40 SMALL HOLDINGS 



the close method necessary for their cultiva- 

 tion would give employment to many in our 

 rural districts. Their production depends on 

 intensive as a contrast to extensive or large 

 farming, which makes them essentially a small 

 man's business. Capital must be concentrated. 

 Whereas the large farmer will add to the 

 area of his farm as his position improves, 

 the small- holder who knows his work will 

 increase his production, and only take more 

 land when the greatest possible output has 

 been attained from his holding, and every 

 square yard utilized to the best advantage. 

 In this way a man and his family in suitable 

 districts can make a comfortable living off 

 five or six acres of land. It is essential to 

 success that operations should be adapted to 

 local conditions ; but in some parts of Cam- 

 bridgeshire, for example, prosperous holdings 

 are to be found worked somewhat as follows : 

 Three acres are given to fruit : standard 

 apples, pears, or plums being interplanted with 

 gooseberries, currants, or some bush fruit. 

 Between the trees, again, potatoes, cabbages, 

 or brussels sprouts are grown. Flowers — 

 marguerites, pyrethrums, or chrysanthemums 



