A Local Knowledge Of Farming

Thero are truths that apply to all soils. But there are aleo trutlis - and they are maiiy - that apply only to localities, and theso dififer according to locality. Heneo book knowledgo has only a general application. Thoro must be u knowledge of the particular soil worked. This can only be acquired by practico - by werking the soil and noting ite offeotB. Analysis will acquaint us with the material of whicli the soil is composed. Yet there is something besides this that is important ; somo of this is kuown, and some is entirely in the dark. Who knows, for instance, what causes the superior quality of tobáceo raised ia some soils apparently the same as the contiguous land which produces an inferior kind ? This is common in the Island of Cuba, whoro our best tobáceo is grown ; also, an inferior quality. So, ominently, with grapes. The same grape does much better in some sections - this often independent of the elimate. The grape (some sorts) will also grow thriftÜ7 but bear little in some sections ; in others do remarkably and uniformly well, improving the quality. Thoro is some element unknown that has an effect. All this, and much moro that might be said on this head, shows that a soil, in order to know its capacity, must bo tested. Henee a local knowlodgo of farming is indispensable to success. Books point only in a goneral way. A complete science of agriculturo requires a knowledge of the localities, as scieuco is the result of knowledge. It will thorefore bo seen how much there is to do for tho farmer ; ho must rely upon himself, seo and note aceuratoly. I have seen this beautifully illustrated in cases that I know of. Only the best heads are the best farmers ; and these not necessarily tho best eduoated, but always and necessarily thoso having tho bost acquaintance with their soil. - The two, a local and general knowledgo, combiued, are the highest requisite. Then thorough work and success is assured, making farming a safe, a profitable thiug, as well as a very pleasant and agreeable oocupation.-