FARMING ON CUT-OVER LANDS. 23 
Before buying land careful examination should be made of both 
the soil and subsoil. 1 Soil fertility is purchased at less cost in the 
form of rich soil than in the form of commercial fertilizers. For 
most crops medium 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 selecting undeveloped land in this 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 actually 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 pay 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 
nothing 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 little 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 work 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 
1 Soil maps of many parts of the district can be obtained from the U. S. Department of Agriculture and 
from the State experiment stations. 
