RURAL ECONOIiflCS. 89 



Vacuum cleaning systems, M. S. Cooley (Xew YorJc, 1913, pp. 2-^0, figs. 105; 

 rev. in Eiif/in. Rec. GO ( 191. 'i). No. 8, p. 23Jf). — This is a treatise on tlie principles 

 and practice of mechanical cleaning. 



aURAl ECOITOMICS. 



Some important factors for success in general fanning and in dairy farm- 

 ing, G. F. Warren (New York Cornell Sta. Bui. 349 {WW, pp. 657-702, figs. 

 3). — For eight years the department of farm management has been studying 

 farms in New York St:ite in order to lenrn why some farms were paying better 

 than others. Records were obtained from six townships in Tomplvins County, 

 five in northern Livingston County, and five in Jefferson County, as well as from 

 a considerable number of farms in different parts of the State, making a total 

 of 2,743 farms. 



Among the conclusions reached by the author from a study of these farms 

 were that on the great majority of farms the area in crops, the yield of these 

 crops, the returns x^er animal, and the diversity of the business are the most 

 important factors. The mo^t profitable general or dairy farms have from 150 

 to 300 acres of land with from 100 to 200 acres in crops. For this type of farm 

 from 80 to 100 acres of crops' is about the minimum area that will make good 

 use of a fair equipment and the horses that go with it. Some farmers whose 

 crops are below the average do very well, but those who make the highest 

 profits usually have crops that are better than their neighbors raise, and ap- 

 parently it pays to produce crops at least a fifth better than the neighbors 

 raise on similar soil. On dairy farms there is no factor more important than 

 the receipts per cow. Apparently the cows must be about a half better than the 

 average if they are to contribute to the success of the farm. Ordinarily 

 there should be three or four products, no one of which is neglected for the 

 other. If a farmer is doing well in one of the above points but not so well in 

 some of the others he is likely to get greater returns for a given effort by 

 strengthening the weak points and making a well balanced farm rather than by 

 spending more on the thing that is already good. 



Letters from settlers and reports from the seed distribution {Alaska Stas. 

 Rpt. 1913, pp. 60-1 Jj, pi. 1). — Extracts from letters from settlers and other per- 

 sons telling of their success with various crops and live stock and discussing 

 the possibilities and drawbacks of agriculture in Alaska are here presented. 



Small industries among women in the rural districts {Vie Agr. et Rurale, 

 3 {1914), No. 34, p. 194)- — Social necessities oblige the rural women of certain 

 European countries to seek out a lucrative occupation, and among the various 

 occupations carried on by them are work in wood, metal, lace making, em- 

 broidery, and lingerie. In some places schools have been giving courses to en- 

 coui-age this work and central selling agencies have been established to dispose 

 of their products. 



How housewives can cooperate, J. Heath (2V. Y. Dept. Agr. Bui. 60 {1914), 

 pp. 1530-15.37, pi. 1). — The author found that women purchase most of the 

 farm products sold on the city markets but know very little about their pro- 

 duction or distribution. He claims that there is a profession of consumption 

 as well as of production, and believes that the city women should be trained in 

 cooperative consumption as well as the farmer in cooperative production. 



Report of the Mayor's Market Commission of New York City {New York 

 City, 1913, pp. 311, pis. 8). — This report describes market conditions as found 

 in New York City by the commission and outlines the changes recommended for 

 the distribution of farm products within the city. 

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