300 AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 



tention, as upon their proper construction depends much of 

 the economy and success with which he can perform his 

 operations. There have been great and important improve- 

 ments within the past few years, in most implements, which 

 have diminished the expense, while they have greatly im- 

 proved the mechanical operations of agriculture. I have 

 studiously avoided a reference to any of these, as there are 

 many competitors for similar and about equally meritorious 

 improvements ; and in this career of sharp and commenda- 

 ble rivalry, what is the best to-day, may be supplanted by 

 something superior to-morrow. These implements may now 

 be found at the agricultural warehouses, of almost every 

 desirable variety. Of these, the best only should be pro- 

 cured ; such as are the most perfect in their principles and 

 of the most durable materials. Cover the wood work with 

 paint or oil, if to be exposed to the weather, and the iron or 

 steel with paint, or a coating of hot tar, unless kept bright- 

 ened by use. When required for cutting, they should al- 

 ways be sharp, even to the hoe, the spade and the share and 

 coulter of the plow. When not in use, keep them in a dry 

 place. Plows, harrows, carts and sleds should all be thus 

 protected, and by their longer durability they will amply 

 repay the expense of shed room. They ought also to be 

 kept in the best repair, which may be done at leisure times, 

 so as always to be ready for use. [Some additional remarks 

 on this subject will be found under the head of plows.] 



THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION OF THE FARMER. 



Though last mentioned, this is- the first in importance to 

 the farmer's success. It should commence with the thor- 

 ough, groundwork attainments everywhere to be acquired 

 in our primary schools ; and it should embrace an elemen- 

 tary knowledge of mechanics, botany, entomology, chemistry 

 and geology, nor can it be complete without some acquain- 

 tance with anatomy and physiology. The learner ought 

 then to have a complete, practical understanding of the 

 manual operations of the farm ; the best manner of planting, 

 cultivating and securing crops ; he should be familiar with 

 the proper management, feeding and breeding of animals ; 

 the treatment of soils, the application of manures, and all 

 the best practices and most approved principles connected 

 with agriculture. This will be but the commencement of 

 the farmer's education, and it should be steadily pursued 

 ,, trough the remainder of his life. 



