Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1886-05-20
FARMING EXPERIENCE.
May Meeting of the Belmont County
Farmers Club.

Inc mayors once was cOmIOTUdOly
filled on Saturday afternoon by the men,
bers of the Farmers Club. whom, though
slow in assembling, spent two hours in
profitable experience. The President,
Joseph J. Taggart, called the meeting to
order at = 80 p. ~, and announced the
subinct for discussion, Improbable
Farming"
A. T. McKelvey offered as seif-evir
dent proposition That farming Is
Improbable when the labor expended in
cutivating two acres, produces no better
results than may be obtained by the
careful cultivation of one acre; cited as
an illustration the experience of two
farmers in growing cOrn-one cultiva-
ting 5-acre plat. well mannred and
carefully prepared, the other ten acres
hurriedly planted, without an applica~
ton of manure or fertilizers. Result:
The 5-acre plat produced more sound
corn than was obtained from the tent
acre plat, and with the expenditure of
half the labor. He believed the only
way of successfully competing with the
bonanza farming of the weSG was bv
our cultivation of few acres. Mr.. Mex.
inveighed against the exaggerated farm
ing, which is such a conspicuous feature
of agricultural papers; he characterized
them as untruStwOrthy and misleading.
and quoted some examples of recent
publication; he concluded 10y expressing
the belief that farmers cultivating roots
and grain more or less extensively. and
keeping stock withal, could not profta>
bly, engage in small fruit culture for the
reason that the care of berries would Sc
riOusly interfere with the hurried labOrs
of the harvest, and supported his posi-
tion by bit of unproh able experience.
J B. McMechan tnought farmer
within easy reach OF Btllaire and Wheel
ing, might prOfitan.y supplement tie
growing of grain, S;Ug.k and roots. with
fruit ard vegetables. lud thereby mate
rally increase his ihC"me, and gave his
experience in thus supplying customers
in Bellaire, with Ut interfering with his
farming operations.
James B. Stewart thought every fal M
er should cult a-e berries and fruit to
amply supply the wants of his family,
but believes, un ess irurh additional ex>
pense was incur ed in employing extra
help, they could not be handled by an
extensive farmer.
j. L. Young thought mixed farming
paid best, but believed every farmer
should consider what was the most prof
liable course for him to pursue, all
ChingS considered, and adopt that course
the circumstances tnIerlng into such
consideration, heing the nature and walls
ue of the land, conliguity tU market, and
ability 10 procure hip.
}. Ii. Denham believed farmers could
accomplish more work with less labor
10y the exercise of their brains more and
their muscles less; thought all that was
essential to success in diversified farm
ing, was extensive ability on the part of
the farmer ability to manage, plan and
direct The work of others. Mr.. D5nham
was keeping farm accounts, and hoped
at the close of the year to determine the
cost of each crop.
y. I. McKelVey said he had kept
ayStem of simple farm accounts since he
had been farming, and could tell the eX-
act amount he had received from the
sale of farm prOducr, fruit or stock, each
year, and the exact amount expended
for the house and the farm, divided and
Snb- divided into household expense, farm
hire, improvements, sc, sc, and found
these accounts invaluable for cOmpari-
son, as well as showing the net loss or
gain each year.
e. II. Arick had also been keeping
farm accounts for years and his accounts
enabled him to determine what crops
pay best, and also aided him in detecting
leakages. Mr.. Arick believed an exten
sive farmer could engage in small fruit
culture successfully. and he proposed to
demonstrate it by experience. He agreed
with Mr.. Denham that executive ability
was essential, and thought farmers
could acquire the faculty of managing
and i.lapning diverse interests; he did
not want all his eggs in one basket, ard
cOmbatted the principle of specialties in
farming.
Henry Morgan and Amos Fawcett
were called upon, but as the hour was
late, they declined to talk
James Stewart and J. F. Young were
appointed TO discuss Economy in Fer
tiliZrrs rs'-and J. II. Denham to discuss
"Specialtles VS.. mixed farming" at the
June meeting.
After discussion it was resolved To
hold the june meeting in the fair
grounds, and extend an invitation to all
farmers to be present with their wives
and families. It was thought the use of
Floral hall could he obtained, and a pics
nic occasion made of the affair
Adjourned.