velopment has reached a point which will not be exceeded for many years
to come, the individual who needs additional income may adjust himself to
such circumstances by establishing a country homestead. Industrial
activity is tending to decentralize, largely as the result of widespread
power distribution, and a home in the country accessible to some form of
manufacturing or business employment offers undeniable attractions.

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