THE STUDY OF THE FARM. 81 



by its chemical constituents (fertility) and its physical quali- 

 ties, including texture, moisture, exposure, and climate. Com- 

 paring these with tlie conditions required for the different 

 crops, the farmer will be able to judge what he can produce 

 most cheaply, and sell most surely, and by what rotations he 

 can best maintain his land in good condition both as to 

 fertility and mechanical condition. The farmer who has once 

 made such a study of his farm will feel such a confidence and 

 assurance in prosecuting whatever branch of the industry 

 he may finally decide upon, as he never felt before. He will 

 feel that he is master of his business. If it be said that our 

 fathers succeeded without any such study, the reply is that 

 our fathers lived under different conditions. Modern compe- 

 tition has invaded farm life, and those only can succeed who 

 are competent to sustain themselves under competition ; and 

 those who can live under competition are those who know- 

 how to so direct effort tliat there shall be the least possible 

 waste. It is waste of effort that kills, and it is study that 

 prevents waste. 



