Its managers are conscious from comparison with other journals of its class, and from the uniform testimony of its readers, that it is foremost among the farm and home papers of the country.  It will not be permitted to lose this proud position; we shall spare no efforts to maintain its usefulness and make it indispensable to farmers, stock-raisers, feeders, dairymen, horticulturists, gardeners, and all others engaged in rural pursuits.  It will enter upon its forty-fourth year under auspices, in every point of view, more encouraging than ever before in its history.  Its mission has always been, and will continue to be—­

To discuss the most approved practices in all agricultural and horticultural pursuits.

To set forth the merits of the best breeds of domestic animals, and to elucidate the principles of correct breeding and management.

To further the work of agricultural and horticultural organization.

To advocate industrial education in the correct sense of the term.

To lead the van in the great contest of the people against monopolies and the unjust encroachments of capital.

To discuss the events and questions of the day without fear or favor.

To provide information concerning the public domain, Western soil, climate, water, railroads, schools, churches, and society.

To answer inquiries on all manner of subjects coming within its sphere.

To furnish the latest and most important industrial news at home and abroad.

To give full and reliable crop, weather, and market reports.

To present the family with pure, choice, and interesting literature.

To amuse and instruct the young folks.

To gather and condense the general news of the day.

To be, in brief, an indispensable and unexceptionable farm and home companion for the people of the whole country.

The style and form of the paper are now exactly what they should be.  The paper used is of superior quality.  The type is bold and clear.  The illustrations are superb.  The departments are varied and carefully arranged.  The editorial force is large and capable.  The list of contributors is greatly increased, and embraces a stronger array of talent than is employed on any similar paper in this country.  We challenge comparison with any agricultural journal in the land.

THE PRAIRIE FARMER is designed for all sections of the country.  In entering upon the campaign of 1884, we urge all patrons and friends to continue their good works in extending the circulation of our paper.  On our part we promise to leave nothing undone that it is possible for faithful, earnest work—­aided by money and every needed mechanical facility—­to do to make the paper in every respect still better than it has ever been before.

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SPECIAL NOTICE