FARMING IN THE BLUEGRASS REGION. 9 
depend mostly on ponds in which the surface water collects. These 
are usually natural depressions on the land surface, which are 
tramped nearly water-tight by the hoofs of animals. Wells are not 
reliable in this region as a source of water supply. 
aa paar 
JAN | FEB. MAY | JUNE | JULY . sept | oct | Nov | DEC 
wens ere 
10 SSNS: 
NORMAL Hp Meda rr 
RAINFALL 1913 ----- 
iauacanseeeea 
Fic. 6.—Diagram me ae comparison of the actual rainfall in 1913 with normal. 
SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF OPERATIONS. 
CROPS. 
The farm enterprises! found in any well-developed agricultural 
region are mainly those which the experience of farmers has shown 
to be profitable. In the process of selecting such enterprises the 
soil and climate are fundamental factors. Additional limiting fac- 
tors are a profitable market and the availability of the right kind 
of labor. Still another factor not so evident as either of these is the 
way the various enterprises fit in with each other so as to interfere 
as little as possible. Each crop not only has its peculiar method of 
cultivation, but also its own peculiar seasons for the various opera- 
tions required. Not only must a certain amount of labor be given, 
but this labor usually must be apphed within definite seasons. Hence 
1 Definitions: Certain special terms used in this bulletin are defined below: 
Farm enterprise—Any crop or live-stock undertaking on the farm, such as corn, 
tobacco, beef cattle, or swine. 
Labor income.—The amount the farmer receives for his labor and management besides 
the house rent, food, and other perquisites the farm may furnish. It is found by sub- 
tracting current expenses and interest on the total investment in the farm business from 
receipts. 
Animal unit.—The equivalent of a mature farm animal, as a horse, cow, or steer; 7 
sheep, 14 lambs, 5 hogs, 10 pigs, 100 poultry, 2 head of young cattle or colts are equiva- 
Ient to an animal unit. 
Labor wnit.—A man-day’s work of 10 hours. 
Power unit.—One day’s work of a mule, horse, or the equivalent of this work done by 
an engine. 
Crop index.—A figure that measures the yield of all crops on a farm as compared with 
the average yield of the community. One hundred is taken as the standard measure of 
the farm yield of the community. 
Diversity index.—A factor derived by reducing all the enterprises of the farm to their 
equivalent represented by a number of enterprises equal in value. It measures the degree 
of diversification of enterprises on the farm. 
64453°—Bull. 482—17——2 
