FARMING COMPARED 785 



ending 1910, farm ownership in most parts of the United States was exceed- 

 ingly profitable from the investment standpoint. During that period, 

 land values in many of the states of the Union increased more than 100 

 per cent. 



Ordinarily, the farmer invests in land in order to go into business 

 ■with his capital. In the purchase of a farm both the speculative and 

 business aspects should be carefully considered. Where the rise in land 

 value is likely to be large and continue for some time, one may be justi- 

 fied in buying rather extensively and going in debt to the upper limit. 

 On the other hand, where land is not increasing in value, it is much better 

 to have ample capital for stock and equipment. Plenty of working capital 

 is essential to good and profitable farming. 



That part of the investment consisting of buildings, livestock and 

 equipment is subject to destruction and depreciation just as rapidly as 

 is the investment in buildings and equipment in any line of manufacture. 



One should not expect as large a percentage when he invests money 

 as when he goes into business with his money. Money in the form of 

 mortgages on land is safe, calls for little attention, and, therefore, should 

 demand only a moderate rate of interest. Such rate of interest ranges 

 from 5 to 7 per cent at the present time in different sections of the country. 



The Occupation of the Farmer. — In comparing farming with other 

 occupations one should consider the capital invested, the safety of the 

 investment, the probable returns, the hours of labor and the standard of 

 living. It is somewhat difficult to compare these directly with the same 

 items in other occupations. 



While the hours of labor on farms are frequently longer than in 

 other occupations, it should be borne in mind that there are generally 

 periods when the hours are either quite short or there is almost nothing 

 to do. This, together with the fact that the home is so closely associated 

 with the work, compensates for the more regular and exacting hours in 

 most other occupations. In large cities much time is often consumed 

 in going to and from one's place of business. 



Independence of Farming Occupation. — The farmer enjoys independ- 

 ence to a greater degree than men in most other occupations. He is his 

 own boss, and is sure of self-employment. In nearly all occupations men 

 who are employed for wages have fixed hours of labor and are in danger 

 oi being out of employment. These items often mean more than a man 

 can fully realize until he has begun to work for others. 



It Furnishes Employment for Children. — Modern conditions have 

 made necessary the enactment of laws to regulate child labor. The steady 

 employment of children in mills, factories and shops at the age when 

 they should be in school tends to lower the standard of citizenship. It is 

 advantageous, however, for boys and girls to have some light tasks to 

 perform at regular intervals, but it is difficult to provide desirable work 

 for children in cities. The farm offers an opportunity for just such employ- 



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