1918.1 RURAL ECONOMICS. 793 



$3.54. The average size of the flocks was 13.2 hens, and the number of eggs 

 used and sold was 8G dozen, valued at $19.35. In addition, the number of fowls 

 sold and used was 36, valued at $11.07, making a total income of $30.42 per 

 flock. The average cash expenditure was $16.22. In the case of the pigs, the 

 average purchase price was $6.34, and the average live weight at killing was 270 

 lbs., valued at $24.30. The cost of feed was $12.12, leaving a net return of $5.84 

 after deducting the purchase price. The value of the produce from the dairy 

 cow was estimated at $119.90, and the average cost of feed was $80.49 a year. 



A study of haymaking' crews and labor costs, H. B. McClxjke {U. S. Dept. 

 Ayr. Bui. 578 (1918), pp. 50, figs. 15).— This bulletin is based on a study of the 

 methods of gathering hay from the different parts of the Northeastern and Cen- 

 tral States. Altogether it describes 53 different methods found, including cost 

 data. 



The author points out that small crews often were more efficient than very 

 large ones. Five push rakes often will put into the stack as much hay as seven, 

 since the latter, where the haul is short, will bring the hay in much faster than 

 it can be stacked. Bailing hay from the field was found to be the cheaper system 

 of putting hay into the bale, but this system usually can be used to advantage 

 only in regions where little or no rain falls during the haying season. The two 

 reasons given why the hay loader is not in more general use were the rela- 

 tively large cash outlay entailed and the fact that handling hay on the wagon 

 with a loader is very heavy work as compared with driving a push rake. 



A system of accounting for fruit shipping organizations, G. A. Nahstoll 

 and J. R. Humphrey (U. S. Dept. Agr. Bui. 590 (1918), pp. 60).— "The system 

 outlined in this bulletin is intended to cover all operations incident to the 

 handling of growers' supplies and of the growers' fruit, from the time it is 

 received at the packing-house until final returns have been made for it The 

 aim has been to avoid duplication and to reduce clerical work ; care has been 

 used to provide a method applicable to the working conditions of the local offices, 

 which are not always favorable, and to allow for a proper division of labor." 



This book also gives a brief discussion and sample copies of the various types 

 of forms and records necessary to complete the system. 



A plan for short term farm loans in Connecticut, G. C. Smith {Conn. Agr. 

 Col. Ext. Serv. Bui. 10 {1917), pp. 8, figs. 2). — This pamphlet explains a plan 

 for a short-term loan to farmers as adopted by banks and trust companies in 

 Connecticut, and includes forms of statements used, together with suggestions 

 as to methods of obtaining credit. 



Monthly crop report {U. S. Dept. Agr., Mo. Crop Rpt., 4 {1918), No. 2, pp. 

 9-20). — This number contains the usual data with reference to estimated farm 

 value of important products, range of prices of agricultural products at im- 

 portant centers, and range of prices received by producers in the United States, 

 and data as to the estimated number and value of the principal classes of live 

 stock. It also contains special articles on the weight of mature farm horses 

 and mules, price of live stock by ages or classes, yearly marketings of live 

 stock, monthly price of milch cows, beef cattle, calves, sheep, wool, hogs, the 

 United States foreign trade in meat animals and meat products, number of live 

 stock in the principal countries and changes since the outbreak of the war, 

 number of horses used per plow, and depth of plowing, together with other 

 miscellaneous data. 



Agriculture in Oklahoma, L. C. Snidee {Okla. Geol. Survey Bui. 27 {1917), 

 pp. ISI-I42, 247-325, figs. 8). — These pages contain statements with reference 

 to the soils, principal crops, and live stock, together with data for each county 

 showing the physiography, geology, industries, and population. 



