DAIRY AND SEED IMPROVEMENT MEETINGS. 259 



ARE TEN ACRES ENOUGH? 



Dr. G. M. Twitchell,, Auburn. 



Expert farm economists, men technically trained, abounding 

 in theories, have recently worked out elaborate calculations to 

 prove that a farmer should own 250 to 300 acres in order to 

 reahze the largest proportionate profit — that less than this 

 spells restricted income. It is apparent that these high agri- 

 cultural officials are not familiar with New England conditions 

 and while the theory might apply South or West, one must 

 there be prepared for wholesale operations, wnth managers for 

 different departments to insure success. The expensive item 

 in most of our larger farm operations throughout New^ England 

 lies in the fact that, because of character of the country, work- 

 able fields are more or less scattered. New England must ever 

 be the home of the individual farmer, with the great majority 

 unprepared to organize and equip large operations. 



Because of the combination of influences, social, industrial, 

 economical, an increasing army of artisans are turning from 

 manufacturing centres to the land, not supplied with means 

 sufficient to command large holdings and with little or no expe- 

 rience in farm operations. Is there a chance for this class in 

 or near the villages scattered all over the state? Are we under 

 any obligations to assist this class, either by doing ourselves, 

 or by aiding them to do, that which will lead to permanence of 

 operations ? 



The average farmer, with generous holdings of real estate, is 

 very certain to extend operations over more territory than will 

 yield the largest profit, tending thereby to lower rather than 

 increase the average acre production of the state. The problem 

 we are to face in the immediate future is that of helping solve 

 the question for the man who has made just a living in the 

 mill or factory and, having no prospects for advance, facing 

 increased expenses without addition of comforts, turns to a 



