SHALL I BE A FARMER? 35 



a very complicated and expensive system of handling farm 

 products developed. In 1912, the New York State Food 

 Investigating Commission estimated that the food supply 

 for New York City cost 350 million dollars with all charges 

 paid at the railroad terminals. This same food cost 500 

 million dollars when it reached the kitchens. This in- 

 crease of 45 per cent is attributed to wasteful methods 

 rather than excessive profits. The farmers did not receive 

 the 350 millions, as the products had already been handled 

 many times. Persons who desire to reduce the price of 

 food had best turn their attention to the very wasteful 

 system of handling farm products from the time they leave 

 the farm until they reach the consumer. This is a city 

 problem. The farmer is not likely to solve it. He does 

 not understand city conditions. Half of the present ex- 

 pense of trading in farm products ought to be eliminated. 

 Here is a problem worthy of the best thought. 



29. Back-to-the-village movement. " It seems to 

 me that what is really needed is a back- to-the- village 

 movement. This should be more than a mere suburban 

 movement. The suburban development enlarges the 

 boundaries of the city. It is perfectly feasible, however, 

 to establish manufacturing and other concentrated enter- 

 prises in villages in many parts of the country. Persons 

 connected with these enterprises could own small pieces 

 of land, and by working these areas could add something 

 to their means of support and also satisfy their desire for 

 a nature-connection. In many of the villages there are 

 vacant houses and comparative!}- unoccupied land in 

 sufficient number and amount to house and establish 

 many enterprises; and there would be room for growth. 

 If the rural village, freed from urban influences, could then 

 become a real integrating part of the open country sur- 



