Fortunes for Farmers 



a year is beneficial, but I hardly think it as impor- 

 tant as is made out. We are not concerned with 

 tariff rates and rings, although those who keep 

 them protest that they cannot cut prices and 

 maintain their reserve intact, but I do think on 

 the whole that the various companies are fair 

 to farmers, and are not overreaching in their 

 charges. In this locality they behave well to clients, 

 and often go beyond their legal requirements. 

 Life is uncertain, insurance policies are pitfalls 

 for the unwary, so that it seems best for every one 

 to deal with those whom he knows well, and 

 whom he feels, from experience, will treat him 

 in a friendly manner. 



Legal aid, which comes next, is highly impor- 

 tant. Small farmers are defenceless against a large 

 concern, who are dealing perhaps with disputed 

 points daily, taking in the course of routine such 

 precautions as keep them in the right, and who 

 have a long purse for a shield. But agricultural 

 merchants, by which I mean all those who have 

 business relations with a farmer, must be divided 

 into two classes. There are those who sell the farmer 

 goods, and those who buy from him. The selling- 

 merchant depends upon the goodwill of the farmer 

 for his livelihood, and if this be lost he is undone. 

 If it becomes known, that he treats his customers 

 unfairly, if his integrity is impeached, he is surely 



