78 THE PRACTICAL SIDE OF 



small holder with no capital to spare for 

 paying tradesmen should be, he will learn 

 to use such tools as are essential in rough 

 carpentry, and in laying bricks or tiles. 



Although it is the custom of the majority 

 of farmers to cart manure from the stock-yard, 

 or from a heap which has been built elsewhere, 

 to the land when it is hard with frost, we may 

 point out that it is by no means an economical 

 plan. It has been shown repeatedly that 

 manure, both liquid and solid, should be 

 carried to the land when fresh, inasmuch 

 as the loss is materially reduced. Where 

 farm-yard manure is kept for a length of time, 

 its volume is quickly diminished, and this is 

 a valuable asset to the soil, owing to its 

 influence in improving its texture. It also 

 loses nitrogen during decomposition, and in 

 the drainage which passes from it — especially 

 if it is exposed to rain — a portion of its 

 most valuable mineral constituents. Here, 

 then, is further labour for the winter. 



Turning to the live stock of the five acre 

 holding, we suggest that two cows should 

 be kept, but much depends upon the care 

 with which they are selected. No man can 

 afford to buy cheap cows; they should be 

 young, gentle in disposition, broad across 



