22 ANNUAL, REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



advertisements and the. more extravagant its i^romises. Settlers 

 often are induced to invest all their savings in land not suitable for 

 successful farming, to purchase more land in relation to the capital 

 available for development than they should, or to undertake projects 

 the cost of clearing or reclamation of which will prove to be pro- 

 hibitive. The results, in many instances, have been tragic failures 

 after years of incredible hardships, waste of capital and of human 

 lives, discouragement of intending settlers, and injury to the busi- 

 ness of legitimate and well-meaning land concerns. 



It would be desirable if governmental agencies, by systematic aid, 

 should furnish reliable information to those seeking farms, should 

 take particular pains, through their agricultural machinery, to give 

 new settlers very special assistance and guidance, and, where condi- 

 tions are favorable, should aid in the development of well-considered 

 settlement plans. 



TENANCY. 



The increase of tenancy has become the subject of deep concern 

 to thoughtful students of rural conditions. The tenant, on an aver- 

 age, remains on the same farm only about one-sixth as long as the 

 owning farmer. Consequently, he often manifests little interest in 

 the improvement of the farm and in the progress of the community. 

 A certain proportion of tenants is normal and may not be un- 

 wholesome. Many farm owners, because of age or infirmity, find 

 it necessary to retire. Their farms are temporarily operated by 

 their sons or other relatives who subsequently may become owners 

 through inheritance or purchase. Large numbers of young men 

 with little capital find tenancy a convenient stage in their progress 

 to ownership. Certain local studies reveal the fact that nearly 

 two-thirds of the farm owners who operate their farms have passed 

 through this stage. Frequently it serves as a useful period of ap- 

 prenticeship in farm management before the heavier financial bur- 

 dens of ownership are assumed. 



In a great many cases the farmer has not yet acquired sufficient 

 experience as a manager to operate his farm efficiently without the 

 assistance of the landlord. In some instances, also, the tenant has 

 been reared in an environment characterized by lack of thrift, self- 

 restraint, and systematic industry. He may not have the general 

 intelligence or technical knowledge to stand alone in the manage- 

 ment of a farm. Where these personal limitations exist the solution 



