DRY-FARMING 



sponsive, and what is still worse the fine 

 natural tilth is liable to be injured. Such 

 a condition may last for several seasons. 

 Take, for example, an old traveled road. 

 Plow it up and note how long it will be 

 before such land gives a satisfactory 

 crop. In the same way it may be a con- 

 siderable time before ground that has 

 been packed hard by the weight of a 

 traveling engine responds to cultivation. 

 Of course where the land is in sod and 

 dry the actual damage done is probably 

 very slight. Another matter which the 

 farmer has to consider in the more remote 

 dry regions is the question of water and 

 coal. If water has to be hauled over two 

 miles, it is doubtful whether one man and 

 four horses will be able to keep the en- 

 gine supplied. As regards coal, if it has 

 to be hauled six or eight miles, it will 

 require a man and his team for at least 

 three days in the week. 

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