Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1900-02-27

Correspondence on pracneAl agrlcubufelt topscs
ts sohcited. Address all communications In
tended for this department TO HENRY ID. HAN.
nosD. Agricultural Editor Oxford Democrs'
Paris. Ne.
Written for the Oxford Democrat.
IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE,
Cultivating the earth is the most I'M
portsnt industry among the civilized
nations OF the world. There Is no occu-
patton which adds so much TO the wealth
OF the country, as tilling the soil. It's
income far exceeds that derived from the
mines, the forest, the ocean and manu-
factories combined. Besides, the occu-
patton has q more potent influence In
forming the character Of q community
than any other secular employment
known to the American people. Ii
leads to industry, economy, honesty and
temperate habits, which are certainly
to be ranked among the noblest sttri-
butes Of the human family.
The husbandmau who depends upon
the products Of the earth for liveli-
hood seldom attempts to defrsud his fel-
low men. The people Of Oxford County
have been a farming community since
It's first settlement, and though the soil
Is no more productive, or the climate
more favorable than other sections, the
average farmer Is In better financial
condition than the workingmen OF
Massachusetts,, who find employment at
much higher wages.
Many Of the rural districts In Oxford
County with limited means for educs-
tionsl purposes, have produced men and
women of eminent talent: teachers,
doctors, lawyers, judges, statesmen and
business men who have gone out into
the world, certainly the equal Of any
other county In New England.
Many we're born not OF wealthy parents
and were obliged to learn the rudiments
of their early education by q dim candle
or torchlight or the open fire In farm
er's kitchen.
In building up an honest, intelligent
community the farming industry brings
rich reward. Yet IL Is looked upon
With disfavor by all those who regard
the boarding up of riches as the chief OBJ
ject Of life. Massachusetts,, manu-
featuring state, the reputed seat OF learn
ing and boasted Athens OF Americs, has
never produced from so small popula-
iion ope-hslf the number Of prominent
citizens born and reared on the sterile,
rocky farms OF old Oxford.
Ii is TO be regretted that during series
of years the farming interest In New
England has continued TO languish and
many owners dissatisfied with till
ing the soil, have unwisely abandoned
their farms and sought employment In
other vocations Of life. There has been
no time within the last half century
when the farming classes could support
themselves so easily and enjoy 80 many
privileges as at the present day.
One half century ago all the work on a
farm was accomplished by the use OF
rude, heavy implements, requiring la
oorious, incessant toll, almost through
out the entire season, leaving the hus-
oandman but little time for rest, study
or amusement. But, at the present era,
the great progress In agricultural
science and the introduction OF labor
saving machinery to facilitate the work,
relieves the husbandmau Of the great
burdens heretofore connected with the
life Of the farmer. These modern i'm
provements enable him 10 enlarge his
area OF cultivation, increase the products
Of his farm, furnishing a competent sup
ply for himself and family. At the
present time IL Is apparent the condition
OF the independent farmer Is more con-
ducive 10 a peaceful happy, life than
generally falls TO the lot Of other pro-
fessions.
liz seems almost incredible TO the
reader that while agriculture yields less
income than almost any other industry,
according TO the time and labor expend-
ed, the farmers financial condition
Is far In advance OF other working men
who command greater wages. The slow
process Of sccumulating wealth by
means Of husbandry eompels the farmer
TO practice rigid economy, habit OF liv-
ing which well established, Is seldom
forgotten and generally leads to CON-
petence.
The farmer with his small earnings
cannot afford 10 indulge In the use OF In
toxicsting liquors, smoking cigars, or
squandering his money for unnecessary
articles of no intrinsic value to himself
or family; hence he becomes a prosper
Gus. independent citizen. With all the
countless blessings bestowed upon man
kind by the cultivation Of the earth, Ii
il not strange upon the apex OF the
nineteenth century when intelligence
and civilization have gained q higher
point than ever attained Ia the past his
tory Of the world, that the honest In
dustrious yeomsn, with all needed fscili-
ties 70 cultivate his land successfully,
should abandon his home and occupa-
ton, at the great risk OF gaining liveli-
hood in some doubtful enterprise that
may end in disappointment?
Volumes have been written, millions
expended TO advance the science Of agri-
culture. The chemist has devoted his
time to preparing fertilizers to enrich
the soil and the mechanic has almost ex-
hsusted his skill in making lsbor-saving
implements for the farmers use. Every
intelligent husbandman Is now well In
formed in all the details Of practical ag-
riculture, and with q fair opportunity,
good health and frugal management he
can support himself and family, besides
laying up something for rainy day. II
the farmer will be contented with a
reasonable competence, he need not
crafty a sordid desire to oil his Golfers
With silver and gold he will never want.
FARMER FROM OLD OXFORD.
Pembroke, Mass, Feb. IS, 1900.
| TWe are very glad TO hear from Farm
er from Old Oxford" and hope Others
will follow his example and send CON-
Il ~. l.