PREFACE 



To a large extent the old-time arithmetics were made and 

 taught with a view to preparing pupils for passing exami- 

 nations. Expressed or implied, the theory was that the func- 

 tion of the elementary school was to prepare for college. 

 The child who was never to enter college was looked upon 

 as a very unfortunate being ; he was reckoned as of little 

 promise. Consequently no definite provision was made for 

 those who must toil and do the world's work by the sweat 

 of the brow ; they were set adrift to take up the world's 

 industrial and commercial work with almost no preparation 

 leading to economic and industrial efficiency. As a result 

 the soil has been abused and worn out, much of the timber 

 wasted, and many once fertile farms abandoned. 



The purpose of this book is to touch the important phases 

 of farm management. The problems are real and practical, 

 taken from everyday farm life ; the information given is 

 reliable and valuable, and can be used to increase the profits 

 in farming. The country boy and girl are taught in terms 

 of their immediate surroundings ; they are given a chance to 

 solve problems in which they and their parents are vitally 

 interested. The management of the farm is made an at- 

 tractive and intelligent subject for conversation around 

 the home fireside during the long winter evenings. A 

 sane, practical business outlook upon the administration of 

 farm affairs will develop in the children a broad view of 

 the unbounded opportunities which the farm offers for the 

 accumulation of wealth and happiness. The farmers' children 



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