Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-12-22
WASHINGTON FARMERS.
The Model Plantation Of NJ. n. Boyer
and Its stock.

and Its stock.
SANDERsvILLE. GA, Dec. 20.-Perhsps
money matters are more stringent in this
section than they have been in years, and
the fact is recognized and realized all the
more forcibly when we remember the ex-
tremely hattering prospects on Aug. 1.
Planters rejoiced in the enormous crop
almost within their grasp, and merchants
smiled complacently at the apparent GER
tainty OF clean collections and large cash
sales; but the bright Illusion was borne
away by adverse winds, and the cold,
hard facts are, that in the face of an un-
usually large general crop. we are 20 per
cent. below an average, and prices are at
least one cent below our reasonable eX-
pectati0ns-the first reducing our revenue
IN the county about $22A 600 and the latter
adding TO the deficit $l25,000 more. The
balances carried over for another year
are many and large.
And all of this Ia chargeable to the
same old cause. purchasing everything
consumed and producing but the one un-
certain and unremuneratiYe crop, cotton,
cotton, cotton. 1t does seem that such
bitter experiences would teach our farm
ers the necessity of diversity of crops and
stock raising. No more suitable lands or
found for the successful raising of stock
than are here in Washington county, pre-
sented to an unappreciative people. A
few. perhaps, are beginning to realize the
fact, and their examples are worthy
OF emulation. Last week, after
day spent in listening
to the very gloomy reports of Sunday
friends from the country, / was acc0sted
in cheerful tones by our energetic fellow
To- ..rff Cd 70
loln him in ride to his farm on the east-
ern suburbs, christened very appropri-
ately by him east Hill Farm" l &C
cepted, and what l saw spoke so plainly
the possibilities wi hin the reach of every
farmer in the county, and it was such
contrast to the cherries complaiuings OF
so many of my countrymen that perhaps
short sketch OF what did see might be
OF benefit.
First as l entered the wards | saw a
drove OF bronze turkeys, led by a stately
gonbler whose avolrdupois exceeds 40
pounds, ard his turkeyship looked with
seeming pride upon numerous offspring
not yet IL months old, but larger than the
largest 2 year-0ld gObbier OF the common
breeds. These birds are healthy, cost
no more than others to raise, and are
readily sold for 80 per cent. more. A
gate opened, and ! saw dozens of the buff
Cochin chickens, a trio Of which weigh q
pounds. entered another yard and saw
the prettiest sight imaginable, presented
by scores OF Plymouth Rocks, not so large
as the Cochns, but clean-legged, active,
and as pretty as pictures, Down lane
short distance and in the barnyard |
was introduced to ''Telemachus," a 10
months Jersey bull, emf wing the distinc-
ton of being sired by "Ramapo," the
fourth son of the famous "Eurotas," The
sire of "Telemachus" took the premium
at the New York State fair this year.
Mr.. Bryan recently bought the young bull
with two heifers, all of the wel-knowu
Rioten-Althea combination and full regis
tered. These are additions to bis old herd
of ten head, led by 'Honest john" of the
Coomsssie strain.
Hearing the familiar grunt of the swine,
l looked around and found ''Chet" and
''Mollie." registered Poland China pigs,
10 months old, weighing 100 pounds each.
saw also a tine young vineyard OF
Delawares and COncOrds; wide expanse
of straw berFies, long rows of raspberry
frames. | saw 500 fine young peach trees
in the prime of bearing and 500 more be-
ing uprOoted after faithful service, to give
place to others. | saw cribs full of corn
and oats and banks of sweet potatoes.
1 asked Mr.. Bower how he managed to
have so many good things, and his answer
was: ''Self-sustaining. My turkeys and
chickens need much attention, but no
more than cotton. l keep the strains
pure, sell them reasonably. and they
prove remunerative. NV Jersey cattle
are the same. l have 100 acres, and 1t
produces all my family needs and gives
good income"
If time allowed would like to elabo-
rate Mr.. Boyer's system, but l trust this
| disconnected sketch may stimulate others
TO follow mis- plan. 1t is not an expert
ment. but unquestionably the only solu-
ton TO the vexed problem Of making both
ends meet. Sandersville is proud OF Mr..
Boyer and East Hill farm. and the repu-
ta:iOn he is deservedly making tor himself
as a model farmer and reliable producer
Of fine poultry and cattle.