SELECTING THE FARM ITSELF 437 



raising of special crops, the operation of improved machinery, 

 and the knowledge of livestock. If he has already studied agri- 

 culture, he may add such experience to his scientific training, and 

 soon be able to command a higher wage perhaps on a better farm. 

 By this means he may be able to apply his knowledge to better 

 advantage, and get increased returns on his investment. His 

 special training is thus capitalized. 



When a young man is able to make his first payment on a farm, 

 it is never difficult to borrow money at reasonable rates of interest 

 sufficient to complete the payment on the real estate and provide 

 for the equipment. In some cases it is even possible to start with 

 nothing, or nearly nothing, and borrow the entire capital necessary 

 for the purchase of the farm and its equipment. 



When money is raised in one way or another for the purchase 

 of a farm, it is usually better to buy a small farm which will give 

 good returns on the acreage than to buy a very large farm and 

 not have enough capital left with which to operate it properly. 



Choosing the Region for Farming. When a farm is to be 

 chosen, the general region in which to locate is the first matter of 

 consideration. 



Among the important matters for consideration are: (1) The 

 general prosperity as shown by the people living in the region. 

 This may be indicated by their buildings, equipment, livestock, 

 good crops, schools, churches, roads and other matters which may 

 be easily observed, (2) Climate is no small matter for considera- 

 tion, as the health of the family is often injured by severe changes 

 in climate. The amount of rainfall, the losses due to winds and 

 hail must all be considered. The suitability of the season to the 

 crops which are to be grown must also be considered at this time. 

 (3) The richness of the soil of the region in general. This may be 

 studied at first hand on the ground. 



Selecting the Farm Itself. Among the things which should be 

 taken into consideration in choosing the farm are size, fertility of 

 soil, natural drainage, or possibility of artificial drainage, water 

 supply, possible irrigation, freedom from erosion, buildings and 

 other improvements on the place, orchards or other permanent 

 plantings, roads, distance to markets and shipping points, neigh- 

 bors, school, church, taxes, cooperative efforts, in the community, 

 and possibility of future development. In visiting the farms that 

 are for sale in any region, they should be listed and scored with 

 reference to each of the points just mentioned. 



