Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1888-02-13
Agriemltmral department.
Farm Records and Accounts.

ton of being progressive and fully
abreast of the times in most matters
pertaining to their occupation, yet
they are deficient in some things of
essential Importance. How many of
them, even III this age of advance
ment-with the aid of rural books
and journals, and the advantages for
information furnished by farmers
clubs and Institutes, as well as bv the
instructive and elevating Grange
fully posted as to their financial con-
dition? Is it not prOverbial that
most ruralists are notably slack in
the matter of keeping accounts p
that more depend upon memory, or
chalked figures on shingles and barn
doors, or pencilings on loose slips of
paper, than upon a reliable set of
books or even memorandum of re-
ceipts and expenditures This may
seem rough implication, but we fear
it is as true as it is lamentable And
if we are correct in our inference or
conclusion, it is in order for those in
terested to look into the matter and
''reform it altogether" or so far as
possible, at a season when active
farm operations are about to be in
augurated.
The shrewd business man is care
full to keep such an account Of his
transactions that he can readily ascer-
tain the state of his affairs at the
close of one year and opening of
another, and whether profit or loss
has been the result of his operations.
And what the merchant, manufacture
regard may wisely and profitably be
done by the agriculturist. AS rule,
his doings is successful in his opera
tions. If he does this, he not only
KNOWS TIE eAttCG SldI6 Oh Ills Unducld1
affairs, but is fully advised as to the
condition of his crops, live stock,
farm and its appurtenances. The
man who carefully notes down the
cost of each crop and the receipts
therefrom is enabled to decide as to
the profit or loss, and also to arrive
at some definite conclusion as to
where he has erred in management.
Every farmer is to great extent
manufacturer, and ought to keep
record of his operations. This is the
key to success in any business. But
the soil-tiller should attend to some
other matters in connection with his
accounts. A map of his farm, with
each field numbered, and its size,
quality of soil, etc., specified, will be
great aid in keeping track of the
years transactions. How many farm
ers have such a guide and conven-
fence? And how many kept such
memoranda in 1887, as will enable
them to tell the expense of each crop
grown? And how about the domes-
tic animals? If you keep COWS, what
have they paid you per head in the
aggregate? And what of the sheep,
swine, and even the chickens? How
much did each contribute to your in
come, and which was the most profit
able? Those who can answer these
pertinent questions must be well adj
vised in regard to their financial posi-
ton, and need no admonition but
we fear many are utterly unable to
give any detailed account of their
farming operations, or whether the
balance is on the right or wrong side
of the ledger. 1t is needless to say
that such management would soon
wreck almost any commercial enter
prise, and hence the frequent COM
plant that farming don't pay is
not surprising. What we write is in
tended to be suggestive rather than
admonitory. Keep an accurate ac-
count of your doings, and you will |
not only be wiser but ere long richer
in consequence. In fact, resolved |
that you will know how you stand at
the close of 1888, whoever may mean
time have been elected President of |
the Republic or Governor of your
Commonwealth Am. Ag1Iculturist.