PREFACE 



xv 



tance to the farmer and his community since the past has 

 demonstrated that many farmers who made a profit from 

 the soil did not know how to conserve nor properly utilize 

 their newly earned resources. 



Other topics having a somewhat direct bearing on the 

 business affairs of the farm are presented in more or less 

 detailed manner, e.g., financing the farm, preparing the 

 federal income tax schedule, borrowing under the Rural 

 Credits Law, household accounts analyzed, calculation of 

 interest, the use of common business papers and other 

 points. 



It is not intended that the forms presented in this book 

 shall be used without first understanding the principles 

 back of their use. An intelligent use of the books and rec- 

 ords described will only follow a careful study of the 

 principles. Simplicity, clearness and accuracy constitute 

 the framework upon which we have endeavored to construct 

 farm accounts. 



For assistance in obtaining practical data for some of 

 the problems, and for participation in intelligent and 

 helpful discussions on farm accounts, I wish to express my 

 appreciation of the work of Mr. F. A. Pearson of the 

 Dairy Husbandry, and Professor W. F. Handschin and 

 Mr. J. B. Andrews of the Animal Husbandry departments 

 of the College of Agriculture of the University of Illinois. 

 I appreciate, also, the able assistance rendered by my col- 

 league, Mr. A. C. Littleton, in examining and offering 

 suggestions on the manuscript. 



