378 ELEMENTS OF AGRICULTURE 



produces more than formerly, an increased city popula- 

 tion can be supported. At the same time, the farmers' 

 wants will become greater, and more men will be needed 

 to make his machinery, pianos and furniture. Cities are, 

 therefore, a necessary result of good farming. 



The average farmer just about makes farm wages 

 besides interest on his capital. His labor is his chief in- 

 come. He is, therefore, as much interested in having 

 farm labor high as are his hired men. Whether farm labor 

 is high or low makes little difference with the farm-labor 

 problem. The real problem is to use help to a better ad- 

 vantage than it is used by the average person, otherwise 

 there is little or no profit in employing men. If labor is 

 cheap, farm products will also be cheap, and the problem 

 of making money by hiring remains exactly the same. 

 The man who does not use labor effectively will lose 

 money by employing help whether wages are high or low. 



One of the most important points in efficient direction 

 of labor is in so managing it that there is work at all times. 

 To do this, one must plan ahead, and it is usually necessary 

 to keep lists of work for rainy days, lists of things to be 

 brought from town, etc., so that there will be as little 

 lost time as possible. Machinery repairs and much work 

 about the buildings that is often done in good weather 

 could just as well have been done long before during bad 

 weather had it been thought of. 



Hired men in the North are usually looking forward 

 to farm ownership. It is often possible to interest such 

 men in the plans of the farm by discussing plans with them. 

 In dealing with all human beings, it is well to remember 

 that, as a general rule, judicious commendation is better 



