212 Strawherry-Grcnoing 



acre, but his total profit may not equal that of the grower 

 with a larger acreage, who gets lower returns to the acre. 

 Each man should find the mean between intensive and 

 extensive culture that will be most profitable under his 

 conditions. 



The cost of production is influenced by the probability 

 of having a good crop each year. The strawberry is the 

 surest in crop production of all fruits. Very rarely is 

 there a complete failure from drought, frost or other 

 untoward circumstance, although the yield may be 

 reduced materially. Many districts have had no complete 

 failure for over forty years. This makes the strawberry 

 business a relatively safe investment, provided a satisfac- 

 tory market is available. It is of special interest to the 

 man with small capital, as it requires but little initial out- 

 lay and an income is derived in six to fourteen months, ac- 

 cording to the location. Other factors that enter into the 

 cost of production, such as the value of land, cost of labor 

 and distance from market, need not be considered here. 



The outlook for strawberry-growing is encouraging 

 for the right sort of men. The market demand is increas- 

 ing fully as rapidly as the acreage. Those who are worried 

 about over-production should consider these facts : 



In 1790 there were 96 men employed in raising food stuffs on 

 the farm to 4 in the city who must have food, but can 

 not raise it. 



In 1860 there were 84 on the farm to 16 in the city. 



In 1880 there were 44 on the farm to 56 in the city. 



In 1900 there were 35 on the farm to 65 in the city. 



In 1910 there were 30 on the farm to 70 in the city. 



This does not point to over-production, but rather to 

 an increase in the number of those who are dependent 

 on the farmer and fruit-grower for food. 



