The Nation's Dependence on Power Farming
Page 37
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A Valuable Treatise that Signposts the Route to Agricultural Prosperity DECAL/SE the country is, at long DIast, showing signs of awakening from years of doziness in its approach to matters agricultural, particularly in relation to vital defence problems, it is most opportune that an authoritative work on "Power Farming for Crops and Stock" shouldmake its appearance just now. Written by D. N. IVIeliardy, N.D.A,, A.I.A.E., M.S.E., an acknowledged agricultural authority, who has often contributed to our columns, and published by Philip Palmer Press, Ltd., King's Road, Reading, it is a refreshing and thoughtful exposition of a subject of national concern. Its price is Ss. 6d.
The. book is divided into three main sections dealing with a "Survey of Agricultural Conditions," "Power Plant and Buildings for the.. Modern Farm" said "The Power. Farming. Plan." • The author!s . staunch faith in the use of power to redeem farming blundeis Of the past and to . place British agriculture,oric6.rnore on a firm footing is _Closely di,scernible in all of
His power -farming plan has distinct ' , .
attractions and as ".a. coneeptien,for the
reOrganiration of farm and estate management so as to provide a better distribution of the capital invested, it will make a decided appeal to those who are in favour Of collective effort by specialists.
The influence -of the road motor on farming practice receives attention, and it is stressed that livestock conveyed to market. by such vehicles obtains better prices. The commercial motor is also responsible for expanding business between farmer and butcher, and its merits for other important farming services are being increasingly appreciated.
A survey of tractor progress points to early difficulties that were met by makers and farmers, and a county-bycounty, analysis indicates the big inroads which are being made by such equipment. For instance, are there many people, outside those who are most intimately concerned, who would say that, to-day, approximately 60,000 tractor's are in use? Naturally, they are_ not in full-time employment, but in the case of deed their activities could be trebled, says" Mr. McHardy.
On this score alone one can without • overstating the case; say that . British agricultural methods have been " largely mechanized in tillage and allied .directions,• but a close study of
Mr. INEHardy's book' reveal many . •. • •: ways in which power can be intioduced or used to better advantage. Such a study will be well repaid and will serve to emphasize the important part that power farming must ultimately assume in the life of the British nation. • .