The farmer and mechanic., 1909-09-21

ton again, about the same next wear
that | had this. No, | don't make
much money off of cotton. but it more
than makes the expense of the place,
then few cattle and hogs. some poul-
try, vegetables, fruit, hay. and small
grain, that | have to sell occasionally
always puts the balance on the right
side of my books at the close of the
year, says bright business-like man
who has been farming since 1900
The first two years on the farm the
man made but little money Condi-
tons then seemed to take a better
turn each year has seen an addition
made to the sum set aside for the
amount invested either in more land
or in improving the farm and home
slight change here and there, as
means available have permitted has
seen a dilapidated, rundown place OF
1900 transformed into model which
may we'll be followed by farmers in
the entire community, especially if
they would get the most out of life.
Now, let us go with this man over a
portion of his course. In 1900 he
realized that life was before him and
that his knowledge of agriculture was
limited. A few months given to spe-
cial courses in agriculture and horti-
culture opened up some new and
broader lines to him. Attendance on
farmers meetings and institutes as
often as possible. at least once every
year, has been of great value, have
the bulletins from experiment stations
and the agricultural papers he always
reads.
In the spring of 1900 the start at
farming was made. Only SO much land
as could be prepared thoroughly was
planted Not much corn and vegeta-
bles the first two or three years, but
the acreage devoted to these crops in
creased little from year to year. A
good big field of cotton for the linn
tied force was planted-liberal fertil-
ization and good cultivation gave q
crop much above the average. All the
corn land was planted in peas and
some six or eight acres besides Seed
enough for another year and a few
bushels to sell were gathered. Hay for
teams and some for the cattle was
made and a few tons to sell. That
which could not be cultivated was en-
closed and used a run for the cat
tie and mules while not at work.
The second year but Slight changes
were made in the acreage to the vari-
Gus crops. The cotton was cut down
little and the corn was increased
and some fall sOwn grain was grown.
Just as much land as possible to get
ready was planted to peas. A greater
quantity of seed was saved and more
more live stock possible. The pastures,
as they had not been overstocked,
were better the second year than the
first 1t was then noticed that corn
or cotton coming after peas was much
better than on other parts of the
farm plan to rotate crops was
formed, almost unconsciously, but has
developed from year to year until it
now covers the whole place. Nine
years ago half a bale of cotton TO the
acre over a thirty acre field would
have been counted impossible on tlat
farm, but last year forty acres made
forty bales Three barrels of corn per
acre would have been a big yield six
years ago. Last year five bales per
acre was made on a fifteen acre field.
Peas and pea vine hay. small grain
and all crops have made gains in pro-
portion.
Had I permission | could write this
young farmers name and postOffice
address, but as he does not know that
J am writing this article / shall not
do So He says he scarcely knows TO
what to attribute his success IN fact
he does not seem to think that he has
done anything over which to boast 1t
would seem. though, that much credit
should be given to the fact that lessons
were taken and principles applied
from every available source.
S><D~o ~o------