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No Date

Manuscript by Eli Slifer

8 pages

This manuscript appears to be an address delivered at a fair held by the Union County Agricultural Society, of which Slifer was most probably a member. He begins by quoting an old proverb: ". . . he who makes two spears[?] of grass to grow where one grew before is a public benefactor . . . essential to the public good . . . entitled to appreciation and gratitude." He states that we are here "to advance agriculture . . . on a broader basis we are here to encourage general industry . . . ." Slifer believes God created man for mutual support, and that the best community is one "where individuals live best and are most careful to help others . . . ." He uses the various interdependent parts of the human body as a metaphor to illustrate how other occupations are intertwined with agriculture "to form a vast brotherhood that it is our duty and interest to recognize." He feels "the true measure of mans nobility is that he excels in the work he is called to do," and urges all to "let not profession but excellence in our calling be the measure of honor." He tells the farmers not to "underrate" their occupation because the "quiet surroundings of the Country" are a much better place to live than busy cities and towns. He compares the numerous failures of business in the pursuit of gold to the "quiet contentment of those who seek only small gains," and look out upon ". . . fields robed[?] in green covered with waving gold." He continues by encouraging investment in the land, citing the value of fruit trees: "An expenditure of one hundred dollars in fruit and shade will in a short time add thousands of dollars to the selling value of the farm," and advocates the passing of a law ". . . that would impel cattle owners to fence their cattle in not their neighbors cattle out." Stating that the base cost of farm fencing in Pennsylvania is estimated at one hundred and eighty million dollars, and adding interest on this amount plus expenditures for repairs, Slifer contends the annual rate becomes a nearly overwhelming burden. Coupled with state property taxes, agriculture is being crippled. He questions the rationale of forcing the majority of farmers to bear the enormous expense of fencing simply because one man sends his cattle out to forage on his neighbors’ land. Strongly critical of extravagance and "the fripery and folly of the age," Slifer calls for purchasing less expensive clothing and furniture that are more suited to farm life. He concludes by recommending a balance between spending too little, and overindulgent purchases, warning that severe frugality will drive the children away from the land. When this happens, the farm will eventually be sold, and the heritage passed down from generation to generation will be lost.