A Local Knowledge Of Farming

There are truthg that apply to all soils. But there are also truths - and they are niany - that apply only to localities, and these differ according to looality. Henee book knowledge has only a general applioation. There muit be a knowledge of the particular soil worked. This can only be acquired by practice - by working the soil and noting its effects. Analysis will acquaint us with the material of which the soil is composed. Yet there is something beside that is important : some of this is known, and some is entirely in the dark. Who knows, tor instanoe, what causes the superior quality of tobáceo raised in some soils apparently the same as the contiguous land, which produces an inferior kind ? This is oommon in the island of Cuba, where our best tobacoo is crown : also an inferior aualitv. So, eminently, with grapes. The same grape does much better in some sections - this often independent of the climate. The grapfi (some sorts) will also grow thriftily, but bear little in some sections ; in others do remarkably and uniforinly well, improving the quality. There is some element unknown that has an effect. All this, and much more that might ba said on this head, shows that a soil, in order to know its capacity, must be testod. Henee a local knowledge of farming is indispensable to suecess. Books point only in a general way. A complete soience of agricultura requires a knowledge of the localities, as science is the result of knowledge. It will therefore be seen how much there is to do for the farmer ; he must rely upon himself, see and note accurately. I have seen this beautifully illustrated in cases that I know of. Only the best heads are the best farmers ; and these not necessarily the best educated, but always and necessarilv those having the best acqaintance with their soil. The two, a local and general knowledge, combined, are the highest requisite. Then thorough work and succbbs is assured, making farming a safe, a profitable thing, as well as a verv rjleasant and aereeable occupation.