CAPITAL 



305 



other workers were less than 35 years old. Only 5 per 

 cent of the -laborers and 32 per cent of the tenants were 

 over 45 years old, but 58 per cent of the owners had 

 reached this age. 



The proportion of tenants in the United States is 

 rapidly increasing, but this increase seems to be in pro- 

 portion to the decrease in other workers. It appears that 

 when all workers are considered, the proportion of owners 

 is practically constant. The hired-men are decreasing and 

 the tenants increasing. This change is probably due to 

 the combination of machinery and higher land values. 



TABLE 65. PERCENTAGE OF MALES ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE 

 AS OWNERS, TENANTS, AND OTHER WORKERS 1 



1 Twelfth Census, Vol. V, p. Ixxviii. 



194. More capital necessary than formerly. Much 

 more capital is now required than formerly' for successful 

 farming. Land costs more. More and better machinery 

 is used, and this calls for more horses and more acres to 

 keep it busy. All this means that it usually takes longer 

 to become an owner than formerly. But a well-equipped, 

 modern farm is worth time and effort. 



195. First secure an education. The young man who 

 proposes to start farming should first get an education. 

 Education is much more essential in farming than it was 

 25 years ago. It will certainly be more essential in the 

 future than it is to-day. A young man who is getting 



