The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1909-09-22
COMMON SENSE
IN THE CENSUS
Usual Farm Rubbish Will be
Eliminated and Real Infor-
nation Substituted

Washington, Sept. 22-Forty-flve
thousand enumerators out of the es-
timated grand total of $4,000, will be
engaged April 15 next in gathering
the required information concerning
agriculture for the Thirteenth decen-
nial United States census. Director
Durand purposes making every effort
to secure progressive farmers and
crop reporters for these places. His
action Is based upon. the recommends
tions Of Chief statistican LeGrand
POwers and the advisory, board of
special agents composed Of professors
of economics and farm experts who
have been assisting in the formula
ton Of the schedule of inquiries con-
cerninging farm operation and equip
ment. 1t is believed that the selec-
ton Of this class of men, already ia
miliar with statistical methods Of Sc
curing data and reporting it in compre-
hensible form, will add greatly to the
efficiency of the census and to the
scientific value of the information OBJ
tained. Director Durand does not an
ticipate any difficulty in procuring
enumerators of this kind as there are
in every state of the union. hundreds
of crop reporters acting for the de-
partment of agriculture, representa-
tives of state boards of agriculture,
etc.
The agricultural schedule which is
to be placed in the hands Of these
enumerators is nearing completion by
the census bureau. The advisory
board who are acquainted with pract-
ical agriculture. its varying condi-
tions, and who are active in their re-
spective states in assisting the farm
ers to improve their farm metnods,
have been most earnest and no ef-
fort it being spared to make the
schedule as simple as possible, and
yet secure the greatest amount of
important information concerning az
ricultufe.
Land Acreage
By means of the census schedule an
effort will be. made to secure an ac-
curate statement of the total number
Of acres of land in the farms Of the
country, by states and counties; also
the improved era, number, and size of
farms. On account Of the growing
Importance Of tenancy in many ports
OF the country considerable informa-
tion will be secured as to whether
farms are operated by owners, ten
ants or hired managers. Information
about the value Of farm, building, and
other permanent improvements; and
Of the farm equipment, both machin-
cry, implements, and live stock, VIII
be secured.
An important part Of the schedule
will be that enabling study Of the
crops and crop-products of 1909. The,
enumerators will ask about areas.
quantities produced, and value of
crops, in the case Of all the principal
crops grown In all parts of the United
States. This inquiry covers grains
and seeds. hay and forage crops; and
all important special crops such as
fruits, nuts and vegetables; cotton,
tobacco, rice, hemp, potatoes, broom
corn, etc. By-products, like fax straw
for, tow and twine; and such manu-
,faotured products as wines, cider ana
vinegar, dried fruits. sugar, syrup.
etc, will not be overlooked by the
question in the schedule.
THE inquiries concerning live stock
and their products, also include cat
tie, work animals. sheep. goats, swien,
poultry and bees. The facts as to the
and value of live stock at the
time Of the enumeration are to be
secured in some detail. taking into
consideration ages, sex and use OF
animals. Furthermore. data will be
secured relating to the number and
value Of each species Of animal rails
ed, purchased, and sold; and the
quantity and value Of animal products
such as milk, cream. butter and
cheese. wool. eggs. honey and wax.