The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1890-11-06
SMALL FARMS.

The fact that the subject of profit in
small farms has frequently been discussed
should not at this time be permitted to
render the topic less attractive to those
directly interested. Itpresents problem
the solution Of which is Of vast impor-
lance, not only to the agricultural world,
but to the world at large. Volumes have
been written upon the superior advan-
tages OF "a little farm well titled" but,
for some mysterious reason, the effect
seems to be neither lasting nor wide
spread. What is said is regarded as
being theoretical rather than practical,
and the desire for farms just little
broader than neighboring plantations ap-
pears still to be nourished. This evil is
seen largely in those parts Of this coast
where there has been any considerable
quantity Of government land open for
entry. The writer has frequently noted
instances in which men have obtained
land under the presumption, homestead
and timber land laws and then hunted
abont them greedily for mile or two OF
desert land to enter.
In the east farmers acquire the notion
that it is necessary to cultivate several
hundred acres Of land in order to enjoy
reasonably good prospect Of making
something more than a bare living; but
in that country, where the yield is small,
the eost.of production is so nearly equal
to the value Of the product that the re-
suit Of devoting seasons work to few
acres would prove very unsatisfactory.
Here, however, the conditions are COM
pletely reversed. 1t is the tiller of small
farm who reaps the big harvest. His are
the finest quality OF hops, the most lus-
cious, richly favored fruits, and the vege-
tables that are always reported choice in
the markets. He closes the years work
in the proper cultivation Of twenty acres
Of land with better conscience, bigger
profits and more gratifying results gener-
ally than does the man who attempts to
farm on the eastern plan; first, because
he has proceeded upon practical system
by cultivating to the highest degree every
foot Of bis soil; second, by securing there
from the largest possible yield; third, by
gathering the finest quality Of productions
known in this magnificent combination Of
climate and soil; and, fourth, by obtaiainp
therefor the largest prices given for every
pound Of produce he raises. He has the
most promising hop field, the most attrac.
tive orchard and vineyard and the finest
garden in his neighborhood. His land is
worth more because its value has been
demonstrated. His success excites his
neighbor's envy and his own pride. His
fruits take first prizes, his potatoes and
parsnips, cabbages and carrots are ex'
hibited as wonders Of the vegetable king
dom, and altogether he is the happiesl
man in the community. But he pos
sesses no secret. The result Of his worE
is not q mystery. He's merely a plain
practical, everyday business man who's
experience has served good purpose
whose practical ideas have evolved prac
teal results and whose admirable system
and tact are evidenced every day in biz
comfortable, well furnished residence
the sleek and healthy condition Of hi
stock and the general orderliness o
his surroundings.