282 LABORATORY MANUAL OF AGRICULTURE 



If they must be fenced, a square field is the most economical. 

 They should be of sufficient size to till easily and should be 

 arranged as near the barns or feed lots as possible. 



Topography 6 Per Cent. The farm should be level enough 

 to make tillage easy and to prevent loss of fertility by wash- 

 ing and the loss of soil by erosion. The fields should be roll- 

 ing enough to furnish good, natural drainage. 



Fertility 12 Per Cent. The soil should be in as high a 

 state of natural fertility as possible. A soil in a low state 

 of natural fertility cannot be made productive without the 

 extensive use of expensive fertilizers. 



Physical Properties of the Soil 12 Per Cent. The physical 

 properties of the soil are as important as the soil's fertility. 

 They determine the ease and earliness at which the soil can 

 be worked. 



Drainage 5 Per Cent. The soil should be well drained, 

 either naturally or artificially. It is unprofitable to farm 

 poorly drained land. 



Condition 5 Per Cent. Condition refers to waste land, 

 weeds, stone, stumps, etc. It is generally cheaper to buy a 

 farm in good condition than to improve one in this respect. 



Climate. While not given a score, climate should be 

 considered in judging a farm, especially when topography 

 or proximity to water influences the climate of different 

 farms in the community. 



Healthfulness 4 Per Cent. From a personal standpoint 

 the healthfulness of the farm might be the most important 

 fact to consider, and even from an economical standpoint it 

 is an important factor. 



Location 25 Per Cent. The location of the farm is undoubt- 



