I3O THE FOOD CRISIS AND AMERICANISM 



Sixty years ago, when grain was cut with a cradle, 

 bound by hand and threshed with a flail ; when hay was 

 cut with a scythe, and handled in a similar manner; 

 there might have been a semblance of truth in such a 

 conclusion. But with the present-day methods and 

 modern machinery, nothing is more misleading and 

 mischievous. In no other industry is the laborer so 

 independent so much alone, and so compelled to rely 

 on his own resources. It is impracticable to have, as 

 in other industries, some one over him to guide, direct 

 and stimulate his efforts. So, therefore, ignorance 

 and indifference are fatal defects; hence, the absurdity 

 of most of this just now popular propaganda of mo- 

 bilizing town and city boys and girls for farm work. 

 In a few special lines like truck farming, fruit grow- 

 ing, etc., where they work in groups under an overseer 

 to direct and encourage, they may render effective 

 service, but in the fields where cereals, etc., are pro- 

 duced, from which our milk, butter, bread and meat 

 come, they will be more of a hindrance than a help. 

 To avoid loss in production of our cereals, implements 

 and machinery must be utilized to the greatest possi- 

 ble extent. For these novices to attempt to handle this 

 complex machinery, under unfavorable conditions in 

 the field, is dangerous for the operator and invites dis- 

 aster to the machinery. In the care of livestock, they 

 are still less qualified. 



To assume that a few hours', days', or even weeks', 

 tutoring by theoretical farmers, salesmen for imple- 

 ment houses, etc., make these young people proficient, 

 is too absurd to be considered. This movement is a 

 sample of the " camouflage " that politicians are con- 



