Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1889-10-24
FARM AND HOUSEHOLD.
Connie Sense on tho Farm.

Common Sense on the Farm.
Common sense, as it is generally ac-
| cepted, is needed every where and by
all, which being generally conceded
makes it, says the New England Farm
er, almost axiomatic to say that it is
peculiarly essential on the farm.
1t has been said too frequently to re-
quire repeating, that so-called "com-
mon" sense is in reality the most UNI
common, good sense being extremely
rare. But it stands for that intelli-
gence which comes naturally, without
any special training or system of
education and enables the individual
to act sensibly without the help of pre-
cedent or instruction. The farmer is
obliged to deal constantly with vary
ing conditions. He may understand
thoroughly every rod of soil on the
farm and treat it sensibly, and then
with the variety of pests sure to visit
him and the continually changing con-
dition5 in the weather, he can be but
partially certrin of results.
For this reason he must have con-
common sense. For instance, if pota-
toes fail on a certain piece of ground
this year, he must be able to consider
wherein the fault lies, and not conclude
too hastily that potatoes are not adapt
ed to that special place and cannot be
raised successfully. He may note
whether the fault is due to excessive
rains which could not be foreseen, or
to the visitation Of some pest which he
has not yet determined how to deal
with, or some other exceptional cause,
that might make him justified notwith-
standing this years failure, in planting
potatoes on the same field again.
he must also be sensible enough to
feel that the failure of one crop is
often compensated for by the success
of another and balance up accounts on
the right side, taking consideration of
every thing pertaining to the result
and judging wisely.
The education received at colleges
devoted to agriculture on the farm I'M
der the tutelage of an experienced
farmer, while helpful and necessary,
goes for nOught unless accompanied
everywhere and always by common
sense. With it, under the most ad-
verse circumstances, farming is sue
cess, and without it, though nothing
else be lacking, it is a most disastrous
failure.
How to Secure Fast walker
Recognizing the fact that the fast
walker is always desirable and more
valuable than any other, the question
Is how to secure this trait in all the
colts. There must ever be differences
in speed, no matter whether walking,
trOtting or running. but these are each
largely matters of education, and it is
to this we would call attention. In the
first place, the colt must be got bride
wise as early as possible, and the
earlier this is attempted the easier for
both owner and animal. When fully
under control, the harness should be
gradually added, and the use of the
reins in guiding in every direction.
This work cannot be too thorough or
systematic, for here is the foundation
for the future. He should be made to
go every way at the will of the driver.
This much gained, the walking gait
comes next The aim must go to en-
courage the natural action in
walking, without allowing the colt
to trOt If this is attempted,
bring to full stop at once and begin
again. In this way he will soon catch
the idea that it is fast walking and not
trOtting, that is desired, and improve
ment will be seen. Gradually urge an
increased speed in walking, until the
habit becomes fixed. This may be tire
some to the breeder, but in this way
only can this very desirable trait be es-
tablished. 1t is OF the highest impor-
lance, and the breeder who fixes this
in his family will always
find ready sale for his colts at prices
that will repay for all trouble. The
work accomplished in an individual
renders it much easier in the next gem
and soon it becomes u trait in
the family. Here is where the great
est compensation come in to the breed
er. These advances gained in a single
animal pave the way for still moro
later, and add to the worth of all stock.
These questions are repeatedly urged
not alone with reference to present re-
suits, but with the thought of future
possibilities. They all run in the
practical line, where the farmer with
one breed mare can secure as much
advantage as The breeder with twenty.
Farmer.