Many people, not familiar with business methods, are inclined to regard a mortgage as something of a disgrace, when, as a matter of fact it is a most usual and honorable means of raising money for the securing of a home or the conducting of a business. Nearly all of the great railroads of the country have been built by the sale of the mortgage bonds, which are usually renewed when due, and are sought out as a safe and sane form of investment. The fact that a mortgage payment has to be met on a farm is often in itself the strongest inducement to industry and economy. CHAPTER IV WILLS Whether farmer, manufacturer, merchant or professional man, and whether in youth, mid-age or declining years, every owner of personal or real property, or both, should make a will. If you have not made a will, get over the foolish notion that it is a premonition of death, and do so at once. A will is a written and signed declaration of the disposition one wishes to have made of his property in the event of his death. The maker of a valid will must be of sound mind and not less than twenty-one years of age. Women, whether married or single, if of proper age, are competent to make a will. OF TWO KINDS A will may be written or unwritten. Unwritten wills are known as "nun-cupative." Nun-cupative wills are employed only when through accident, or sudden seizure by a fatal disease, the time necessary to write and sign a will cannot be had. The unwritten will must be authenticated by reliable and unprejudiced witnesses, and generally it can dispose of personal property only. In the written will no precise form is necessary, though when drawn by a lawyer it usually begins with some such form as: "I, George Brown, being of sound mind and good understanding, do make and declare this to be my last will and testament", etc. A will is not necessarily permanent. It may be cancelled or changed in any way by the maker before his death, or a new will can be made. The last will cancels all preceding wills. An addition to an existing will is known as a "codicil." A man making a will is called a testator. A woman making a will is called a testatrix. LIMITATIONS OF WILLS A man has a right to dispose of his property by will or gift as he chooses, but if he is married the law compels him to consider the rights of another. The husband cannot, by will or otherwise, deprive his wife of her "right of dower" in his real estate and appurtenances. Unless she chooses to accept, the wife need not accept other property that is bequeathed her in lieu of dower. The wife's dower interest in her husband's estate is a life interest only. On her death it goes to the husband's heirs, as if there had been no widow. In some states there is no right of dower. HOW TO MAKE A WILL The will not only shows the purpose of the testator, but it serves as a bar to litigation among the natural heirs.