306 HUMAN FACTORS IN COTTON CULTURE 



time from unpretentious but steady wages, urban fam- 

 ilies have succeeded in providing themselves with many 

 of the artifices of civilization. However many objections 

 exist in regard to unwise consumption under the stimulus 

 of installment salesmanship, one must admit that such 

 buying can be used for wise planning of the home, par- 

 takes of the nature of the budget, and is made possible 

 by a steady even if low income. 



Such purchasing over long periods of time is not pos- 

 sible with the cotton farmer. He stands to make or lose 

 his income all in one lump at one time. In the Cotton Belt 

 luxuries are likely to be bought on the spur of the mo- 

 ment, during a good season in cotton, and paid for by 

 deprivation in next year's living. Planters are apt to 

 lament the phonographs, sewing machines, organs, player 

 pianos, and automobiles that their tenants buy during 

 seasons of prosperity, as evidences of inherent traits of 

 lack of judgment and extravagance of Negroes and poor 

 white people. The culture trait, however, draws an origin 

 from the cyclical nature of cotton itself. A period of de- 

 privation during the growing period is relieved by a sup- 

 ply of ready cash income secured virtually all at one 

 time. Carnivals, fairs, circuses, and tent-shows realize on 

 this fact and plan to go South during the late fall and 

 early winter. One advertises: 



PEERLESS EXPOSITION 



Shows 



Want Concessions 



of all kinds. Now playing North Georgia where there is 

 plenty of cotton money. Have 5 rides, 6 shows, band, 10 

 concessions. Positively out all winter. Haven't closed in seven 

 years. 'Nuf said. 14 



The Billboard, Nov., 1927. 



