THE SUBURBAN HOME 29 



9. The Capital Required. 



One can hardly expect to go into the business of run- 

 ning even a small farm without some capital, either in 

 ready cash, a place well equipped with tools and supplies, 

 or a large amount of health and vigor to put into the pro- 

 duction of crops that shall early yield an income for the 

 support of the family and to pay any interest and the 

 taxes that are inevitable. The amount of capital needed 

 will depend upon what are the prospects for an income 

 early in the season, from poultry, asparagus, straw- 

 berries, or other sources that yield returns before the 

 main crops mature, and what expenses must be met for 

 the family, for fertilizers, labor, grain, tools, etc. With a 

 farm owned or rented, a capital of from a few hundred 

 dollars to perhaps one thousand dollars may be needed, 

 according to the above conditions. By the neighborly 

 exchange of labor and use of tools the cost of equip- 

 ment may be much reduced, but it is much more satis- 

 factory for each farmer to own all ordinary tools and 

 machines, that he may be able to use them whenever 

 needed without inconveniencing any one. Careful ac- 

 counts should be kept from the first, and if possible 

 nothing should be purchased until the money is in hand, 

 to pay for it. With all the risks and chances with pests 

 and wind and weather, this is the only safe course until 

 we have something laid aside upon which to draw for 

 investment or for increase of business. 



SUMMARY. 



With all the foregoing points in mind, those who plan 

 to purchase or rent new places should begin a systematic 

 and persistent search, looking over lists of real-estate 

 agents, inquiring of friends, and using every means 

 possible until the right place is found. This may be 



