The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1914-07-15

imal we can have on the farm There
is no better place in the temperate
zone to produce beef than in the corn
belt. The hog makes beef production
economical. Therefore, the ideal farm
is well stocked with the right kind OF
cattle and hogs.
Farm management depends, for the
most part, on the size CT the farm
here again, we see the advantage OF
the quarter section farm. 1t has the
ideal form for economical manage.
ment. For the proper number Of hogs,
sufficient corn can be grown. and
enough hay and pasture can be had
each year for the right number OF
horses and cattle. Plenty OF straw is
necessary to keep live stock right and
it takes the place Of the manure pit
by absorbing and increasing the
amount Of manure. The silo will con-
vert corn stalks into good feed, which,
if left in the field would be practic-
ally worthless. The rotation of crops
is . very important matter OF cOnSi,!-
Grafton with the farmer. For best re-
suits, a legume must be introduced
into the rotation. Land growing clover
Or alfalfa soon regains the proper ele-
ments for producing a good crop or a
good yield of small grain. This matter
OF crop rotation must be carefully OBJ
served and treated, ii the farm is 60
ing TO yield its highest returns. The
best way to build up and conserve soil
fertility is by careful cultivation and
following up close observation along
scientific lines. AS soon as made, the
manure should be spread Oh the most
needy places. Green manure is strong
er than dried manure and Will 90 more
to recuperate the soil to its productive
prime.
Efficiency. in word, should be the
keynote OF farm management 1t is
great problem and no fast rules can
be laid down for any one farm because
every farm is different. Only science
with practice, applied with common
sense, will win out in the end. If we
could get to the point OF farming the
very best we knew how, the world
would make a wonderful advance agri-
culturally
The center of the ideal farm is the
home. 1t should be, geographically,
and is, in reality. The home and
farmstead are the most attractive part
of the farm. A large cheerful living
room should dsplace the old-fashion-
ed parlor and be the social center OF
the farm The kitchen should COM
mand a view Of the driveway and
buildings, so the housewife may see
how things are. The ice chest might
just as well be filed from the outside.
The ideal farm house contains an Of
flee. These are details which distin-
suish the ideal farm. Running hot and
cold water, a bath, laundry and good
lighting system will help make life
worth living for the whole family, and
especially the housewife. The well
fare OF the housewife is not neglected
on the ideal farm.
The farm buildings must be designed
and located for economy and conven-
fence The stock must be well cared
for and the farm produce easily hand
led. For instance, corncrib may be
built with an elevator installed, SO de-
signed that the elevator will be paid
for out CT the saving in lumber, and
the small grain room will be overhead.
A little thought in this line saves much
labor.
The principles Of landscape garden
ing should be observed about the farm
stead 1t adds to the value of the prop
erty but its main value is to make life
worth while. Nothing is more beauti-
full than an ideal country house and
lawn framed in with evergreens. e!nas,
and snrubbery, with an open front 10
the roadway.
When we think Of the ideal farm, lot
us think of the best place to live thst
God has to offer us, where we can do
the most to make life worth living
for ourselves and for our neiShbors.
And let us think Of that farm as be
ing il Iowa, for OF al! that is gcod,
she furnishes the best.