ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS. * 231 



for this was a part of his calling — he might have stood in the front 

 rank. As a carpenter — for this he followed — he might have led all 

 his fellows. As a trainer of horses — to which he tnrned his at- 

 tention — he was l)ecoining distinguished. As a musician — which 

 claimed his attention at times — he conld mock the very birds, and 

 sing and play to a charm. As as actor upon the stage — to wliich he 

 devoted a part of Iiis energies — none could excel him ; and still 

 his life was a faihire, and lie could hardly earn his bread. 



Another element of success in farming is industrv and vigilance. 

 C'onstant labor is the price of victory. Long and strong pulls in 

 one continuous line of battle are demanded in order to subdue the 

 stubborn soil, scatter the insect legions, and finally garner the golden 

 harvest. Without vigilance everywhere on the farm and around the 

 home enterprise will go backward. The buildings from top to 

 bottom must be looked over with scrutiny and penetration several 

 times every j'ear. A shingle is defective and lets in the rain. The 

 earth is heaped against the boards and sills of the barn, and deca}^ 

 is working at the foundation of the structure. The cellar windows 

 are not opened until late in the spring, or in the early summer, 

 holding in the dampness and disease which ought to be scattered in 

 March. Then in the field noxious weeds are coming from time to 

 time, and making small beginnings. Once a vigilant farmer, who 

 found a certain weed in his cornfield had been overlooked until its 

 seed had been dropped at its base, carefulh^ drove a stake down at 

 that point so as to know where to meet the case another year. The 

 orchard requires constant watching and trimming and grafting every 

 year. Worthless trees are to be made profitable or removed for 

 others. The well must be looked after or the drainage of all its 

 surroundings will finally come into the water-pail, and meet him at 

 the table. The fences must be watched and repaired in season to 

 save the crops and save all trouble with the neighbors. 



Another item of success in farmer's work is that of S3'stem. And 

 here he shall commence at the bottom of the matter, and la}' broad 

 and deep in his own well stored mind the true science and real 

 practical facts which pertain to his calling. The cultivation of the 

 soil with success requires stud}' and research, equal if not surpass- 

 ing any other profession. The ex[)erience of all ages is needed in 

 adapting crops to the soil and then preparing the soil for the crops. 

 Securing the best implements of husbandry and entering fully into 

 all the improvements of the age requires thought and stud}' of no 



