g2 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



the research that is now l)eing made into the laws that govern plant 

 life and govern tlie breeding and growing of domestic animals ; it is 

 disclosing the canses that have led to the exhaustion of fertility, 

 and discovers the means of restoration. These and kindred ques- 

 tions relating to agriculture, are engaging the highest scientific 

 talent of the world in their solution. If the farmer would keep 

 al)reast of the advancing tide, he must read, think, attend the meet- 

 ings of the Farmers' Institutes, join the Grange, and the Farmers' 

 Club, take a part in the State and County Agricultural Societies, 

 and be alert to welcome all improvements that will lighten labor and 

 aid in securing better results. 



We just now spoke of abandoned farms. The cheerless desola- 

 tion of these farms and homes, awaken in the beholder unpleasant 

 feelings and associations. Yonder, upon the hillside, once flourished 

 the fruitful orchard, now marked only l)y a few decaying, moss- 

 grown trees. Upon the sunny slope " where once a garden smiled " 

 and where, even now, many a garden flower grows wild, weeds and 

 bushes grow in the greatest luxuriance. The house, the family 

 home, the scene of a father's and a mother's love, and the joyous- 

 ness of childhood, is now in ruins ; affording but partial shelter to 

 the flocks that graze the neglected fields ; while all around nature is 

 presented in her most dreary aspect. 



Why have these farms been abandoned? Is it because of mis- 

 fortune? Has sickness and death entered the home and broken its 

 circle? Sometimes. Is it because the soil is naturallv infertile 

 and hard to cultivate? No, not generally, as other farmers, ou 

 similar soils, have been successful. In brief, is not the cause 

 explained bj- this one word — loaste? Is it not wasted labor, wasted 

 production and, more than all else, wasted fertilitj-? Labor is 

 wasted by imperfect tillage and careless cultivation ; weeds are per- 

 mitted to rob the soil of its fertility, and choke the growing crops. 

 Production is wasted in heedless harvesting, in the improvident dis- 

 posal of what is secured, and in many ways that will readily occur 

 to your minds. 



We will speak of one source of wasted labor and material com- 

 mon to all farmers. I refer to fences. Some j-ears ago it was 

 publicly announced that the fences of the United States cost more 

 in material and construction than all the dwelling-houses, including 

 those of villages and cities. With a judicious system of farm 

 management, much of this stupendous cost might be avoided. 



