Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1886-01-14
SKILLED FARM LABOR.
An Important Fact winch IIas Long been
Overlooked.

Overlooked.
Is skilled labor necessary on the farm.
and should our workmcn be trained as
are those employed in the workshop?
Well, let us see. Farming is an occu-
pation-a trade. 1t is more, for il
combines number Of occupations.
The ordinary farmer contents himself
with a knowledge of handling the plow,
with seeding, harvesting, feeding,
stock, dairying and such other matters
rs pertain to the ordinary routine. But
does every farmer know when, how
deep, end the best implement with
which to plow? Has lac q proper
knowledge of the exact amount Of seed
TO use, the most suitable varieties of
plants for his purpose, aud the best
methods essential for harvesting. stor-
ing aud marketing his cropsP Can he
estimate the nutritive value Of his feed
ing materials, and so regulate them as
10 derive the largest product at the
least expense? Can he place his milk,
butter and cheese on the market in a
manner TO secure the best prices and
its competition with the merits and
characteristics Of all classes Of stock,
and does hc use only such n are suit
able for his purpose? We do not think
all farmers have yet reached that de-
gree of perfection in their occupations
rs to be able to reply allirmatiycly.
The farm is factory, and, Of all
places, skilled labor is most required
upon IT, Although the sowing of a
field Of wheat is apparently simple
matter, yet the first preparation for a
wheat crop, that Of rendering the seed
bed In fine condition, l. often neg
lected, while many ar not familiar
with the fact that tic use of the roller
in seeding lessons the labor OF harvest
ing. How many farmers really know
the value Of The manure they uscP To
them manure h the same at all times.
yet IL Is rs variable in its composition
rs is the food from which it Is pro-
duced. And although the same fer
tilizers are applied alike 10 all crops,
the broad fact remains that different
plants, rs well as animals require dif-
fcrent foods. The skilled farmer should
know his iradc. There Is rs much art
in bis calling as in that of the black
smith or carpenter. lie should know
all about the breeds Of stock, and the
kinds Of food most suitable for
them. Hc may take no uOticc of
the composition of food, the amounts
OF proieinc, lat. sugar, starch, etc,
stored in certain kinds, but until ho
does he can not use them intclligcntly.
His knowledge Of the many parts of
the farm machinery and implements
may not equal that Of the machinist,
yet he must learn all about them. He
may feed young and old stock alike,
grow cord after wheat. and rcnoyatc
with clover and grasses. yet bis
methods may not b. economical.
We could cNtcnd this article ON the
subject, but brcyity cumpcls us to say
that there Is ample room on tho farm
Tor learning a trade, or number Of
trades. If farming Is 10 be conducted
rs u should be, and there Is no nccessi-
~ for boy leaving home to acquire
some other occupation as long TO hc
knows only the primitive methods Of
farming. 1'uc farming Is yet 20 be
studied, aud the dcld for progress i.
wide and extended. - Fdrm. Tieh anil
H0ckwGR.