"Worm or beetle - drought or tempest - on a farmer's land may fall, Each is loaded full o' ruin, but a mortgage beats 'em all"

This quote by Will Carleton is an amusing way of expressing the concept that a home loan is the worst thing that can happen to a farmer. The quote compares a mortgage to natural disasters such as drought and tempest, which can trigger ruin to a farmer's land. Carleton is recommending that a mortgage is even worse than these catastrophes, as it can cause more long-lasting damage to a farmer's income. The quote suggests that a home mortgage can be a heavy problem for a farmer, as it can remove their land and leave them with a big financial obligation to settle. The quote is a suggestion of the significance of being economically accountable and avoiding taking on too much debt. It also functions as a cautioning to farmers to be familiar with the threats of securing a home mortgage, and to be prepared for the consequences if they do.