6 BULLETIN 41, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The rotation followed by a few men was corn three years, oats, 

 and wheat. Clover seed was sown in the "wheat. This generally 

 makes a good growth the same year, after the wheat is cut. It was 

 usually plowed under the same fall or the following spring on these 

 farms and was not allowed to grow a crop of hay. Several farms had 

 fields where corn had been grown almost continuously for a number 

 of years. 



The plan generally followed was to plant as much corn as could 

 be taken care of during the rush season. Other crops, such as wheat 

 and oats, were used to fill in. Oats are generally recognized as being 

 an unprofitable crop on such high-priced land. 



A large number of live stock was kept on some farms. The feeding 

 of cattle, hogs, mules, and horses gave an important source of 

 income. Still other farmers were strictty grain growers, keeping 

 no stock except the necessary work animals. 



The farm buildings were ample and well kept. The fields were 

 unusually large, with hedge fences bordering them. 



Considering the high price of land in that district, not as much 

 care as one might expect is exercised in utilizing it, there being con- 

 siderable waste areas along the fences and other places. 



The roads are not graveled, except in a few instances. In wet 

 weather they are very bad, owing to the thick, tenacious, claylike 

 soil. 



The farmers in the area studied are thrifty and are hard workers. 

 They know how to utilize machinery effectively so as to handle large 

 areas, one man and team being expected to take care of 60 acres of 

 corn. * 



DESCRIPTION OF THE IOWA AREA. 



In Iowa the townships of Willow, Greenbrier, and Highland, in 

 the counties of Guthrie and Greene, were selected. This area is 

 about 50 miles northwest of Des Moines and on the Chicago and 

 Omaha line of the Chicago, Milwaukee, & St. Paul Railroad. 



The region has not been settled as long as either the one in Illinois 

 or that in Indiana. Being prairie land with timber growth only along 

 the streams, it is a fertile and productive agricultural district. In 

 some places it is very rolling, steep hills being not uncommon. The 

 rough ureas are confined to the southern part, particularly to Guthrie 

 County. 



The soil is a dark, rich loam and is very poorly drained in the more 

 level areas. Tile-drainage projects have opened up thousands of 

 acres in that vicinity within the last few years. 



Corn, oats, and hay are the main crops. Wheat is sown, but not 

 extensively. 



