388 FARM MANAGEMENT 



brush and trees. This mowing is a very expensive opera- 

 tion. With small fields, it not infrequently takes a man as 

 long to mow the fence line as to mow the field with a mow- 

 ing machine. 



If the fields are fenced, stock is almost certain to be 

 turned on at times when the land is likely to be injured. 



The aftergrowth and stubble that is saved by pasturing 

 is not all lost if left on the land. It serves as green manure 

 to help to keep up the humus supply. 



The cost of up-keep of fences is much more than is 

 commonly supposed. 



To offset all the above points is the time of putting up 

 and taking down fences, if fields are to be pastured. Com- 

 paratively few farmers have all the fields fenced. 



Unless the fields are pastured much more than is usual, 

 it will pay better to take down fences and put up when 

 needed, rather than keep the fields fenced. Sometimes 

 it is cheaper to herd the stock. 



THE FARMSTEAD 



240. Location of farmstead. - If possible, the farm- 

 stead should be located so that it will be convenient to the 

 fields, as indicated in the previous discussion. The ideal 

 place for the buildings is on a slight elevation sufficient to 

 secure good drainage, but not high enough to make haul- 

 ing difficult. It is desirable to have a dry soil around the 

 buildings in humid regions. 



The farmstead should be so laid out that the work can 

 be done without loss of time. The garden should be near 

 the house. The barns and water should be conveniently 

 located. The barns should be at least 100 feet from build- 

 ings in which there is a fire, otherwise the insurance rates 

 are usually about twice as high. 



