130 BOAED OF AGRICULTURE. 



chased, and quite extensively, many of the varieties of com- 

 mercial fertilizers offered in the market, and have made trial 

 of most of the methods of fertilization recommended by the 

 agricultural press. From many causes my experiments have 

 been limited in extent and partial in results ; yet I may say, 

 I am convinced that we can never profitably develop the 

 agricultural resources of our Commonwealth, or to any great 

 extent the fertility of our farms, until more cattle and 

 sheep are kept and fattened within our borders. 



The market gardener, whose acres lie near some city or 

 large town, where stable manure can be purchased cheaply 

 and hauled at convenient seasons, may find it economy to 

 furnish plant-food in that form. But for the great body of 

 common farmers, producing grain and the grasses, if their 

 acres are ever clothed with a greener verdure, it must be 

 done, not by conmiercial fertilizers or by city manure, but 

 rather by the flocks and herds raised upon them. It may be 

 asked, Should farmers be advised to increase their stock 

 beyond the immediate carrying power of their farms with 

 this view ? 



If they are willing to safely invest their capital in their 

 own vocation, and wish to improve their lands, make more 

 of life and magnify their calling, I should answer yes. 



Having decided the kind and amount of stock that your 

 farm ought to keep, then put it on your land. The question 

 will arise. How shall this increase of stock be housed, and 

 wherewithal shall they be fed? 



A few years ago our country was agitated by the perplex- 

 ing question of the resumption of specie payment, when a 

 wise journalist urged that the way to resume was to resume. 

 And a corresponding answer might be given to the query 

 before us, viz. : The way to keep stock is to keep stock. 

 And it is only by adopting such a method that we shall 

 properly stock our farms, and see these lowing herds and 

 bleating flocks upon our acres and realize their profits in our 

 balance sheets. These changes may be radical or gradual, as 

 best suits the means and inclinations of the owner. AVhen 

 additional shelter is to be provided for fodder or for stock, 

 remember that unless you possess ample means to gratify a 

 taste for architecture, build only for comfort and utility. 



