Another Sheaf

the past has been, and in the future will be, the quest

the second. For it is only through co-operation that the advantages of farming on a large scale are made possible for smaller farmers. The more important of those advantages are the regulated purchase of all raw materials and half-finished products (artificial manures, feeding stuffs, seeds, etc.), better prices for products, facilities for making use, in moderation, of personal credit at a

mers are organised in Germa

Germany; and here-how many? The Registrar retu

mall farmers and small holders; but it needs no brilliant intellect, nor any

greater disposition to co-operate; but we cannot expect co-operation to do as much for British agricu

the wors

co-operated farmers, small holders, and allotment holders, whose societies are affiliated to the Agricultural Organisation. Society. This is a step of infinite promise. The drawing together of these three classes of workers on the land is in itself a matter of great importance. One of the chief complain

, ridger, harrow, Cambridge roller, marker; and hires other implements as required; it insures, buys, and sells co-operatively. This year (for patriotic reasons) wheat and potatoes form the chief crop, with s

large farms." Even allowing that the first statement may be disputed, the last is beyond dispute, and is the important thing to bear in mind about

prevalent among the members, who are always willing to help e

d support themselves entirely on their holdings. "The members value their inde

6d. per acre; and that a suitable combination of artificial manures gave a profit of ￡14 12s. 6d. an acre, with double the yield. Mutual help and the spread of know

l holders I take the

hat the prospective small holder shoul

n't afford to buy all, so he has to work at a disadvantage.... Then as to seeds, why not buy them wholesale, and sell

work would rarely succeed whatever f

who have been tradesmen or pitmen, and they of c

ht to be provided with ample and proper buildi

turning soldiers and others. Such a scheme is bound to fail unless it is based most firmly on co-operation, for, without that, the two absolute essentials-k

countryside with failure. Place at his back pooled labour, monetary help and knowledge, and, above all, the sp