The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1889-02-01
shorthorus.

breeders meeting.
Mr.. PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE
sHIAwAssEE COUNTY STOCK BREEDER's
ASSOCIATION:
When promised to prepare something con-
corning ShorthOrns for this meeting i
thought had plenty of time for such work.
But found that each day had its burdens
and tasks, and the time had hoped for
never came; so fear that shall be unable
10 treat the subject in as an intelligent and
careful a manner as l should wish. What
are the most profitable Sh0rthons for the
average farmer? 1t has always seemed to
me wise arrangement that man should
labor, to supply his physical, moral and
intellectual needs. This well planned neces-
sity existing 1t becomes the careful, prudent
man, to study his needs, his desires, his
abilities, and as far rs possible make a
choice among the many pursuits or profess
sions that present themselves for his consid-
Grafton.
After having made choice he should
make every effort toward obtaining the in
formation required to successfully and intel
ligently conduct said business. This is true
in all professions, in all trades, in all mer-
camille ventures, and is just as true in all
agricultural operations. A general and
thorough knowledge on variety of subjects
is more necessary in advanced Agriculture
than la any other pursuit in this country.
Is good practical education, thorough
book training, wide observation general know
ledge of men and business necessary to any
OF all of the professions, or other industries
if made successful? In greater degree is it
necessary to the farmer if he would make
the most of his chosen field of employment,
as well as justice to himself and family.
He should know enough of law, to avoid the
courts; to make his own contracts nteli-
gently, and know when such work is legal
~ done. He should understand the laws of
physiology and health and see that they are
not abused, thereby saving the expense of
the family physician in numerous instances.
His moral health should need no repairs.
lie should be thoroughly posted OH all mat
tiers pertaining to his business theoretically,
and practically as fast as his experience and
observation will warrant. He should know
when to SOW. when to reap and when to sell.
All these qualifications the experienced
farmer should have and the beginner as
many as possible. He must read, read,
read, sift, compare, prove and disprove.
make applicable to his own use that which
is good for him and his farm. Mistakes
will occur but the intelligent farmer will
draw lessons of wisdom from mistakes.
He should be citizen in the fullest sense
of the term.
have mentioned some of the quaifica-
tons that every intelligent farmer should
have. believe the best thought of the
country agrees upon this point: That no
farmer should bend all his energies in any
one speciality in farming il he wishes to
make his farming operations pay from year
to year, for time and investment. A mixed
husbandry is advocated by the best writer's
and thinkers OH agriculture. There is gen
eral agreement among all thoughtful farmers
that every well regulated farm should pro-
duce some grain, some hay, some roots, and
different varieties of stock. The horse is a
necessity. The COW, hog, sheep and hen
equally az necessary. Upon this there
seems to be no essential difference of opin-
ion. In what proportion the distribution
shall be made must be left to the tastes and
good Judgment Of the party interested.
How much wheat, how much coarse grains,
how much stock and Of what kinds he shall
raise will depend upon his soil, his nearness
to market, his tastes and desires. The
wheat he sows should be Of that description
best adapted to his soil, climate and market.
His corn that which will ripen in season and
yield well. His oats should be of the best
sorts mot Bohemian) that have proved
well adapted TO his locality, and so through the
whole list of grains and vegetables. His
fillage should be thorough and the land in
as good condition as possible.
The stock he selects should be OF the best
of its kind, and his choice should depend
upon his surroundings, his markets and de-
sides. These suggestions are made with the
f1Co eiot tiiC 10 ~ pIdCtlCdl Onc anu
expects to make his living out of his invest
ment, and not for those who have lately dis
covered how honorable farming has become,
and how fascinating Cat distance) and who
spend good deal of time and breath in
telling how much they squander annually
for the good of the cause. 1t Is not the
Horace Greeley, Henry Ward Beecher style
OF farmers that we are 10 consider. The
careful, thoughtful farmer after having
made his selection, will see to II that his
stock has that care and judgment in breed
ing and feeding that will most surely and
speedily bring the greatest development
Good breeding, good feeding, good care
generous and gentle treatment are all essen
tals to success. The scrub which in far
too many instances disgraccs the fields and
and barnyards of farmers in this and other
counties should be banished from the. land.
IL has no right or place on well regulated |
and well conducted farm, or among the good |
stock Of the country. If those who grow
this kind of stock will keep debt and cred |
IL account, OF the cost of raising and the re- |
turns they bring when disposed of. the bal |
ance will be found on the wrong side of the |