This book is prepared primarily for the family that is inexperienced in country living and in soil culture. Such a family should know about the nature of the soil on which it lives, how to make it serve the family's needs and purposes, what to do, and what to avoid in order that success may be attained and failure averted. Students of agriculture as a vocation and practical farmers may find, beyond the elementary facts presented, information of value and help to them. To know and to understand the science and practice of agriculture is to have power to cope with and to enjoy soil culture and animal husbandry. If this little volume helps to answer clearly and definitely the many inquiries that are in the minds of prospective and active homesteaders, it will have served its purpose. The knowledge of many practical people and the resources of agricultural institutions and agencies have been drawn upon for this book. Grateful acknowledgment is made to those who have contributed constructive criticism and have helped in the preparation of material. Especial credit is due to the personnel of the New Jersey and New York colleges of agriculture and to my associates in the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. WILLIAM B. DURYEE. TRENTON, N. J., _December, 1933_. CONTENTS PAGE PREFACE ix CHAPTER I. TURNING FROM THE CITY TO THE COUNTRY 3 II. GETTING ESTABLISHED IN THE COUNTRY 12 III. FINANCING AND PROTECTING THE INVESTMENT 26 IV. ATTRIBUTES OF A HOUSE IN THE COUNTRY 40 V. SERVICING THE HOME 54 VI. MAKING THE SOIL PRODUCE CROPS 73 VII. FOOD FROM THE GARDEN 95 VIII. HOME FRUITS AND BEES 110 IX. POULTRY AS A SOURCE OF INCOME 123 X. SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF POULTRY 138 XI. THE FAMILY MILK SUPPLY 159 XII. MARKETING FARM PRODUCTS 170 A LIVING FROM THE LAND _Chapter_ I TURNING FROM THE CITY TO THE COUNTRY America was founded on the rock base of agriculture. The early settlers tilled the soil and derived from it the simple things that they needed. Necessity compelled them to be self-reliant, courageous and resourceful. The establishment of a home in early days meant the clearing of land, the erection of a house for human habitation and the building of shelters for a few farm animals. Each farm home became practically self-sufficient so far as the family needs were concerned. Clothing was made there for each member of the family. After clearing and subduing the land, the settlers were able to produce their cereal foods. Animals were slaughtered and the meat processed to provide sustenance throughout the year. Through the exchange of commodities and ideas with neighbors, advances in living conditions were made.