36 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



primeval ancestors, we might not realize the extent of the 

 prosperity, comfort and individual happiness which we may 

 and perhaps do really enjoy, I have endeavored to show you 

 that your lot is cast in pleasant places and that the rigor of this 

 climate and comparative sterility of your soil is more than 

 compensated by surrounding favors, and that the farmers of 

 Massachusetts have little cause for discontent, and having 

 assumed that content is the first requisite to the prosperity, the 

 comfort and general happiness of a community, we now propose 

 to consider some of the points which will be likely to make us 

 better and more successful farmers. 



One point worthy of consid^ation with the farmer is the 

 determination to do his work at the proper time ; to be always 

 in season. Better drive your work than that your work drive 

 you. Those who planted corn and potatoes the earliest have 

 the best crops. Those who sowed oats earliest have the most 

 oats and the best quality. Crops hoed before the weeds have 

 started are hoed with one-half the cost. Early cut hay is better 

 for stock, and the after-math is good for the soil and for stock. 

 Pumpkins and squashes suffer severely if exposed to the frost. 

 Apples gathered early are saved from frost, and not wasted by 

 exposure. Stock should be brought to the barns in the fall, 

 before they have wasted in flesh by cold weather and frosty 

 feed. Prosperity in farming can only be attained by close 

 attention ; and this applies to all trades as well. 



Another element of success with the farmer is a resolute, 

 determined and persevering industry in one and the same 

 direction. The success of man is only limited by the amount 

 of persevering thought and determined resolution he possesses. 

 To the persevering man there is no doubting or waiting ; he 

 knows no to-morrow or next week, but it is one determined and 

 resolute now. To him, mountains are but ant-hills, while ant- 

 hills are mountains to the vacillating and fearful. Mature 

 your plans ; work with a calculation beforehand. Have a fixed 

 object in view at the beginning of the year, and bend all efforts 

 towards that object. He who has an object in view at the 

 beginning of the year, will have an object to view at the end of 

 the year. Close planning will save much hard work ; and if we 

 allow other men to do nearly all the thinking, we must expect 

 to do nearly all the work. 



