Cooperative Work with Columbia University 491 



methods and practices in these regions are more stabilized. A 

 great deal of the fruit is grown bj irrigation, and irrigation farm- 

 ing in an equitable climate is also quite different from general 

 farming in a variable climate, such as in the East. 



I would not advise any man with a small capital and no pre- 

 vious actual farm experience, to risk that capital in farming with- 

 out at least one year — or better two years — of actual work on a 

 farm where operations can be studied at close range, and where 

 actual experience is gained. There is nothing like experience to 

 change one's preconceived ideas regarding a matter of this kind. 



To simimarize, the outlook for eastern farming is good ; better, 

 in fact, than" it has been for many years. Conditions are more 

 apt to continue to improve than otherwise, for the reason that 

 agriculture is becoming more stabilized. Our cheap lands have 

 been taken up. The feeling of unrest and wanderlust is dying 

 out. Our people are beginning to look to the land more and more 

 as a heritage to be conserved and used for all time. With the 

 comparatively cheap land in the East, properly managed, prop- 

 erly safeguarded, and properly conserved, there will be as good 

 an opportunity for making farm homes here -as anywhere in the 

 country. 



If I, myself, were going into farming with a limited capital 

 and with a full consideration of all the issues involved — favor- 

 able and healthful climate, opportunities for my children in the 

 way of schools and other things that make for good citizenship, 

 good marketing facilities, the needful associations, surroimdings, 

 and social advantages — I .believe I could find what I wanted 

 within a hundred miles of Washington, D. C, Baltimore, Md., 

 Philacrelphia, Pa., or J^ew York City. My preference for locali- 

 ties would be in the order in which the cities are named, chiefly 

 because in that order, I think, will be found the greater number of 

 those things which make farm life not only profitable but pleasant. 



