64 Capital. 



CHAP. II. 



ON THE MOST ESSENTIAL MEANS FOR CARRYING ON THE 

 IMPROVEMENT AND CULTIVATION OF A FARM. 



WHEN a farmer enters on the occupation of any extent of 

 land, a variety of most important objects must necessarily en- 

 gage his attention ; and the following are peculiarly essential, 

 as furnishing the most likely means of promoting his success : 

 1. The judicious expenditure of an adequate capital, in stock- 

 ing the farm ; 2. The keeping regular accounts, as the only 

 sure foundation of economical culture ; 3. The formation of 

 a skilful arrangement of agricultural labour and domestic ma- 

 nagement ; 4. The hiring a proper number of trusty farm 

 servants ; 5. The procuring skilful day-labourers when re- 

 quired for occasional purposes ; 6. The purchase and main- 

 tenance of live stock best adapted for his farm ; 7. The ac- 

 quisition of the most suitable implements of husbandry ; 

 8. The erection of buildings calculated for the objects to be 

 pursued; 9. A command of water; 10. A division of his 

 land, into fields of a proper size and shape ; and 11. The con- 

 struction of good private roads of communication, that easy 

 access to every part of his farm may be secured. When all 

 these particulars are satisfactorily arranged, he may then pro- 

 ceed, with spirit and energy, to the improvement and cultiva- 

 tion of his farm. 



SECT. I. Capital. 



IT is indispensable for the success of every undertaking*, 

 whether in farming, or any other branch of industry, that a 

 sufficient capital to carry it on, should be at command. When 

 there is any deficiency in that important particular, the far- 

 mer cannot derive an adequate profit from his exertions, as he 

 would necessarily be frequently obliged to dispose of his crops 

 or stock, for less than their value, to procure ready money ; 

 and it would restrain him from making advantageous purchases, 

 when even the most favourable opportunities should occur ( * ). 

 An industrious, frugal, and intelligent farmer, who is punctual 

 in his payments, and hence in good credit, will strive with 

 many difficulties, and get on with less money, than a man of 

 a different character. But if he has not sufficient live stock 

 to work his lands in the best manner, as well as to raise the 



