CHOICE OF A REGION 513 



those in the first list, the soil is fairly certain to be a poor 

 one. 



314. Use of Census figures. By studying the 

 Census figures of kinds of crops grown, yields, and other 

 Census figures, one may obtain a good idea of the condi- 

 tion of agriculture in any of the older states. Studies 

 such as those in Table 54 will also help. 



315. Comparative advantages of new and old regions. 

 - There is considerable rich land in the Eastern States 



that can be bought at $75 to $100 per acre. Very fre- 

 quently, the improvements on a 150-acre farm are worth 

 over half the price of the land. Which will pay better, 

 to buy such land or go to Canada and buy open land at 

 a few dollars per acre? In making the comparison, the 

 improved land should be counted at what it really costs 

 above the value of improvements. Not only are the 

 farms improved, but the roads and school houses are built. 

 These community improvements often represent a value 

 of $10 per acre. It is evident that if one has the necessary 

 capital, it is likely to pay better to buy the improved 

 land. 



The new countries have always attracted those with 

 little money. One may locate on new land and go with- 

 out many of the farm and community improvements. It 

 is also easier to economize in a new country. One can go 

 to church on a spring seat in a lumber wagon very com- 

 fortably, if all the neighbors come in the same way. It 

 is very hard to economize so closely in an old country 

 where most of the neighbors are well-to-do. 



316. Land prices vary from time to time and are often 

 entirely out of proportion to their values. Very fre- 

 quently, land in one county will rise in price several 

 years before any change takes place in an adjoining 



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