The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1897-05-19
SYSTEM on THE FARM.
Business Methods Just as Necessary
There as Elswhere.

ness, where the strictcst accounts
should be kept, but it is also Il factory,
in which a large number of articles are
produced from crude materials. 1t
may be added that many farmers and
experimenters have invented gor, rath-
er, created) new breeds of animals and
plants, which, though not protected by
patents, have conferred inestimable
benefit on mankind and largely in
creased the wealth of the world. Sci
entists and enterprising farmers have
revolutionized agriculture within the
passe 80 years, but the farmers as
selves to the changed conditions.
Where improved implements have
forced the farmer TO reduce expenses
i'm order to meet competition there
has been shown reluctance in accept
ing better breeds and higher systems
| of cultivation. Many of those whose
experiments have been important in
adding to the ability of the farmer to
produce more have been ridiculed un-
til necessity compelled the acceptance
of newer theories that were fully de-
monstrated, and even at the present
day farmers may be found who are
ready to condemn those who have been
instrumental in improving the condi-
ton of farmers and opening the avenue
to farming where before il was difficult
to progress.
ADVANTAGES FROM TIE PAST.
The work of improvement has been
more difficult with the progressive
agriculturalists than with the less en-
terprising class. Ii required half a
century to create the Berkshire hog,
| and the seyeral breeds of cattle are the
results of many years of careful selec-
ton. Those who began the work did
not live to witness the best results, but
every farmer of to-day can begin where
they left off-with the breeds at a high
degree of perfection-and thus derive the
benefit of years of work at small cost.
What every farmer should do is to aim
to improve that which he has.
There is ample room for every
one to attempt to bring into existence
a breed possessing certain qualities not
TO be found in any other, or to produce
new varieties of fruits and vegetables.
In such field the work becomes a
| pleasure and the benefit is spread
broadcast. Tie management of a
farm is also matter which presents a
difficult problem, for with the improv-
ed appliances of farming knowledge is
becoming more potent than muscle.
The farmer who will depend upon skill,
using every means open for improve
ment, will be the one who will succeed,
as his real competitors are other farm
ers who are not yet willing to advance
in their methods of management.
| SYSTEMATIC FARMING.
The merchant who is in busines or
the manufacturer will not be content if
his books do not balance in manner
to account for every dollar received or
expended, and there is more necessity
for keeping strict accounts of business
on the farm than in any other industry,
As the farmer engages in great many
enterprises. He grows his crops with
out knowing the exact cost and he Uses
these crops as raw material for produ-
cling meat, milk, butter, cheese and
manure, converting the refuse into 9TH
er raw materials the next year. All of
these processes are more or less eXpen-
sive, but the farmer does not inform
himself in regard 10 his best sources OF
profit or how 10 avoid loss. There is
also q negligence on the part of some
in not adopting the most approved
methods of converting their crops into
products. They increace expenses 10y
using Improbable stock and adhere TO
certain crops that do not pay in pref
erence to branching out for larger
variety and of the latest kinds. The
farmer should consider himself a busi-
ness man, ready to take advantage OF
the best methods aud able TO select The
markets in which he can secure the
highest prices. The merchant is a
competitor with Others, and often buys
and sells close, and so must the farmer;
but the merchant can at times quickly
learn the condition of his business frcm
his accounts, which example the farm
er must follow, as success on the farm
at the present day depends on knowl-
edge an system m---Philadelphia Record.