ruratj economics. 691 



It was found that the two greatest factors in inflnenciug the cost per bushel 

 or ton were the price of land and the yield per acre. At the average market 

 prices the most profitable crops considered were wheat, corn, and alfalfa. 



The average cost of growing crops in Nebraska, C. W. Pugsley {Inde- 

 pendent Farmer, 4i il9Jl), No. 50, pp. 787, 788). — A popular summary of the 

 above. 



A successful New York farm, M. C. Bueeitt (U. 8. Dept. Agr., Farmers' 

 Bui. JfSfh pp. 32, figs. 9). — This is the story of the struggles and successes on 57 

 acres of land of a plain New York farmer, who began with the common draw- 

 backs, such as indebtedness, lack of capital, run-down land, poor drainage, etc., 

 but who, by applying systematic methods to the farm and by thorough organiza- 

 tion of the business, converted it into an example of profitable farming. The 

 method of organization of the fai-.m, preparation of the land, fertilization, seed- 

 ing, planting, cultivation, harvesting, marketing, and general results are fully 

 set forth and illustrated. The pursuance of a well-developed systematic plan is 

 considered the secret to his success. 



Notes from the agricultural survey in Tompkins County, G. F. Wabren 

 and K. C. LivEBMoRE (New York Cornell St a. Bui. 302, pp. 767-772).— A con- 

 densation of Bulletin 295 previously noted (E. S. R., 25, p. 594). 



Agriculture in the central part of the semiarid portion of the Great Plains, 

 J. A. Warren (U. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Plant. Indus. Bui. 215, pp. .',3, fig's. -)).— 

 This bulletin presents a study and discussion of the management of " dry 

 farms" and the problems confronting the farmers of the semiarid portion of 

 the Great Plains, changes in the economic conditions, the climate, precipitation, 

 evaporation, effect of wind on agriculture, soils, farm practices in the region, 

 improved methods of tillage, and the introduction and development of drought- 

 resistant crops. 



It is pointed out that on the better lands near the eastern limit of the terri- 

 tory 320 acres should be sufficient to support a family, but that near the west- 

 ern limit from 2 to 4 sections would be needed. It is not considered a place 

 where one should expect to make large profits on small farm investments. " No 

 man should go empty handed into this country, but many men with limited 

 means who are willing to endure some privations will be able to secure a foot- 

 hold and establish homes." It is suggested that from $6,000 to $S,000 should 

 buy enough land to support a family of average size, and that where it is 

 simply a stock proposition $50 should buy enough land to pasture 1 cow. 



Suggestions to settlers on the Belle Fourche irrigation project, B. Attne 

 (U. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Plant Indus. Circ. 83, pp. i-)). — This circular presents 

 suggestions to settlers on the Belle Fourche irrigation project, giving a de- 

 scription of the region, and notes on the treatment of sod land, preparation of 

 the seed bed, adaptability of various crops and fruits to the soil, methods of 

 culture, tree planting for windbreaks, methods of irrigation, publications of 

 value, etc. 



Large and small holdings, H. Levy (Cambridge, 1911, pp. F///-{-249). — 

 This is an English edition of a work previously noted (E. S. R., 16, p. 108), 

 to which have been added a discussion as to the modern small farmer and the 

 question of home colonization, tables showing the area of agricultural land 

 under the various types of holdings throughout the English counties, and 

 a lengthy bibliography. 



Agricultural cooperation, S. E. Todd (Ontario Dept. Agr. Bui. 192, 1911, 

 pp. 52). — This bulletin presents a discussion as to the historical development 

 and fundamental principles of agricultural cooperation, and illustrates by con- 

 crete examples its practical application in dairying, fruit-marketing, and simi- 



