No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 64? 



labor. Farming is no exception. The farmer who puts thought 

 and energy into his work will surely succeed. Conditions and cir- 

 cumstances are constantly changing. The methods that were all 

 right when land was productive and help was plenty and cheap, no 

 longer bring success. Conditions have changed. The land is nor 

 as productive as formerly; and the demand for farm help is greater 

 than the supply. New conditions demand new methods. What 

 shall we do? Shall we stubbornly follow the old methods, regard- 

 less of changed conditions, and thus be pushed to the wall? Or, 

 shall we say, "Where there is a will, there is a way, and I mean to 

 And the way." This last will require grit and determination. But 

 it will pay in dollars and cents, and in added self-respect, enjoyment 

 and comfort. It will put new life on the farm. 



The farmer's wife should not be slow to do her part by trying to 

 solve the perplexing questions that arise indoors. There is much 

 talk of the overworked farmer's wife. It is true that many are 

 overworked, but it is unjust to blame the occupation. Because it 

 is almost impossible to secure domestic help, shall we give up in 

 despair, and move to town? Xo, indeed! Not just yet, friends! Let 

 us study the situation. Is it not possible to arrange the work on an 

 average farm so that it shall be no more exhausting than that of 

 our town sister with the same means? Why not make use of the 

 laundry, the baker, and the butcher just as if we live in town? Why 

 not have a convenient kitchen with modern improvements on the 

 farm, as well as in town? Did souk one say, "It costs too much.'' 

 Oh! and are these things free in town? Xo. indeed, we pay for them, 

 and pay well, or, do without. If it is impossible to do all or any of 

 the things already mentioned, there are still other ways. For in- 

 stance, must we make butter to sell? Why not reduce the work by 

 keeping only enough cows to supply us with milk and cream? Where 

 the farmer's wife is overworked, is it not well to consider this ques- 

 tion? 



One great objection given against farming, is the long days of 

 labor. This is slowly being removed. Many farmers are adopting 

 the ten-hour system. They find it pays. While we cannot adopt 

 so exact a system in the house, we can arrange to have a little leisure 

 during the day; and that, too, without working late at night, except, 

 perhaps, occasionally. 



Another objection given against farming, is the isolation. This, 

 too, may be overcome. With rural free delivery and the telephone 

 system, there is no reason why we should not be in touch with the 

 outside world. Though we live on the farm, we may still enjoy 

 much that is best in town life. With horses, steam and electric 

 cars for our use, why should we not visit, shop and attend lectures 

 in town just as if we lived there? 



The farm schedule is not complete without some provision for 

 recreation. Every family needs an occasional day off. "All work 

 and no play makes Jack a dull boy," applies to farming as well as 

 to any other occupation. Many of us know how much easier it is 

 to work with an outing in view, and how much brighter life seems 

 afterward. If it is impossible to take an extensive outing often, 

 every farmer's wife can set aside at least one day in the week that 

 shall be different from the other. On that day she may read a new 

 book, write letters, or do any other pleasant thing that might other 



