The following is taken from the June 30, 1836 issue of the Yankee Farmer:
A writer in The Maine Farmer lays down seven simple truths, of which the farmer must be convinced, in order that the great subject of Agriculture may be fully understood and return its proper rewards to the laborer. A passive assent to his propositions will do but little but the conviction must be after inquiry, investigation and experiment.
l. In general, a small farm is better than a large one.
2. A little land, well tilled, is better than much, half tilled.
3. Two loads of manure are better than one, and every load judiciously applied worth a silver dollar.
4. Three good cows are better than six poor ones, and so of all other stock.
5. Raising their own bread stuff and a little to sell is better than “going to New York to mill.”
6. Two blades of grass may be easily made to grow where only one grew before.
7. Experiment is the mother of improvement and improvement is the true source of wealth.
This is the kind of stuff that I have to read sometimes. Sure, it's rich in sentimentalism. But there's a lot of truth to it. And whether you're an Heirloom Orchardist or not, such words of wisdom can be applied today as well as in 1836. Ya gotta love it.
