CHAPTER X 



PRESENT-DAY FARMING 



AFTER some twenty years' occupation of a 

 holding, it would be surprising, in fact un- 

 progressive, did one not alter his methods of 

 management. It has been our annual practice to 

 have a valuation each year. In fact we make an 

 effort to do rather more than this, and have not 

 failed yet to draw a balance sheet at the close of 

 each farming year. It does give one an idea not 

 only of the collective effort, although that is the 

 most important one, but you take the opportunity 

 to examine each branch in detail just to see whether 

 there is any possibility of cutting down the expenses, 

 or if this is not possible to find some way to increase 

 the output of a particular branch. 



A great effort is made to get all this into line 

 as quickly as possible after Michaelmas. It not 

 only satisfies your curiosity, but you are able to 

 get your plans well forward for the New Year. 

 Incidentally in my own case having done this, I 

 then feel free to put in a few days of sport during 

 the winter months. A clear conscience is a soothing 

 balm, is it not ? 



My valuer said to me one day, " Your turnover 



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