298 THE BOOK OF CORN 



data was simple and effective. A large number of 

 corn growers were induced to keep an actual day to 

 day record, upon a specially prepared blank, showing 

 the exact amount of labor and other expense bestowed 

 upon a certain definite area, and when the season was 

 over these records were consolidated and the results 

 averaged. 



This investigation covered but eight states, and it 

 was determined to prosecute a second investigation 

 which should include systematic results typical of the 

 conditions under which corn is grown in all sections 

 of the country. The original plan of securing actual 

 day to day records was adhered to, the circulars being 

 so arranged as "to secure the exact record of all ex- 

 penses attached to the growing of the crop from ferti- 

 lization and preparation of the soil, through the whole 

 season's work, in the order in which performed up to' 

 the cribbing of the crop. These circulars were in the 

 hands of the growers before the first plow entered the 

 ground and continued in their possession until the 

 crop was gathered. 



In tabulating these individual records only those 

 absolutely complete and perfect were used, these cov- 

 ering 4051 acres, located in 156 counties of 21 states. 

 In this area was included corn grown under various 

 methods practiced in different parts of the country, so 

 that the averages presented do not represent the cost 

 under any particular method, but an average of the 

 various methods. 



What Is Cost — In analyzing the data secured by 

 this investigation, the term "cost of production" is 

 used in its popular significance, as representing the 

 actual outlay or the amount of capital actually used up 

 and which must be wholly replaced before any profit 

 upon the fixed or permanently invested capital can be 

 secured. In the tabulations to be presented this covers 



