THE HUMAN BASIS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION 107 



in improvising means of accomplishing the task assigned him is 

 usually desirable if not associated with a stubborn disposition 

 which makes the workman unhappy if he cannot have the priv- 

 ilege of making changes in methods without the approval of 

 the manager. It is a fine quality to be able to suggest changes 

 without any insistence that they be introduced contrary to the 

 judgment of the employer. 



The work habit is essential to a satisfactory workman. One 

 who is industrious by habit enjoys his work and would rather 

 work than be idle ; putting forth his muscular energy is a joy 

 to him. This is markedly in contrast to the lazy person for 

 whom every action requires will-power to overcome the pain of 

 exertion. It is the latter class who are always pulling back, 

 setting a slow pace for the crew, and stirring up discontent. 

 There is no place on a good farm for a man who does not enjoy 

 work. 



A clear vision of what is to be done is essential to both the 

 functions, — management and labor. Ability to arrange the 

 work in such a manner as to get a maximum of result with a 

 given outlay is essential to good management. A clear mental 

 picture of the work to be done, and how it may best be done 

 makes farm management an easy task. Without this vision 

 a manager is a blind leader. 



Good judgment in deciding what to do at a given time and what 

 to leave undone requires both knowledge of farming as well as 

 experience in farming. Every workman must take a share of 

 the responsibility for the successful operation of the farm ; 

 hence it is important that every man on the farm possess good 

 judgment. Judgment is required in tightening a nut on a plow 

 bolt, for if left loose it will come off, and if turned too tight it 

 may break and delay the work. Judgment is required in feed- 

 ing and in watering a horse, to say nothing of the judgment 

 required in fitting a collar to a horse in such a manner as to 

 keep the shoulders sound and in good working order. Then, 

 again, judgment is required in setting and holding a plow or a 

 cultivator, and in a thousand and one other things which arise 

 in succession from day to day through the year. 



