CHAPTER V. 



THE FARM AND FARM BUILDINGS. 



"THERE is more difference between farmers than there is 

 between farms," wrote a veteran agriculturist to his son, many 

 years ago. That this statement is true the most superficial 

 observer must admit. A poor farmer always has a poor farm, 

 while a good farmer, in nearly all cases, will have a good farm 

 in the end. The one begins in ignorance, and, as a rule, ends 

 in disaster, while the other begins with a desire to learn, and 

 forces success by persistency and increased intelligence. The 

 successful farmer is the inquiring, intelligent, careful farmer. 

 No matter if he knows but little outside his farm, he is always 

 sure to know at least what pertains to its successful conduct. 

 Usually such a person works hard, observes closely, and remem- 

 bers his own and others' experiences. He is quick to perceive 

 an advantage, and is always content with his calling. 



Another class, greater in number, and usually found enjoying 

 the blessings of life, are those who read, think, and make care- 

 ful deductions. Their homes are filled with books and papers, 

 and their evenings are spent in profitable and pleasant com- 

 munion with the best thoughts of others, on general topics of 

 information. This is the class of American citizens that make 

 up that conservative element of society, alike valuable in times 

 of peace and plenty, as in periods of trouble and distress. It 

 may seem humiliating to other classes who assume superiority, 

 but it is none the less true that these farmers are the final adju- 

 dicators of all legislation. Disciplined in the school of cause 

 and effect, always seeking for legitimate results, their minds are 

 peculiarly fitted to analyze and bring to light the ultimate bear- 

 ing and final effect of measures, either material or economic. 

 It is true, their conclusions are not rapidly matured, and in not 

 a few instances have been deferred much longer, than seemed 

 necessary ; but when once formed, they were a fiat against which 

 nothing could prevail. 



477 



