FAEMING 02il" CUT-OVER LANDS. 23 



Before buying land careful examination should be made of both 

 the soil and subsoil.^ Soil fertihty is purchased at less cost in the 

 form of rich soil than in the form of commercial fertilizers. For 

 most crops medimn loam soils are best. Heavy soils are especially 

 adapted to the production of hay. A clay subsoil, if not so com- 

 pact as to interfere with drainage, is very desirable. 



Of all the items to be considered from the business point of view, 

 in selectmg undeveloped land in tliis region, probably the one least 

 likely to receive proper attention is the labor involved in clearing 

 the land of stones and stumps. The expense of removing white 

 pine stumps with dynamite or stump pullers should be carefully 

 estimated for all parts of the farm before actuall}^ making the pur- 

 chase. The cost of bringing pine land under successful cultivation 

 ranges from $30 to $60 per acre, while about one-half that amount 

 should j)ay for clearing hardwood land of the same quality. 



GENERAL SUGGESTIONS. 



1. It is possible, but not easy, to start farming here with very 

 little capital. The total capital of the average farm studied is $6,856 

 and the average family income only $559. This is little enough on 

 which to live, even when none of it has to be used to pay interest. 



2. Select a farm well located with reference to markets and 

 schools. Select a soil well adapted to the desired type of farming. 



3. Buy good land. It is cheaper in the long run than poor land. 



4. Do not pay too much for the farm. Remember you really get 

 notliing for your work until interest is made on total investment. 



5. Avoid the burden of too much undeveloped land, and, if pos- 

 sible, make every acre pay its way. 



6. Enlarge the cleared area as rapidly as practicable. Be sure 

 that the quality of land justifies the expense of clearing. 



7. Use good bulls from high producing dams. 



8. Plant good seed. It costs httle more than poor seed and yields 

 greater profits. 



9. Grow clover, alfalfa, and other legumes. These crops furnish 

 excellent feed and improve the soil. 



10. The farm should furnish home supplies such as vegetables, 

 small fruits, eggs, meat, and milk. 



11. Keep horses busy at profitable W(uk as many days in the year 

 as possible. 



12. Do not waste family labor on unprofitable work just because 

 such labor is cheap. 



13. Keep posted on market prices and grades. Prepare products 

 according to these standards. Work for the advancement of the 



• Sotl maps of many parts of the district can be obtained from the U. S. Department of Agriculture and 

 from the .State o.xjMiriment stations. 



