Seek advice on fruit problems from the state agricultural college.
Old orchards may be rejuvenated under proper systems of management.
Use colonies of bees to pollinate fruit blossoms and to produce honey.
Begin bee husbandry in a small way at first and get advice from experienced bee culturists.
Don't plant varieties of fruits that are ill adapted to climatic conditions.
Don't overlook the necessity of preparing for insect attacks in advance of appearance.
Don't establish bee colonies without making sure that proper care of them can be taken.
Don't try to practice horticulture or bee husbandry without frequently obtaining expert advice.
The majority of the owners of small farm properties are interested in the possibilities of poultry keeping as a means of adding to the family income. Efforts in this direction are logical from a number of angles. For example, the keeping of poultry appeals to them as an interesting line of work for the sake of the activity itself. Furthermore, the cost of housing a comparatively large number of laying hens is not expensive, as compared with the investment required in other agricultural enterprises. Again, there is a ready market for the eggs and for the poultry in the neighborhood where the enterprise is carried on. No doubt, too, the more or less fabulous stories of easy profits have stimulated a desire to get into this business and to make it a rather important source of income. Again, there is the thought that the work involved in feeding and caring for the flock can be carried on by another member of the family when the owner or principal bread-winner is engaged in some other activity temporarily.
All these factors have tended to develop in the mind of the settler in the country a pretty definite idea that he can supplement the family income with poultry. Sometimes this idea is erroneous and there is apt to be little definite knowledge on the part of the new owner as to costs, problems and profits that are likely to accrue. It is the thought of the writer to outline some definite recommendations for the prospective poultryman which will enable him to safeguard his investment and prevent the very serious losses that have occurred to many who have not taken into consideration all of the factors involved.