countries
seem little larger than goOd-sized gar
dens in America. and il is often n mat
ter Of wonder how the owners or ten
ants of these small plots can gain a
living from them fer themselves and
families. II would be still more sur
prising to one who had no previous
knowledge of the subject 10 learn what
immense crops are produced on such
diminutive farms
This difference is mainly due. how
ever. not so much to the principle of
economy adopted for principles sake,
rs TO the ne essity of the case The
farming lands of Europe are generally
thickly populated and extremely vzla-
able Tie needs OF the resident popa-
lafion REQUIRE that the soil should be
made 10 Weld its utmost, and even then
there is often barely enough for sub
sistence- These circumstances do not
nov exist in this country. although they
NAV, possibly, in centuries to come. But
until driven by necessity. il can hardly
be expected that our farming class viii
practice that economy in the use of
land which now prevails il older coun-
tries. Yet the subject IS one which
NAV be profitably considered hv all
who are interested in improved systems
Of agriculture.
No doubt the cheapness of land with
us and the vide areas in different parts
of the Union that still lie unoccupied.
have given rise to loose and vasteiul
methods OF farming. n wautOn pro ligal-
i:v in the use of land that is not excus-
able under any circumstances.
An idea seems TO prevail with large
class Of people in this country that
farming consists mainly in spreading
out over q vast number of acres with
but little reference 10 the real question.
how to make the most out OF the soil
The landowner aspires TO be "a mon
arch of all he surveys" even though
his monarchy consists in part of
swamps. barrens and other desOlaie
places He counts upon the total
amOuni Of his screage rather than upon
the average producing value Of his
acres. To great degree this diflusive
style Of farming Is labor lost and un-
profitable. No man ever gains any
thing by spreading himself over too
much ground; a truth that applies 10
agriculture as well as to other pursuits.
IN this respect il viii De found far more
profitable in the end to concentrate
means and energies within reasonable
limits than To acquire a great number
of acres TO be neglected and half TILED
There Is no excuse for slovenly farm
ing even where land can be had for the
asking.
The motto Of every farmer should be
fo make the most of every foot Of soil.
lie should improve the waste places.
drain the sloughs and swamp-hOlss and
Gear away the wide. struggling rvws If
Uhderbrush by the fences and walls.
he should not allow spaces Of valuable
and fertile land around his barus and
dwellings TO ne covered over with
debris. or given up tn the posses .;on Of
unsightly weeds. Neainess and care
fulness pay rs well in farming rs in any
other business When our farmers
learn TO practice that econOmy in the
use of land which they are forced to ex-
ercisc in other directions they viii
make more money with less lalor than
they do nOw.-N \. ObSerucr.