THE HEN IN GARDENING 27 



The influence of such homes upon the State is most salu- 

 tary. Sound ideas of economy become prevalent; honor 

 and honesty are qualities which win popular approval. 

 Thus, the State becomes really prosperous and sound at 

 the core. The crowning need of California agriculture 

 is to build up enterprises which will stand alone. We have 

 been leaning too long on the shoulders of bankers and 

 commission merchants and commanders of country stores. 

 Without them it is true much that has been done could 

 not have been accomplished, but it is also true that many 

 losing effort which have been vainly put forth would never 

 have been attempted, and those who have made' these 

 efforts would be the better for it. Who can tell how many 

 would have attained moderate and comfortable successes 

 if they had started without encumbrance on a modest 

 plan instead of wasting time with big schemes whose 

 whole returns have gone to feed hungry mortgages and 

 interest accounts, until failure has swept from them the 

 property which they proudly hoped to possess. 



But why intrude this homily ? The garden is one of the 

 elements of success in mixed farming. Around it other 

 elements naturally gather. As gleaners and profitable 

 transformers of garden wastes and surpluses into home 

 supplies and garden restoratives, the cow, the pig, and the 

 hen await outside the garden fence. Be sure to keep 

 them there, and the garden will be a liberal contributor to 

 their vigor and productiveness. 



