718 PRACTICE OF AGRICULTURE. Part III. 



years preceding ; the general state of the district, in regard to the price of labor, and the 

 expense of living; the character of its inhabitants, in particular of the neighboring farm- 

 ers and laborers; and whether they are likely to promote or to discourage a spirit of im- 

 provement ; the probability of subletting to advantage in case of not liking the situation, 

 finding a better bargain, or of death. The chances of settling one's family; as of marrying 

 daughters, or of sons' making good marriages. The social state of the farmers, or those that 

 would be considered one's neighbors; the number and tone of clergy, and lawyers ; the 

 game, and the chances of disputes concerning it ; the morals of the serving class ; schools, 

 places of worship, &c. It is evident, that in hardly any one instance can all the circum- 

 stances above enumerated be favorably combined. But the active and intelligent farmer 

 will not be discouraged by the obstacles he may have to surmount ; but will strenuously 

 endeavor, by exertion, industry, and perseverance, to overcome the difficulties he must 

 unavoidably encounter, 



Chap. II. 



Considerations respecting Himself, which a Farmer ought to keep in view in selecting and 



hiring a Farm. 



4446. Whoever intends to embrace farming as a profession, will be less likely to meet 

 with disappointment, if he previously examines a little into his own disposition and 

 talents; and weighs his expectations against ordinary results. Nor is it less essential 

 that he should estimate justly the extent to which his capital may be adequate, and keep 

 regular accounts. 



Sect. I. Of the j^ersonal Character and Expectations of a professional Farmer. 



4447. Every one who proposes to farm with success, Professor Thaer observes, ought 

 to unite energy and activity, to reflection, to experience, and to all necessary knowledge. 

 It is true, he says, farming has long been considered as an occupation fit for a young 

 man incapable for any other, and such have sometimes succeeded; but this has always 

 been chiefly owing to a fortunate concurrence of circumstances, which it is not now 

 very easy to meet with. 



4448. The practice of agriculture consists of an infinite number of particular opera- 

 tions, each of >rhich appears easy in itself; but is often for that very reason the more 

 difficult to execute to the precise extent required ; one operation so often interferes with 

 another. To regulate them according to the given time and strength, and in such a way 

 that none is neglected, or causes the neglect of others, requires at once a great deal of 

 attention and activity, without inquietude; of promptitude without precipitation; of gene- 

 ral views, and yet with an extreme attention to details. 



4449. To casualties and accidents, no business is so much exposed as farming, and 

 therefore to enjoy an ordinary degree of happiness. Professor Thaer considers it essential 

 that the farmer possess a certain tranquillity of mind. This, he says, may either be the 

 result of a natural phlegmatic habit of body, or of elevated views in religion, or philosophy. 

 These will enable him to bear with every misfortune arising from adverse seasons, or 

 the death of live stock ; and only permit him to regret accidents which result from his 

 own neglect. 



4450. The expectations of profit and happiness which a young farmer has formed 

 ought to be well weighed against the profits and happiness of farmers in general. 

 However superior a farmer may consider his own talents and abilities, he may rest 

 assured there are a number as skilful and adroit as himself, and just as likely to realize 

 extraordinary advantages. Let none therefore engage in farming, thinking to make 

 more money than other farmers similarly circumstanced with himself. If from a happy 

 concurrence of circumstances he is more than usually successful, so much the better, and 

 let him consider it as partly owing to good fortune as well as good farming ; but never 

 let him set out on the supposition of gaining extraordinary advantages with only ordinary 

 means. 



4451. The profits of farming arc much exaggerated by people in general : but it may 

 be asserted as an unquestionable fact, that no capital alTbrds less profit than that em- 

 ployed in farming, except that simk in landed property. This is the natural result both 

 of the universality of the business and of its nature. Farming is every where practised, 

 and every one thinks he may easily become a farmer ; hence high rents, which neces- 

 sarily lessen the profits on capital. From the nature of farming the capital employed 

 is seldom returned. A tradesman may lay out and return his capital several times a 

 year; but a farmer can never, generally speaking, grow more than one crop per 

 annum. Suppose he succeeds in raising the best possible crops in his given circum- 



