28 



in agriculture in proportion to the whole population, and 

 therefore the largest relative demand. Nebraska has the 

 smallest average, S4. 82, as large areas of grass are had for 

 little more than the cost of cutting. It has been rela- 

 tively high in the South, because grass has been deemed 

 inimical to agriculture under the cotton regime, and not 

 generally tolerated. 



The yield per acre is an important element in value per 

 acre, but not the only one. The price per pound or bushel 

 also ditiers, owing to distance from market and local scarcity 

 or abundance. The tendency of railroad extension is toward 

 equalization of prices, yet the difference in State averages of 

 price shows how great differentiation in price still exists. 

 It naturally happens that where prices are Ioav yields are 

 also low from lack of inducement to high culture, intensify- 

 ing the disparity in values per acre. A study of these 

 differences may surprise the casual reader, and may prove 

 fruitful of practical suggestions if made with care and 

 thoughtfulness. 



