The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1890-09-25
Good Farming and Small Farms.

The idea of unlimited acres and farm
operations on large scale is very attrac-
tive to some tillers of the soil, particular
ly those who are young. There are two
sides to this question, however as to most
others. If one has large capital he can,
of courae, extend his business to any limit
that seems profitable, but for the farmer
whose only capital is the small farm he
owns, the wisest course is to crowd thai
little farm to its utmost limit of produc-
tiveness before he seeks to acquire more
land, unless it be en- exceptional case,
where large returns are certain.
Note some of the points of advantage
in working small but rich farm. The
taxes are less than on larger farm that
is no more productive in total results.
The expense of working the smaller farm
will be much less. The actual labor re-
quired on the part of the farmer himself
will be less He will be freed from the
constant worry and care that accompany
the cultivation of large areas. Less hired
help will be needed. There will be fewer
fences to keep in repair and less expense
for fertilizers when there is concentra.
tion of these.
Now given the small. place in fair
state of productiyeness, let us see if bet
ter farming on the present area cannot be
made profitable. When the soil has been
properly prepared for the crop, and the
usual amount of dressing applied, the
farmer is at q point where he can say,
'Shall put in the crop and get the usual
average results, or shall I double the
weld by increased cultivation and in
creased fertilization?
Barring accidents that are outside of
mans control, the ordinary yield can be
doubled without doubling the labor or
the amount of dressing. A certain amount
of plant food is necessary to start the
crop and produce the stalk. If the supply
gives out at this point, there will be small
returns at harvest time. It is just here
that so much failure occurs in farming.
The expense of preparing the soil and
furnishing certain amount of dressing is
incurred, and here the planter stops, as
also does the crop. 1t is the extra feed
beyond that which is required to produce
the plant itself that pays. Better put all
the fertilizer, and ali the cultivation on
smaller area. 1t is the same in other
farming operations. The food that will
do little more than keep the life in two
animals, will bring big profit if fed to
one. It is the extra feed beyond that
which is required to sustain life which
gives a profit in growth, in milk, in but.
ter, and in other animal products. In
fact, it is good farming that pays, and, as
rule, good farming is possible for the
man with small capital, only in cultiva-
ting litnited areas. A good formula for
self communion for the one who really is
ambitious to make agriculture success
| is somewhat like the following: II am
going to raise better calves, better lambs,
better colts, better pigs and poultry this
year than raised last year. am going
to make two bushels of field and garden
crops grow where only one has grown
heretofore" The man who feels that
way is putting himself in a position to
deserve auccess-and secure it, too
TFebb DonncN, IN Country Gentleman.