WHAT TO DO WITH THE FARM. 11 



pests, for the period of five years, and at the end of that, 

 declaring them public nuisances, which may be abated like any 

 other offence of the same class. 



If by some such measure each one should be induced to 

 attempt no more than he can do thoroughly and well, there can 

 be no doubt that the interests of individuals and of the public 

 would be promoted. The results of a well-planned concentra- 

 tion would improve both land and stock, and the gradual 

 extension of operations would mark the increase of wealth, and 

 not as is now too frequently the case, be an advertisement of 

 incapacity and poverty. In this connection, the suggestion may 

 be worth heeding, that the Neio England farmer should not 

 expect too large profits from his farm. 



Retired manufacturers and merchants are not a little prone 

 to be impatient with their agricultural investments. In their 

 business heretofore they have been accustomed to quick returns, 

 and if " successful men," they have probably made large profits 

 on short credits. Hence they are tempted to feel a little 

 " grouty " when their farming operations are not attended with 

 like results. But they overlook several considerations. It is 

 manifest, e. g., that outlays for the purpose of display, or for 

 the mere gratification of aesthetic tastes in farming, have in 

 them no tendency to secure profits, while in the warehouse and 

 counting-room, the contrary may be true. In the latter case, 

 the architecture, the furniture and arrangements which attract 

 attention and please the eye, may be a species of advertising, 

 and as such, may pay well. But analogous expedients will not 

 increase the showers or sunshine, or the crops of a farm. 



Our gentleman-farmer may also overlook the fact tliat actual 

 improvements, whether in the quality of the land itself, by 

 manures, drainage or extra cultivation, or in the fences, build- 

 ings, implements, and farming conveniences generally, are of 

 the nature of permanent investments, which may add to the 

 intrinsic value of the farm without immediately increasing its 

 profits. If so-called improvements do not add to the intrinsic 

 value of the farm, they surely should not be set down in the 

 account against it. For it is not answerable for the mistakes of 

 its proprietor. If a gentleman puts up shooting-boxes, boat- 

 houses, kiosks, fancy barns, massive walls, with extensive 

 conservatories and flower gardens on his place, and indulges in 



