208 THE FARMER AS A COOPERATOR. 



however, make him ready to unite with others in the same 

 occupation for mutual relief. But successful cooperation is a 

 sure sign of trouble in the industry involved. 



It does not necessarily follow, however, that returning 

 prosperity will break up cooperative business. It may, or it 

 may not. Business is sure to seek the easiest channels. The 

 pressure of circumstances may cause a change from competi- 

 tive to cooperative methods, and then, certain habits having 

 been acquired, and certain investments made, business may 

 more easily flow in the new channels than return to the old. 

 It depends on the wisdom with which the cooperative enterprise 

 has been planned. 



