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the extra expense of cultivating the ground is more than 

 repaid by the increased vigor of the plants. The experience of 

 our onion growers points in the same direction, as tliey find 

 that the more thoroughly the soil is prepared the more profit- 

 able is the crop ; and the best results are not obtained till years 

 of careful culture have been given to a field. 



It may now be considered as proved that one acre well 

 worked is more profitable, as well as more enjoyable, than two 

 half cared for ; therefore let us strive in friendly rivalry to see 

 who shall have, not the most acres, but the best. Here is 

 another consideration in favor of small farms, the taxes are 

 less, and while we may double the value of our land by high 

 farming, we do not have to pay for it as we should if we 

 increased the number of acres. 



From the cultivation of the soil we pass easily to the consid- 

 eration of the team with which we cultivate. Whether for 

 this oxen or horses are best must depend largely on the 

 character of the soil and also to what use the animals can be 

 put when not at work on the farm. For my own use I prefer 

 oxea, because, although slow compared with horses, they are 

 sure and much less expensive both in first cost and also in 

 maintenance, while if disabled by accident the loss is slight 

 {as they are of value for beef) to what the loss of a horse is 

 «nder similar circumstances. They are also more easily ob- 

 tained when extra team is wanted for a short time, and may 

 often be fattened and sold at a good profit when the work is 

 ■done, while horses are hard to dispose of as well as to obtain. 



Many persons would be surprised at an attempt to educate 

 oxen beyond the point of making them understand the mean- 

 ing of the words employed to direct their movements. I have 

 satisfied myself that they can learn much more than this, and 

 that time spent in training a yoke of oxen that one intends to 

 keep for a length of time is well employed, as the intelligent 

 labor of an animal, as of a man, gives the best results. 



In view of the advantages resulting in many instances from 

 underdraining, it is well for us to inquire if we may not with 

 profit do something by this process to make the wet lands of 



