148 The Farmer* s Business Handbook 



not go out at the front door ; and, therefore, 

 he has placed this confidential talk at the 

 close of "Farm Accounts" instead of at the 

 beginning. 



It is assumed that the principles which should 

 govern in keeping accounts set forth in the pre- 

 ceding pages have been mastered by hard and 

 persistent study, and that some form of account- 

 ing has been adopted, and that accounts have 

 been kept for at least one year. 



The wife and some of the children are really 

 gainful factors, but usually silent partners, unless 

 accounts are kept with the household. They may 

 add much to the common fund, but have little or 

 no voice in the use or investment of the wealth 

 which they have helped to accumulate. Let it be 

 remembered that the family is a cooperative com- 

 pany, each working for the benefit of all. The 

 capital stock is composed largely of good will and 

 love; therefore, there should be frequent meet- 

 ings of the stockholders, that the business may 

 be fully discussed and plans laid for future ope- 

 rations. For convenience in carrying on the 

 business, one person should be the financial head 

 the president. In order that business may 

 not be delayed or blocked, the president should, 

 if emergencies arise, hold the balance of power 

 in deciding large affairs. 



Let us attend one of the meetings of this com- 



