CHAPTER XVIII 

 THE FARM COMMUNITY 



We commonly attribute success to the individual 

 because our observations are usually confined to one 

 neighborhood. If we compare different communities, 

 we shall at once see that the success of an individual is 

 as much dependent on the community as it is on himself. 

 If the community secures a reputation for good products 

 of any kind, every man shares in the rewards. If it becomes 

 noted for poor products, even the good products will not 

 sell well, because they come from a locality that has a 

 bad reputation. A certain county fruit-growers' society 

 subscribed funds to spray the neglected orchards of the 

 county, because they could not afford to have any poor 

 apples go out from that county. (See, also, page 376.) 



If one wishes to sell his farm, some of the first ques- 

 tions asked are about the schools, churches, roads, and 

 the moral standards of the people. Not long ago, the writer 

 visited two sections of the same river valley. The soils, 

 crops and railroads were equally good; but, in one neigh- 

 borhood land was worth $30 per acre, and in the other, $50. 

 The difference was wholly due to the moral standard of 

 the community. One was composed of self-respecting 

 farmers, in the other the chief interest of the young men 

 was said to be in fast horses and whiskey. 



The prospective buyer is also influenced by the general 

 appearance of the community. If the buildings are un- 



(396) 



