Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1895-05-14
A WORKSHOP ON The FARM.


A few days ago upon arriving home
from the creamery, one Of our men
notified me that one OF the horses he
was working had lost shoe, and as the
ground was rough and frozen very hard,
IL could go no farther until the shoe was
replaced. In about fifteen minutes the
shoe was on and the horse was at work
again. There was small sum Of money
saved by having tools at hand; but
there was still greater saving OF time,
which could Ill be spared just then, run
ming to neighboring shop. While
was fitting the foot and driving the shoe,
| remarked that did not see how any
farmer could get along without set OF
tools. Certainly workshop on farm
with complete set OF tools) Is one OF
the avenues to success.
have often thought that IL had TO
run to the different neighboring shops for
every break (as many farmers do l
would be compelled To quit farming al
together. IL we would keep an account
Of all the small bills we pay in the way
Of repairs, we would be surprised to see
what IL would amount TO each year. A
great many farmers make no effort to
repair breaks, but when one occurs,
hitch up and drive to the village. and
wait perhaps several hours for their
turn. This often occurs at very busy
time, when their services are badly need
ed at home. Many time II such men
had shop and tools, the break could be
mended in a few minutes. IL you talk 10
such men about these leaks, they will
tell you that il they had tools they
would never learn to use them. Well,
doubtless this Is true TO some extent
but there is nearly always some one on
the farm that could learn TO repair gates
aud farm implements, harnesses and
such like, IL he only had tools 10 work
with.
When | was small boy my father a.
lowed me the use of certain tools, such
as saw, draw-knife, hatchet, etc, and
many a shed and wagon. water and wind
wheel was manufactured before ] was
10 wears old. Many OF these jobs were
far from perfect, but by practice IN after
wears and with far better tools, the les
sous that were thus commenced have
been the means OF saving many dollar,
besides much valuable time. n Few
wears later invested In a complete set
OF blacksmith tools and on wet days
when work was slack | would overhaul
tools and mend anything that WAS
broken. Finally, little by little, | learn
ed 10 shoe horses, hoop light wheels,
sharpen harrow teeth, mend chains, aud
In fact, keep every mattock, pick, post
digger and all such tools In perfect or
der. We also mend our harness and
make several new pieces. We always
keep side Of harness leather on hand.
aud also keep sole leather and do some
thing In mending boots aud shoes. Now
this l. nothing more than the average
farmer can DO IL he makes an effort.
Every boy should have chance nj
handling tools-nOt dull, worthless ones
for they have q tendency 10 discourage
a bow. bat give him few first-elsss
tools. and see " they will not be a good
investment Of money. believe every
boy should be allowed 10 choose his
profession. There Is many a boy who Is
a failure farming though he would have
made a success as a mechanic II he had
had a chance. Money spent for tools on
a farm l. 4 good Investment and pays
big interest II they are taken care Of
Correspondent OF Country Gentleman.