FARMING

The history of the development of agriculture reads like some fairy tale of old. The farmers all over the country, but especially those in the rich valley of the Mississippi river, have awakened to a realization of the true value of their land, and the dignity of their calling. No longer are they content to carry on their farming simply to get a living. They appreciate the fact that they are the real producers of the country, and that upon their success or failure depends the fate of the nation.

Some years ago the whole tendency of the younger generation was towards the centers of civilization; now the cry "back to the farm" has become a mighty one; the tide has turned, and is bearing with it many who long for a chance to secure land from which they can earn not only a competence, but wealth as well. The golden color of the grains in harvest time is symbolic of their value today. However, those who seek land at present at a reasonable price will have to go much further west or northwest to find it, for certainly none is being sold in Rock Island county except nt the very highest market figures. People do not throw away the chance of a lifetime.

. The presence of Rock river, with its many tributaries, and the "Father of Waters" itself, with its other tributaries, make the entire county a river bottom, so that the soil is extremely rich, and as the climate is suited to the growing of all kinds of grains, many fruits, and every variety of vegetable, the shipments to outside markets are extremely heavy. It is from such sections as Bowling township that these shipments come, for the farmers here are remarkably progressive, well informed and willing to take advantage of the opportunities afforded.

While farming conditions have been so greatly improved during the past couple of decades, the responsibilities of the farmer are still exceedingly heavy. His plans have to be carefully laid, and scientifically carried out to prevent loss. While he receives a much higher price for his produce, it is grown at a much higher cost. Many who have never cared to investigate conditions do not appreciate this latter fact, but it is a very important one in the farmer's life. In dairying alone the expenses have been many times multiplied. Not only are the herds under state inspection, but the barns have to be fitted according to sani­ tary regulations and the milk cared for in a way that would have seemed absurd to the pioneers, who, with the rest of the country, had never heard of germs or infection.

Even the method of shipping is inspected, and the milk itself is subjected to rigid tests. The excessive competition, heavy railroad rates, expense of installing and maintaining costly farm machinery, all add to the burdens and responsibilities of this calling, so that the agriculturist of today has to be an experienced business man in addition to being an excellent farmer.

Another feature of farm life that adds to the difficulties of an agriculturist is the lack of assistance in performing the necessary tasks. The farmer can utilize electricity, and to a certain extent so can his wife, but frequently upon her shoulders fall many of the heaviest bur­ dens of the farm, because it is so often impossible to get anyone willing to do domestic labor.

When housewives in the city are experiencing the same trouble, no surprise need be felt that their sisters in the rural districts get almost desperate. Still, modern invention is changing many things and iu time it may be possible to do almost all kinds of domestic labor by air, steam, gasoline, electric or other ixnver. Until then, the wives of the farmers deserve all the credit that can be accorded them. To them is due much of the remarkable improvement which is constantly taking place.

 

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