Lahor Saving Machinery of the Farm. 615 



bered that competition is so sharp tliat to secure anything 

 'beyond a local market, large sums must be expended in 

 advertising, printing, agents' commissions, and exliibitionff 

 at fairs. And, as a matter of fact, the net profits in but 

 few cases do more than keep the manufacturers out of 

 bankruptcy. 



If farmers would only canvass without prejudice this 

 question of buying for themselves all such labor saving ma- 

 chines as they can afford, joining witli neighliors in owner- 

 ship and use when necessary, there can be no question that 

 the result would be an economy of labor, better cultivation 

 of the soil, and more abundant crops. TJieir material con- 

 dition would be improved. The lightening of the labors of 

 the farm would remove one of the hindrances to retaining 

 the young men in the pursuit. The increased profitable- 

 ness would offer new attractions to them and the young 

 women who are to walk and work with them. Some por- 

 tion of the time gained could be devoted to study, recrea- 

 tion and travel, so much needed by us all. The dignity 

 and respectability of our calling would be enhanced. Then, 

 as agriculture is lifted to a higher plane, as we become more 

 noble as farmers, as citizens, and as men, we could exclaim 

 in spirit and in truth, thei'e is really an advance in farmino' 

 machinery, in farming, and in farmers. 



