98 FARM DEVELOPMENT 



the farmer can become a specialist in each, thus enabling 

 him to pursue those lines at an advantage over persons 

 who are less expert. It pays the farmer to equip himself 

 thoroughly with modern appliances and materials in the 

 few enterprises in which he risks his success, and to 

 make a thorough study along those lines. There is not 

 only more certainty of success, but more satisfaction, to 

 the man who tries to know his lines of work more thor- 

 oughly than anyone else. One specialty necessitates 

 " carrying all the eggs in one basket," and should prices 

 be low, the season unfavorable, or should other mis- 

 fortunes befall this one industry, the loss is felt most 

 keenly. 



There are few single lines of farm production which 

 may be so managed as profitably to utilize labor steadily 

 throughout the year. On the other hand, too many lines 

 result in the business being so indefinite and poorly 

 arranged, that none of the numerous lines may be 

 studied and followed up and by years of accumulated 

 experience and equipment made a success equal to the 

 best. The management of labor cannot be systematized, 

 as there are liable to be too many things to be done at 

 once. Too many irons in the fire result in some being 

 burned, and, while giving a few saving blows at those 

 that are suffering, the most important projects are not 

 pressed forward to a profitable completion. 



The business plan should be stable. Changing from 

 one line of farming to another, with temporary changes 

 in prices or profits, is most unwise. Steadiness of pur- 

 pose, determination to stand by the ship, is a quality 

 as necessary to success in farming as in other business 

 affairs. During every year in which a given line of pro- 

 duction is pursued, there is some experience gained, and 

 usually the farm equipment for this particular enter- 

 prise grows. Much is lost both by abandoning the prep- 

 aration made to carry on the old line and in gathering 



