FARM MANAGEMENT 31 



FARM EQUIPMENTS. 



A part of the economy of successful and up-to-date farming is 

 to have, in addition to the larger equipments necessary, an adequate 

 supply of what may be properly termed "minor items," and in hav- 

 ing all these minor items, as well as the larger and more expensive 

 implements, of the best materials and of the latest and most im- 

 proved patterns. Quality and not mere cheapness should control 

 in the purchase of all items of farm equipment. 



The larger and more expensive farm implements are frequently 

 purchased by a combination of neighboring farmers, and their joint 

 use provided for by amicable arrangement. This is an excellent 

 plan, and should become more common among small farmers, now 

 that the telephone has placed the farmers in quick communication 

 with each other. In case one farmer must sell out and leave the 

 neighborhood there should be an arrangement made by the others 

 to take his interest off his hands at a fair compensation, reasonable 

 notice having been given of the removal. This cannot be made to 

 apply to the minor items of equipment. 



Minor Items. In selecting the minor equipment for a given 

 farm, consideration must be given not only to the items needed for 

 the care and repair of buildings, fences, machinery, etc., but to those 

 used for the care of live stock, the production of crops, and various 

 other interests of the farm. With every change in type of farm in- 

 volving a new combination of enterprises a change in minor equip- 

 ment will be necessary. For each of the many specialized types of 

 farms certain articles will be needed which will not be found on 

 the general run of farms. 



The nature of minor equipment will be determined largely 

 by the character of the farm enterprises and the distance of the 

 farm from repair and shopping facilities, while the extent may be 

 governed by the size of the farm, the number of workmen and the 

 financial circumstances of the proprietor. Perhaps both will be in- 

 fluenced most by the latter's attitude with regard to small econo- 

 mies, and his ability to use tools to the best advantage. (Ohio E. 

 S. C. 98.) 



Each branch or division of farm work should have its supply 

 of tools or implements. Farmers on taking an inventory of what 

 they have, frequently find they have duplicated some and are minus 

 others that are of importance. By a little care this can be avoided. 

 One advantage gained by having an adequate supply of these minor 

 items of equipment is to save time and labor, and on the farm time 

 is frequently of great importance. These minor items apply to the 

 stable, the care of and keeping of all kinds of stock, the orchard, 

 the dairy, all the crops, for marketing and for the repair shop. One 

 of the most important is a complete assortment for repair work. 

 The number and character of the small tools and other items neces- 

 sary will depend upon the size of the farm, and the purposes of the 

 farm ; but there are many items common to all farms. 



Selection. The selection of the tool outfit will depend upon 

 the scope and character of the work to be performed. On most 



