FORTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT. 123 



"HOW I RUN THE FARM." 



MRS. C. B. COOK, OWOSSO^ MICH. 



Madam chairman and friends: 



When the invitation came from Sec'y Smythe asking me to appear 

 at this session and tell "How I Run the Farm"— the story of the "Cher- 

 ries Preserved in Alcohol" came to my mind. I appreciated at least 

 the spirit in which it was sent. I wondered then, wonld I be able to 

 say anything that would be helpful to anyone. 



One thing that has been fortunate for me, perhaps, is having a hus- 

 band who is fond of getting away from home and -airing his bit of 

 knowledge. This has put the farm responsibilities more on me although 

 I really do not run the farm alone. 



Mrs. Ballard has spoken of co-operation. Mr. Cook and I co-operate 

 in running our farm. 



Many times I find it really trying to be left alone, then it is I am 

 obliged to be comforted with the thought brought out in the old Bible 

 injunction of "Those that stay by the stuff, being as great as they who 

 go forth to battle." 



When Mr. Cook and I started on a small finiit fann in New York 

 1 had no idea of doing outside work. My household duties however, 

 did not consume all my time and being fond of companionship I took 

 great pleasure in helping to care for the fruit and poultry, and in this 

 way became interested in outside work and enjoyed the life out-of- 

 doors. 



Later when we moved to the larger farm, which is now our home, I 

 found it much more difficult to get outside. 



We were still interested in small fruits with a much increased acreage. 

 Necessity compelled me in strawberry time to be out to oversee the 

 picking and packing of the berries, and I began casting about for some 

 help for the housework. I was very fortunate in securing a competent 

 young lady who still is with us. She did not know it all when she 

 came nor does not pretend to today. We find that by showing our 

 help that we appreciate them and have confidence in them, it goes a 

 long way toward gaining their good will and as a rule we are able 

 to secure good, trusty people. A bit of praise, wherever it can be given, 

 will go a long way toward making friends of those who must necessarily 

 be interested with you in the farm business. 



Our farming is along four distinct lines — grain, dairy, poultry and 

 fruit. Our attention now in the fruit line is largely apples, although 

 we endeavor to have plenty of the small fruits for table use. This 

 makes much more to be responsible for and instead of mv being able 

 to tell "How I Run the Farm," I think I could better tell "liow the farm 

 keeps me on the run." 



Women as a rule I think underestimate their position as partners 

 in the farm business. It is even more presumptuous for us to think 

 we can do nothing as to think we can do everything. The farm is a 

 great field for effort and it needs thought as well as action, even more. 



