376 ELEMENTS OF AGRICULTURE 



naturally rich, but that is a little out of condition, than it 

 is to buy one that is naturally poor, but that has been 

 so fertilized that it is temporarily rich. 



The drainage and freedom from stumps, stones, weeds 

 and waste land must also be considered. In general, one 

 can buy a farm that is in good condition cheaper than he 

 can improve one that is not in good condition. Cleared 

 fields do not often sell for enough more to pay for the cost 

 of clearing. Fertile fields do not often cost as much more 

 than poor ones as it would take to bring up the poor land. 



321. Neighbors. The neighbors are much more than a 

 social question. With them one must "change work." 

 They furnish a market for surplus stock. They may fur- 

 nish inspiration that results in profits. They decidedly 

 affect the selling value of a place. 



It is usually of great importance to have the neighbors 

 in the same kind of business. Good apples raised out of 

 an apple region do not sell for what they are worth. A 

 breeder of Jersey cows will find marketing difficult if his 

 neighbors all raise Holsteins. Buyers will then come to 

 the neighborhood for Holsteins, not for Jerseys. Such a 

 man had better move, or change his breed. Purchasers 

 always want to go to a neighborhood that is full of the 

 desired article. The same principle applies in manufac- 

 turing. Some towns become centers for one article, others 

 for another. Both buyers and skilled laborers are thus 

 easier to secure. Each individual contributes to adver- 

 tising the community, and in turn receives the benefit of 

 all the other advertising. If one develops special markets 

 for his products, all these points may not apply; but they 

 apply to most farmers. 



