926 



A Modern Hertfordshire Farm. 



[Jan.,. 



growing of this crop is the incidence of " Clover Sickness." The ' 

 tenant is of opinion, however, that this trouble may largely be 

 avoided by deep ploughing once in the rotation — in this instance 

 by the very deep second or cross-ploughing of the potato-break 

 in the spring. 



Stock. — As much of the crop as possible, including hay and 

 straw is sold off the farm, and only the working horses, and a few 

 cattle to consume the offals that cannot be sold, are kept. Twelve 

 horses are employed on the farm, except in autumn, when the 

 number is increased to 16, and three tractors are now kept. No 

 fewer horses can be kept than in the years before the War, as the 

 additional machinery acquired is only sufficient to make up for 

 the diminished labour due to the reduction in the working hours 

 of labourers. The permanent pasture is grazed by heifers or 

 fatting bullocks, 30 to 40 in all; a breeding sow and some store 

 pigs and poultry complete the numbers of the live stock of the 

 farm. 



Farm Buildings. — A complete range of buildings suitable for 

 the requirements of the farm was erected according to plans 

 supplied by the tenant. The farm cottages are of modern con- 

 struction and have gardens attached. 



Machinery. — The most modern types of machinery and 

 implements are used. Threshing is done by a Titan tractor and 

 a 4 ft. 6 in. thresher. All stacks are built on the fields border- 

 ing the farm roads, to minimise time in stacking during harvest 

 and to have the ricks isolated in case of fire. A trained black- 

 smith, provided with forge and workshop, executes all minor 

 repairs. Various makes of potato diggers are employed. The 

 opinion was expressed that there is a great future for the 

 " Hoover" digger. At present, however, the lightness of its con- 

 struction is a factor against it, necessitating its constant repair. 

 It has a heavy draught, and the best results are obtained when it 

 is drawn by tractor. Special attention is given to storing and 

 the care of implements and machinery. 



Labour. — A score of men comprise the permanent staff on 

 the farm, and there is a good understanding between the farmer 

 and his workmen. County rates of wages are paid. The young 

 men seem to realise that shorter hours and high wages are only 

 possible by working hard and efficiently. 



In the special season of potato-lifting use is made of the local 

 and casual labour availahle. The period of potato-hfting follows 

 almost immediately the hop-picking time, and the same workers 



