The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-04-26

IT lIlS liit bl WOih anu dNhitNc aA'eNA success. In fact, many of the most prom inent poultrymen had the advantage of years of business training before they became greatly interested in poultry hus- bandry.
 Professor Stoneburn gives below the experience of a nerve-exhausted oHlce man who was forced to attempt to make living in the country. The obstacles he overcame and the success he gained lend encouragement to others who, from necessity or choice are thinking of talk ing up this line of work.
 By PROF. F. H. sTONEBURN
 This world of ours is busy place. There is much work to be done and many workers. The great problem is to match the work and workers so that the former may be properly performed and the latter made prosperous and contented.
 There is much truth in the widely quoted saying. Happy Is the many who has found his work" Too many of us, through necessity or chance, are thrown into lines for which we are unsuted, and find neither success nor contentment. Occasionally fate takes a hand and strengthens things out. Frequently the process is painful for a time, but the un- pleasant experiences become a source of amusement when success is reached.
 Poultry Keeping Interesting
 For the right man or woman poultry keeping is the most attractive reason ably remunerative business. But not for all So one will do well to consider the matter from all sides before plunging in. Occasionally circumstances conspire to fierce one into this line of work. as in the case of the man whose story follows.
 For the facts in this case the writer is indebted to a friend who has long been prominent in the poultry world. The ac- curacy of the account may be vouched for, but for obvious reasons true names cannot be used
 The man in question: whom we shall cali MT. Thomas, was born and reared in an Ohio city. He knew the country only as source of food supplies and a pleas ant place to spend brief vacation. Of practical farming, of true country life, he was ignorant.
 After passing through the city schools he sought employment, and secured a position in busy office, gradually work ing into a position of trust and making a fair salary. Presently he married a young lady who had spent her early life on farm. coming to the city to complete her education.
 Tor few years all went well. lit tie money was banked each month, and the future looked bright. With the ar rival of the first child came a turn in financial affairs. Expenses increased, but income remained as before. In order to save anything it became necessary to cut corners very closely; to practice many of the petty economies which are so trying On this basis matters continued for a half-dozen years But the worry over firances, the confinement and grind of a busy office, disappointment in business promotion, all began to tell and one day our friend broke down. The physician stated his verdict curtly, Nervous pros tration six months absolute rest in the country" And so in this way this mar founud his work though the change was not easy at first.
 During his enforced rest at the farm ol a relative he became interested in and assumed personal charge of the monde script flock of chickens which formed part of the farm livestock. He found the work fascinating, secured very satisfac- tory results and soon came to the con- clusion that he could make good profit from poultry keeping as a speciality. The labor involved was not severe; it kept him out of doors and he felt that in this
 
 making living for the family. He con- cluded that if he was restored to health he could return to town if he so desired Mir. Thomas possessed out few assets He had 5000 cash capital and reasona ble amount of household goods and clothing Therefore he had to make his start in . most careful manner, making every cent count.
 The Farm Is Found
 4 hia |. twenty-acre place which had been vir. tually abandoned for several years, yield ed its absent owner no revenue. Tho house was in poor condition, the barn ir brush and weeds. But the soil was igh and well drained. nice stream flowed through the farm and it was near village of some 5000 inhabitants.
 After some negotiations the place was rented for term of three years, at ar annual rent of $75 with the privilage ot purchase for 5000 at the end of the lease This clause enabled Mir. Thomas to pro tect any investment he might make in the way of improvements. He could either buy the place for his own use or sell il and retain the surplus over the stated purchase price.
 Possession was taken Tn July. Of tho previous ssO0 a portion-S2O0-wa sci aside to meet necessary living expenses until the place should become productive Nearly S3o0 was spent in repairing tho house and barn so they would be habta ble for family and stock. The balance was used in clearing up and breaking tho land
 From some friends who were willing to aid MT. Thomas to the extent of taking hts longtime notes, horse. COW, sixty outlets and necessary tools were secured Then the battle began ih earnest
 Clearing the Land
 The first attack was on the weeds and bushes. These were cat by MT. Thomas himself. The work WIS trying to him at first, but soon his appetite returned he could sleep O nights. and day by da, his strength was restored, thus enablins him to accomplish more.
 As the land was c,eared he had il manured, since he WAS determined tc produce good crops, and he knew tha, rlant food was needed. Much of the manure came from a livery stable in town the owner of which was willing to give 1t to anyone who would take 1t away A small amount was purchas sed
 By early fall the whole tract wal cleared. Then it was plowed and dragged and seeded with winter rye. No further time was devoted to the land until the following spring.
 for the bullets. which mad been thriving AAA ' UMH Or More