1920.] Impressions of a Danish Small Holding. 



55 



of the small holdings, and animals are generally tethered. We 

 even saw this practice carried so far as to include a hen ! The 

 method of tethering prevents any waste of forage through its 

 being trampled upon by the animals. A certain amount of 

 extra labour, however, is entailed, as the stakes have to be 

 moved about six times a day. It may be remarked that in the 

 height of summer the animals appeared to be somewhat unduly 

 exposed to the heat of the sun, and to be troubled by flies. 



A co-operative dairy, bacon factory and egg-collecting 

 depot were within easy reach of the small holdings, and 

 practically all produce was sold there. The milk is collected 

 by the dairy and is paid for on the basis of the amount of butter 

 fat it contains, the skim milk being returned to the small holder 

 for feeding purposes. The average yield of milk per cow 

 (generally Red Danish) is from 700 to 800 gallons per annum. 

 The pigs are taken to the bacon factory and the farmer is paid 

 on delivery at the current market price. In addition he receives 

 later his share of the profits based on the co-operative system, 

 as being a member of the factory. The small holder told us 

 that he could, in normal times, produce a pig weighing 164 lb. 

 at 6 months old. The eggs are paid for by weight, their price 

 being 2 kroners or about 2s. 2d. per lb. (8 eggs). 



In reply to what were, perhaps, somewhat searching inquiries, 

 yet answered in the most friendly and frank manner, the small 

 h older said that he was very well satisfied with the life and the 

 financial returns from the holding, although after he had 

 provided for his family and met the working expenses of his 

 farm, the returns were not large. (In this connection it may be 

 of interest to mention that at a later interview with the Secretary 

 of the Danish Small Holders' Association — himself a small 

 holder of 17 years standing — he informed us that it was possible 

 for a small holder on 12-15 acres to save about £50 per annum, 

 although many of them could not save so much.) As to the 

 strenuous nature of the life, the owner said that on the whole 

 it was not unduly strenuous, and that he had plenty of leisure 

 time for himself, that there were many national holidays in 

 Denmark, and that most of the small holders were able to 

 avail themselves of them as they came round. He expressed 

 his position by the remark, " The place is my own, I am working 

 for myself and I can do much or little, entirely as it suits me." 

 He told us that he rose very early, but took a considerable time 

 off in the middle of the day. 



From the above description, which, as stated, may be taken as 

 typical of all the small farms which we saw, it may be said that 



