Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-09-01
WHEAT.CULTURE-ITS FUTURE.

pilation of information referring to our
grain producing interests in the SPECTATOR
Of last week, some reflections are now pre-
sented in association with that article.
The oft-repeated admonition to grow less
grain and apply more effort in developing
what are styled the "mixed industries
with the assertion that wheat-culture does
not pay it's expenses, are theories familiar
to the ear of the Augusta farmer. 1t is no
ticeable that our agriculturists, who are ap-
pealed to to make all new departures, AND
to sustain in the main such designs, are
thoroughly rejecting men and seek prac-
tical information. There is always danger
in radical changes, even if made under the
light of bettering prospective realizations,
and to enter upon the unknown future
without more than theoretical guides to
blaze the way, in nine cases out of ten, re-
suits in disaster.
We are advocates of the s'mixed indus
tries" appropriate to our climate and to our
soil-such as growing livestock, fruit, in
creasing our dairying interests, etc.. with
out abatement in pushing forward to a
greater degree our grain and grass-crops.-
To achieve success in dairying, now be-
coming an absorbing purpose, grass-lands
and grass-crops are essential to success, and
the same conclusion is applicable to insure
our continued growth in the exporting ag-
gregates of horses, cattle, and sheep. The
effort to turn our oil-producing resources
into any one speciality would end in failure,
and to pursue progress which compasses
their adaptability to the different interests
will be as wise as it evidently is settled
purpose with our farmers to hold to the
one whilst experimenting with the other.
We must improve our wasted lands and
keep them in good condition. To allow
them to remain unproductive will be to
lower the value of those more fertile. Sea-
sons of rest are essential to all. When en-
ioying, so to speak, that recreation in filth,
clothing in grass, every farmer knows, is
prerequisite. How, then, can he, in plan
ming for the future success of his farm, no
matter how low or in how high degree it
is capable of yielding, disregard the neces-
sity of practicing an economy which recog-
nizes system of crop-rotation.
To achieve success in other than grain
and grass-growing pursuits, in our section
of country, the foundations must be laid
upon the cereals and the swards, and to the
latter, especially, in its soil-enriching and
protecting qualities. This being settled
point the enquiry arises as to preparation
for the grass to follow. That most ap
proved is the one which prepares the sol
for wheat. We have often referred to thu
many advantages and valuable incidenta
benefits associated with wheat culture
which, if properly weighed, increase per
manent sources of profit, and should be ad
ded to the income received for the meas
ured bushel of grain on the ledger accoun
of the farmer when he strikes his balances
The progressive and high state of husband
~ it stimuIates-the appearance, as wei
as the solid fertility, of the lsH1 over which
the drill, the bindA, and the mower, in thu
hands nf cne reading, careful farmer have
performed their work, should come into
the>sount whenever the idea of abandoning
wheat-culture presents itself. Whilst we
are falling in line with advancing progress.
welcoming agriculture and its associated
interests to higher aims and greater re.
wards, we can best meet our responsibility
with measured steps and practical tests
which are not in antagonism, but rather
valuable aids, as we enter the fields of new
development.
With tho line of thought expressed above
something of future realization for the
abundance Of wheat now in first hands may
be proper. This, also, is for local applica
ton.
Last year we had poor crop. Our late
harvest has proved one of large yield, and
the quantity, when compared with that Of
1885, exceeds the partial failure of thai
year. The standards of values, which re-
fleet from the great commercial centres tc
the remotest points, wherever there is g
bushel Of surplus, operate with full force
in our own community. These standards
are fixed in Liverpool and London, and it ii
singular, with the enormous export from
the United States to satisfy the foreign de-
mand, that that great item in the world
commerce possesses so little influence il
protecting its rights abroad, and even be
fore it leaves our shores. This power, ad
verse to our interests, is maintained through
the combinations of English capital, ant
exercised to accomplish two leading objects
though not in harmony and consistency
with each other. The commercial influences
of England, as we'll as the national pride O
that country, have sought by every
to make India become the rival of tn,
United States in furnishing bread-supple
to the people of the United Kingdom. Ant
in accomplishing it the markets must b,
depressed to break down American produc
tion on the one hand, and at the same tim,
on the other make the India wheat bea
the burden of fixed and profitable dividend
upon the capital which has been employed
in building railroads to the interior of tina
country for the purpose of enlarging til,
area of wheat culture. The result of sucl
purposes must bear heavily upon the soil
owners and the labor of India, and it will
only be question of time when the unholy
oppression must break down. The agri
culturists of England and Scotland have
complained of it and are agitating the
question to know of their interests, as wei
as proper desire for expansion in India
and elsewhere, are to be made subservient
to an unreasonable price, and to the gain Of
spectators in building railroads, and by
combinations which deny to the natura
laws of supply and demand their full force
Added to these elements Of dissatisfaction
are the annually demonstrated facts that
the India product, though increasing in
amount, is falling off in greater proportion
than its increase should naturally secure ir
oond sound bread-makiu wheat IT. con.