360 AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS 



intensive agriculture commercial nitrogen can often be used with 

 marked profit. 



The average investment required for 25 pounds of phosphorus is 

 about 75 cents in 200 pounds of fine-ground natural rock phosphate 

 of good grade, about $2 . 50 in 200 pounds of good steamed bone meal, 

 about $3 . oo in 400 pounds of good acid phosphate, about $6 . oo in 

 600 pounds of the average " complete " commercial fertilizer, and about 

 $80 in manure made from corn costing 40 cents a bushel. It is impor- 

 tant to understand and to keep in mind that average farm manure 

 is poor in phosphorus in comparison with its content of nitrogen and 

 potassium, especially when made from the produce that remains after 

 part of the grain has been sold from the farm, and more especially 

 when used in connection with a rotation including legume crops and 

 on soils abundantly supplied with potassium but poor in phosphorus. 

 In other words, under such conditions average farm manure is a very 

 poorly balanced fertilizer, and if used even in moderate quantities the 

 production of stalks or straw is likely to be excessive in comparison 

 with the yield of grain; and the small grains are also likely to lodge, 

 because the unbalanced ration produces weakness even in straw of 

 large growth. 



F. Forms of Business Organization 



116. INDIVIDUAL ENTERPRISE THE FAMILY-FARM' 

 By G. F. WARREN 



Farming is essentially a home enterprise. It is very different 

 from most city occupations. The success of a farm is dependent on 

 the entire family. All the members of the farm family take some 

 part in the farm business. The women usually help by taking care 

 of the hens and in some of the other farm work. They go to town 

 to get farm supplies, often board some of the hired help, and usually 

 take a considerable part in other farm operations at times of unusual 

 pressure of farm work. They often direct the farm work during the 

 absence of the head of the family. Children on farms practically 

 always help with the work. There are many things that a small boy 

 can do as well as a man. This gives an elasticity to the farm labor 

 supply, and results in considerable economies, since women and 

 children can help out at rush times and avoid the hiring of other per- 



1 Adapted from Circular No. 24, Cornell Experiment Station, pp. 32-33, 38-39. 



