The percentage of mortgaged farms, though in many cases 

 high, does not necessarily indicate that farming in this State 

 is not a paying business. Some of these mortgages were no 

 doubt placed by parties desirous of becoming farmers, but 

 not having sufficient capital to buy the property outright. 

 Other farms were undoubtedly mortgaged in order to raise 

 money with which to make desirable improvements and to 

 carry on farming operations with greater profit. The fifth 

 question. In your opinion, is the number of deserted farms in 

 your vicinity greater than it was ten years ago? was prepared 

 with the view of ascertaining whether deserted or abandoned 

 farms are increasing in number. Our replies would indicate 

 that they are not. The following table will give an idea of 

 the number, as compared with ten years ago. 



