The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1886-12-31

miles cutting each others lines in all di-
rectons. In other trades competition
brings down prices, but in this the neces-
sary result seems to put them up.
When whole bullock can be sold in
circuit of few miles the butcher is making
money much faster than farmers.
Under the stimulant of plenty Of money
prevailing few years ago, farmers and
Others ran into the habit of luxurious liv-
ing. But the reduced cash receipts of far
mers now demand re.reuchment Of these
expenditures-and the point now before
us is the butchers bill. 1t must be left for
each one to make terms with the butcher
as he can. Farmers may depend on their
own killing and leave the 'employee," who
would seem to have more plenty of money
to sustain these retail prices if they must he
sustained. l observe one memner of the
Club speaks of his expedient. Keep
small flock OF sheep for homs supply"
Another expedient within the reach Of
most people is the poultry crop. There is
no difficulty in raising domestic fowls
enough to have one for the table as often as
needed. Whatever this poultry might
bring in good market, lis use at home IN
wolves no cash expenditure THIS whole
question is one for each family to solve in
their own way. 1t is evident that where
the soil alone has to be depended on for
living some change is needed to enable the
farmer to balance his accounts.
We should all get rid of the idea that
fresh meat is daily necessity. We have
story of a freshly arrived Irshman, who
asked his employer to write letter honle
for him, and tell his folks she had meat for
dinner once q week. "How is that sai
the master, don't you getmeat every day
'Yes, said he, "but it were no use to tell
them :hat, they would not believe it,"
The French peasantry who appear to ne
about the happiest people on e4r,h, eat
very little meat. They keep poultry ID
supply millions of eggs for the London
market but consume little OF either at home.
These people are the bondholders OF the
national debt of France.
The lime was when close economy in iv-
ing was a Necessity. Now that there might
oe more self ndulgenl, economy SITS lightly
upon them,
Another point in the essay wh.h he
I .lo.l L.,
may be treated thus: Whatever the price
of wheat we should not think ofquitIing ,ts
culture (unless indeed we find rye mt 10
proftabie) on 30 much OF our land as shonii
next be brought into grass. Tne retur 8
from the wheat are but a part it may b. a
small part, of the proceeds of manuriny
and preparing the land. Where we have
boys or men hired by the year to d" lnu
plowing, and team and feed our own. it does
not actually cost wha. a pe- diem price ior
everything would amount TO. And then If
the wheat but squares the account we havo
years Of grass and one following the corn
crop to look t. for p oft.
1t is question OF time how long our
western bonanza farmers can stand these
prices with a soil constantly deteriorating.
With a crop Of 10 hu. per acre at so ct. is
as profitable as 20 bu. al 81 80. Abont 80
years ago there were consecutive seasons
when farmer. in his co untry harvested buo
little more than they sowed. Now that our
crops are thus superabundant it is not
a proper tim, to complain. Pro.I-
the soil and with sheep and cattle to con-
vert the grosser parts for our use, and it is
for man only to adjust bounty amply suf-
hcieut for the wants of all.