Alfalfa in Kansas. 



329 



interest on the money invested in the machine, depreciation, repairs and 

 storage. 



A practical case: An alfalfa- and grass-seed drill is not needed by a 

 farmer who will never have more than ten acres in alfalfa. Some other 

 machine would be better. 



Oftentimes a machine can be rented for less than it would cost to 

 own it. While this practice could be followed more than it is, it has 

 certain disadvantages that are readily apparent; for instance, the ma- 

 chine could not be obtained just when it was needed. 



When deciding between two makes of the same kind, compare sim- 

 plicity, durability, workmanship, materials and construction, and oiling 

 devices. The latter often indicate the care with which a machine is 

 built. Never look at the price mark closely. A few dollars more can 

 frequently be spent very advantageously in this way. 



The best machines will need repair occasionally. It is extremely im- 

 portant that they can be had quickly if necessary. Many and many a 

 good machine has been discarded because a new part costing a few cents 

 could not be obtained at all, or at least very quickly. 



FIG. 276. Always keep tools sharp and in first-class repair. 

 [Courtesy Wisconsin Experiment Station.] 



CARE OF MACHINERY. 



This article would hardly be complete without a few words in regard 

 to the care of machinery: 



Exercise care when the machine is in use. 

 Keep all instructions. 



Thorough understanding of machine essential. 

 Improper adjustments cause inferior work and increased draft. 

 Dull implements do inferior work and draft is increased un- 

 necessarily. 



