B. P. ].— 520. 



MINOR ARTICLES OF FARM EOUIPMENT. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Among the leaks in farming to wliicli because of their apparent 

 unimportance httle attention has been directed is the waste which 

 occurs through a general lack of comprehension as to the extent and 

 value of the minor articles which are necessary to the smooth run- 

 ning of a farm. This waste is exhibited in extra expense through the 

 purchase of unnecessary tools and materials; in the loss of time and 

 discounts in buying numerous articles singly or in small lots; in the 

 loss, theft, and rapid depreciation of items of equipment considered 

 too insignificant to require systematic care ; and in the losses in many 

 directions through tha lack or the misplacement of equipment at 

 times when it is urgently needed. 



A previous publication " has to a greater or less extent emphasized 

 all the foregoing points in discussing the advantages to be gained by 

 having on the farm at all times the workshop tools and materials 

 necessary for keeping in a high state of efficiency the equipment 

 upon which the successful management of the modern farm so 

 largely depends. It is the purpose of this paper to lay even greater 

 emphasis upon certain of these points and to present the results of 

 a study made for the purpose of determining the number and cost 

 of all minor articles of equipment necessary for a farm of the general 

 t3^pe. This study did not include wagons, machinery, or other 

 articles which on account of their bulk or value would be classed as 

 items of major importance, but was confined to the consideration of 

 the miscellaneous small tools, utensils, and sundries usually purchased 

 singly ()!■ in small lots at a shght cost for each. 



The total cost of the miscellaneous articles is usually much higher 

 than the estimates given by farmers and writers on agricultural 



a Farmers' Bulletin 347, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, entitled "The Repair of Farm 

 Equii)ment." This Ijulletin discusses the importance of making minor repairs on 

 the farm, the character and use of tools, and the proper \vorksho{) facilities and ma- 

 terials for repair work. It \vill be sent free of charge upon application to the Secretary 

 of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 



[Cir. 44] 3 



