The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1911-11-03

is not the least of them. The seasonal
distribution of labor if left to itself
works very bad hardship on the
| farmer Harvest hands as class note
the season when they are needed and
disappear when it is over. This sys-
tenn of farming invites high-priced Ia
Dor at one season of the year and a
dearth of any kind of labor at all
other seasons. AS result those
who are progressive enough to
diverge from the local system of farm
ing find themselves handicapped be-
cause of this scarcity of efficient labor
and the unprOgreSsive ''in the rut''
farmer; is certainly discouraging
ineXcusably idle. For many reasons
such system is uneconomical to the
farmer; it is certainly discouraging
to the farm laborer, and is one of the
MANY causes of the movement to the
cities. The man who can assure the
workman steady place during the
whole year is sure to attract the bet
ter class of laborers.
In this question lies one of the chief
advantages of a well-chosen crop rota-
ton or combination of specialties. The
winter dairy does much to solve the
winter work problem. Stock always
requires more attention in winter than
in summer. But if one should not
fancy dairying then the work of feed
ing sheep or hogs might be substituted.
This will call for labor, make a good
profit and add much to the fertility
OF the farm. The winter production
of eggs is indeed profitable and will
help to dispose of some of the dairy
by-products. Bees are very often prof
table and require some attention.
Aside from the main line of business
and these specialties there are many
things connected with the ordinary
of farming which can or
must be attended to in fall or winter
Fall blowing can be done; roads, fenc-
es and bridges can be built wholly or
in part in the winter. Fruit trees can
be pruned, hedges trimmed and fence
posts made. Whatever the line of |
farming, there are always tools to be |
put in repair and painted; winter af-
fords the best time to do this. The |
annual depreciation of 10 per cent plus
neglect and rust should make the wide
awake farmer spend more time caring
for his machinery. A coat of oil or
paint will do much to prolong the life
Of many farm implements as we'll as
In these remarks we do not wish to
advocate unceasing toll for the farmer
1r his family, for it is certainly an
advantage to himself and those de-
pendent upon the farm, that work is
ess pressing in winter. Summer days
ire long and summer work fatiguing.
Then there is little time or inclination
or recreation or study. A business
asting upon such intricate founda-
ions as this surely needs careful
bought and study for it's prosecution.
Winter is then the time for study Get
IL the agricultural publications avail
BILE and go over them carefully with
he purpose of ascertaining whether
+ not there is some crop more profit {
BILE than the one last grown, or that
here is some better rotation to be
racticed, or some manner to in
rease crop or money yields. The t
arm should be made to contribute to
le higher life of it's occupants as we'll +
S to their material needs. 1t can
est do that during the leisure hours
winter. i
L. F. CHILDERS, il
Agronomist, Idaho Experiment Sta I
on