The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-09-06
of statisticians and also used by the cen sus bureau
Total Number of Farms.

Therefore the 1910 total should reach B. s1467S, or roughly, about 100000 farms, which is the number estimated by Chief Statistician Powers. There were 10, 433,- 1SS males and females over 10 years of age June 1, 1900, engaged in agricultural pursuits. Professor Powers believes the 1910 census will swell that number. to the extent of several millions.
 The magnitude of these figures makes it evident that the importance of the ag- ricultural census hardly can be over estimated. Hence the solicitude of Census Director Durand and Chief Statistician , Powers, in charge of the census division of agriculture.
 Director Durand believes that great good will be accomplished by getting into di- rect contact and cooperation with the farmers. Some of the instrumentalities which will be used by him and which promise practical results are the state commissioners and state boards of agri- culture, the state agricultural colleges, the agricultural experiment stations, the farmers institutes, the farmers unions, the patrons of husbandry and state granges; in fact. all the existing organiz- ations for the education and betterment of the farmers. Added to these will be the daily newspapers, the country press and the farmers publications.
 It is estimated that millions of farmers will be reached at their homes or at their mutual improvement meetings by the con- templated method of circulating prepara- tory information.
 Farm economists and scientists learned in agricultural problems, appointed as 'ex- pert special agents for brief term, are now in Washington assisting Director Du- rand and his staff in the formulation of the agricultural schedule so that the ques- tions to be asked by the enumerators shall be easily comprehended and so draw out the information ordered by Congress to be ascertained
 At the same time these practical steps are being taken by the census bureau, the farmers themselves will be called upon to help push the statistical blow over the countrywide field of farm data. They will be reminded that an accurate and practical census is the only one worth while.
 Appeal to Farmers.
 In addition to the direct appeal to the farmers, Census Director Durand will inform them that the thirteenth United States census law requires that the agri- cultural census be taken at the same time April 15, 1910, as the count of popu- lation. The questions about farm opera tions will relate to the present calendar year, 19O9 but, on the other hand, the in- quiries regarding farm equipment are di- rected toward the farmers possessions of this kind on the day and date of the enumeration, April 15, 1910 The latter d- vision of the inquiry really amounts to an inventory.
 The necessity for some written or per menent record by the farmers themselves of farm operations is obvious and It's value in furnishing data more reliable than guesswork Is equally evident.
 In order that the farmers may begin at once, Director Durand indicates as fol- lows what operations are to be recorded although the schedule is stfll in incon- plete shape:
 Each person in charge of a farm will be asked to state the acreage and value of his farm; that is, the acreage and value of the Ind kept and cultivated by him: also the area of land in his farm covered with woodland; and finally, that which Is utilized for specified farm purposes
 Each farmer will be asked to give the acreage, quantity produced and value of each crop, including grains hay, vege- tables, fruits, cotton. tobacco etc, raised on the farm in the season of 1909
 Each farmer will be asked to report the number and value of all domestic anil mals, poultry and swarms of bees on the farm April 15, 1910: also the number and value of your animals. such -as calves, colts, lambs, pigs, and of young fowls. Si1ph phfakanQ raised on the farm in 1909. He will be further asked to state the number and kind of animals sold during 1909 and the receipts from such sales, the number pur- chased and the amount paid therefor; and also the number slaughtered for food and the value of such animals.
 "The law requires a report of the num- Der of cows kept for dairy purposes in 1909, the total estimated amount of nniIk produced on the farm; also the amount of butter and cheese sold and the amount received from such sale
 Tn addition to the inquiry regarding animals, etc, on the farm April 15 1910. as explained previously, the census will seek to ascertain the quantity and value Of all eggs, honey and wax produced on the farm in 1909
 Amount Paid For Labor.
 "Of the expenditures of the farm. the census schedule will call for A state ment of the amount paid farm labor. the amount paid for feed for live stock. and the amount expended for fertilizers in 1910.
 If the farm changes owners or tenants between the crop year. 1909, and the date of enumeration, April 15. 1910, 1t is re- quested that the occupant of the farm in 1910 shall secure the above information relating to the farm for the preceding year. 1909. The owner or tenant this year should leave his book record with his suc- cessor."
 The census act provides that the infor- nation shall be used only for the statis- tical purposes for which 1t is supplied. NO publication shall be made by the census office whereby the data furnished by any particular establishment can be identified, nor shall the director of the census permit any one other than the sworn employees of the census office to examine the individual reports"
 Furthermore. the information reported on the agricultural schedule will not be used as basis of taxation or com- muncated to any assessor.
 The act also states the fines or terms of imprisonment or both in cases of vio- lation of the secrecy imposed upon super visors, enumerators. special agents or other employees. It provides a penalty for false answers or for refusal to an-