Because the earnings of the farm are not more frequently spent in thus installing a section of paradise on the farm, is the real cause of the stampede therefrom of many of the smart ones who deem the struggle for elevation there a hopeless one, and, catching an inspiration from the shriek of civilization that announces each swiftly flying train, they turn their backs on what have been to them farm dungeons, and mingle with the surging throng in quest of a better condition. That they are often mistaken and baffled in taking such a route, does not deter a new crowd from going. They fly from what they dread, as much as they are inspired by what they hope to win. These things ought not so to be; and a wise improvement of the many neglected opportunities on the farm would go far to rectify the ills they fly from, but from which yet few escape.
Say what we will about all its defects, its uninviting toil, and low wages, agriculture disenthralled of its ignorance is the basis rock of our hope; and he is a slanderer of the noblest occupation who raises the veil to expose its defects and servility for any other purpose than to help make greener its verdure, and brighten its bloom.
REMEMBER _that $2.00 pays for_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER _from this date to January 1, 1885; For $2.00 you get it for one year and a copy of_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER COUNTY MAP OF THE UNITED STATES, FREE! _This is the most liberal offer ever made by any first-class weekly agricultural paper in this country._
A few years ago it was necessary for me to call upon a gentleman upon some business. After my business was completed and I was about to leave, I started toward the garden. He called to me saying, “Do not go there—you can not get through the garden.” I arrived at the border and stopped. He had evidently complied with one of the necessities of a good garden, viz., plenty of manure, for it is simply impossible for weeds to grow at the rate, or attain the size they had there, except upon very rich land.
Rabbits would have been perfectly secure from foxes, and foxes from dogs, in that immense and tangled growth of weeds.
The owner of that garden was one the best and most enterprising farmers in the State. He had at one time been president of his State agricultural society.