Year: 1877

Experience and observation both
bear Us out in the remark that those
countries where wheat is largely culti-
waited, are the most prosperous, so far
As agriculture is concerned. Penusyl-
vania has a poor light soil. but one
peculiarly adapted, however. to the
growth of this cereal In those dis
tricts Of that state whore wheat is more
largely grown. the soils are the thinnest
naturally, yet the farmers are most
prosperous Fifteen bushels TO the
acre is extraordinary cropping, and
small as the operation seems. yet Penn
sylyania farmers have grown opulent
IN the culture Of wheat Western New
York is similar in character Of soil. and
very similar in result. Ohio has rich
soil. as a rule. and while wheat is an
important II u by no means a leading
crop. Indiana raises much wheat, and
does Il with profit Illinois. Michigan,
Wisconsin. Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and
Missouri all depend upon wheat, as we
Of the south do upon cotton, and had
these states our mild temperate, climate,
and that possibility Of crop diyersifca-
ton which exists here. they would soon
be the richest sgriculturists on earth.


In the states named the long hard
winters consume the savings of summer,
so that when the books are balanced
the years operations show meagre prof
its, If not positive loss. However, we're
Il not for the profits OF their wheat
fields, financial ruin would soon over
take them, California is now making
more clear money from her wheat fields
than she is from her mines, and those
Of her people engaged in its culture are
FAR happier and of far better grade than
Ahey who delve in the mines.


Are not these most valuable lessons
TO the agriculturists Of Texas, and more
especially Of our own highly favored
section Of the state Wheat has many
advantages here, over all other crops
considered with reference to the cost of
culture and the certainty of the crop
II Is usually far advanced before any
drouth can seriously affect it, 1t re-
qaires no other culture save careful
and thorough preparation of the ground,
and IS easily, cheaply and quickly har.
vested and marketed, leaving leisure
for attention to cotton and corn. We
insist that with these lights before
them, our farmers dare not ignore or
curtail their wheat crops.


While we would by no means adj
vise its exclusive culture. yet it should
constitute one of our leading staples.
Every years experience with it will
add not only to the amount and quail
ity, but largely increase the profit. II
is squarely on the line Of that diversity
of crops which is the true policy, and
1t Is equally squarely on the line of
that other and equally necessary policy
Of rendering not only each farm, but
each county and district in the state
seltsustaining. Our section OF Texas is
peculiarly fortunate in receiving at this


time large influx of northern farm.
ers from the wheat-growing states we


have mentioned Their presence cam


not fail to be beneficial, and at an
early day. We urge these crude and
| lily digested reflections upon our farm


ers, and rely upon their native good


sense, experience and pride in the pro.


gress Of Texas to produce results which


will conduce to their profit, and the adj


vancements Of the agricultural interests
oil the state