18 



are owing to want of energy or lack of knowledge as to the 

 requisite nietliods essential for tlie cultivation of lands 

 which require drainage. 



As I liave discoursed on the practical farmer, a thought 

 arises that I have a duty devolving upon nie at this time 

 which necessitates my making reference to the fancy far- 

 mer, who should receive due regards lor his commendable 

 undertakings and the lavishness with wliich he spends the 

 fortune he luis accumulnTed from more remunerative busi- 

 ness. It furnishes him an oppoi'tunity of keeping the cur- 

 rency in active circulation, and many are directly and in- 

 directly benefitted thereby, and no man honors his good 

 intentions more than 1 tio. 



There is a pleasurable feeling of contentment to the 

 owner in viewing the attractive features with which he lias 

 embellished his surroundings, and it should inculcate in the 

 minds of all observers a desire for improvement. J^ut who 

 of you ever heard of any sane man engaging in any busi- 

 ness except farming simply for the fun it would afford 

 him ? yet there are many who seek recreation in this way. 



Although it is a disaffection to tlic most of us to be 

 harassed in our business by competitors who are farming 

 on tlie ))rofits of some other business, yet we accept it with 

 a good grace, and I make mention of it at this time simply 

 to counterbalance the statements which have often been 

 made as to the advantages to 1)0 derived where a fancy 

 farmer locates in your midst, by observing the workings of 

 new and improved methods which he will adopt. I should 

 as soon expect to gather " grapes of tliistles," as gather 

 information from this source; and the lesson you will learii 

 will lessen your income, unless you profit by his attempts 



