Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-12-08
Address bv Or. TwitchelI.

The first speaker at the afternoon ses-
sion was DIR. G. NJ. Twitchell of Auburn.
who spoke upon the subject. Are Ten
Acres Enough" DR.. Twitchell spoke in
substance as follows:
New England must ever be the home
of the individual farmer and well will
it be if ownership and residence are
made one, for the rental system is not
compatible with conditions IN Maine.
Because of a combination of influences,
social, industrial, economic, an increas-
ing army of artisans are turning from
shop and factory to the land. not sup
piled with means to command large
holdings and with little or no experience
in farm operations. To my mind Maine
offers peculiar advantage to this class
and their coming may well be encour-
aged provided they are helped to an
understanding of underlying principles.
Today there are hundreds who would be
immensely benefited if their field Of OPP
erations could be reduced one-half.
Whatever tends to force definite con-
structive action is good for the soul Of
any man.
While specialists are able TO realize
$1,000 per acre. or more, by the use Of
lH0 greenhouse tIlu hiShAS ''ieSiio'NS
methods, degree of skill is demanded
far and away beyond ordinary farm
work, therefore to the opposite extreme
we must look for an outlet for. this in
conner without surplus or experience.
Given some realization of the conditions
the answer to my subject would be Yes,
for 1t is simple proposition for a will
ing worker, with small family. after
few years experience in learning the
business. to realize $500 to $1,000 gross
income. in addition to what goes to help
support the family, and without re-
course to methods not applicable, or nec-
essary. on any farm. Most firmly am 1
convinced that the path leading to sue
cess With my ten acres is that every
man should follow with one hundred,
save that these few cannot include pas
turage or wood lot for every rod must
be contributory to the total income
What then is necessary?
Ist Location must be in or near a
village containing a steadily increasing
number of non-producing wage-earners,
or summer tourists. Distance and long
shipment would radically change opera
lions and necessitate more production.
%. The character Of work attempted
must be cOnEG0lal LII lHlS SOII, cAcyd.
ton. adaptability. as we'll as market,
must be considered
Sd. Experience alone can save from
disaster, therefore learn by doing, not
leaning on others. Intelligent individual
modification Of all instruction becomes
necessary to him who succeeds. It must
come out Of his own resources.
4th. Time is required to realize. I'M
mediate large returns are impossible.
without specializing. by the application
Of good business principles. located
within two hours Of a good market
man can in a short term Of years bring
ten acres Of fairly good land where it
will return a substantial increase over
figures given.
Bth. Success is impossible without
that enthusiasm born Of love for the
land ana the work attempted. There
must be harmony between land, crop ana
man. You cannot fight nature ana suc. |
coed.
9Th. A man must study HE nar.st |
and satisfy purchasers. No ore ceres
for what you grow unless they want A. |
therefore stv6y 20 please.