532 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



twice, then cross with a cultivator, then use the "weeder" to level down 

 the ridges. In a wet season like last j^ear we would reverse the proceed- 

 ing — use the cultivator first and the weeder second. 



In closing we would say that every farmer should test for himself 

 his seeds, his methods, his machinery, and. in fact, all of his farming 

 operations. 



THE FARMER'S EDUCATION. 



T. J. Eating, before the Jasper County Farmers' Institute. 



We are more apt to place a higher value upon that which we have 

 not, rather than that which we already possess. This trait of human na- 

 ture must be my excuse today if I seem to overestimate the value of a 

 farm education, for there is nothing I feel the need of more than a thor- 

 ough knowledge of this great primary industry. I believe there is no bet- 

 ter opportunity in any line of business than is offered in this to the in- 

 telligent, industrious young man or young woman who is willing to prop- 

 erly prepare himself by scientific training. 



The object of education is to develop the individual, to fit him for 

 life; to make his condition more agreeable, not only to himself but also 

 to those with whom he comes in contact. Education is the pathway to 

 progress. It is the crowning glory of civilization. Now, what or whom 

 is the farmer that he needs or does not need these accomplishments? 

 He is the man whose intellect and industry provides food for the world. 

 His products renew the brain cell of the philosopher and gives bloom 

 to the maiden's cheek. Without him, armies would be useless, and the 

 wheels of industry stand stilL He forms a large part of the populatiou 

 of an extensive community. Ought not such an important elemeuL of 

 ociety be invested with all that tends to direct his energies and make 

 his efforts more effectual? 



When we review the progress which farming has made in the na^t 

 century, we are gratified, but when we compare it with the wonderful 

 achievements in other branches of industry, we must acknowledge that 

 the farmer has not kept pace with his brethren. The productive capacity 

 of a farmer in this country is higher than the average of Europe. It is 

 a long way ahead of that of his grandfather, but while he has been in- 

 creasing his capacity three or four fold, the miner, the manufacturer and 

 the printer have increased their productiveness from ten to one 

 hundred fold. Now, why is this? Simply because those other industries 

 have received more intelligent application than has farming. 



The farmer has been too passive. He has taken things too easy, — 

 not physically, perhaps, but mentally. He has lived in a country whose 

 broad acres were to be had for the asking. If conditions became too in- 

 tense for him at any time, he had but to hitch to his "Prairie Schooner" 

 and go to a home unmolested in the great prairies of the West. These 

 conditions have changed, and already population has pushed to 



