94 ESSEX SOCIETY. 



There is no objection, as many have supposed, to feeding off 

 mowing lands in the autumn. In spring, the ground is injured, 

 and the roots started from the soil too easily. Not so in the 

 autumn, when the soil is dry and firm. The grass is benefited, 

 rather than injured by it. On pasture lands in which the grass 

 is run out, seed may be sown just before the top dressing. 

 Thus the old roots will be assisted, while new ones will come 

 in to improve and increase the food for cattle. 



We have spoken of some of the top dressings which will 

 prove beneficial to pasture and mowing lands. We have not 

 aimed to treat of them in any abstruse and scientific manner. 

 Nor have we been anxious to mention and dwell upon every 

 possible substance which would serve a good purpose as a top 

 dressing. It was our aim to set forth the peculiar advantages 

 of such as could be available to most farmers of enterprise. In 

 the choice of these, regard should be had to the soil, to the sea- 

 son, and to the expense compared with the probable result. 



The great secret of success in farming, is to do things well 

 and cheaply. We do not believe that in our country, except, 

 perhaps, in the immediate vicinity of the market, a very great 

 outlay, what is commonly called high farming, for the sake of 

 increased crops, is expedient. Many a rich man has ruined 

 himself by farming for display. But every one knows that our 

 work should be done with system, with care, and with vigi- 

 lance against waste. Manure high, make, if possible, rich gar- 

 dens of every field, but let the manure be made, so far as it 

 can be, from the natural resources which every farm possesses. 

 Draw from the meadow, the ditch, the road side, the woods, 

 whatever will enrich the soil. Nor does cheap farming, imply 

 that the buildings, the fences, the roads about the farm, be neg- 

 lected. Ditching, draining, reclaiming useless lands, these form' 

 a sort of reserved fund for the farmer. 



And when these, his appropriate tasks are completed, then 

 all the powers of nature help him rise to competence, to honor, 

 and to happiness. Then, what a life is his ! What quiet with- 

 out envy ! What freedom from intrigue ! What calmness ! 

 What serenity ! His sleep is sweet. When morning comes, 

 the very animals hasten with glad step to welcome his approach. 



