CHAPTER XII

OTHER USES OF LAND

We had intended to write an interesting chapter on the use of a few acres of land for poultry, and another on raising a vast drove of rabbits, both from practical men, but a good average man, just such as this book is written for, sent the following: 

“I am very sorry that I cannot comply with your request to write a chapter on poultry for your new book.  It is true that I am physically and mentally capable of performing that feat, and it would be possible for me to prepare an essay that might entertain the reader, and even make him believe that there is money in commercial poultry.  I prefer, however, to leave that sort of romancing to the poultry journals who, by much practice, are adepts in the art.  The fact is, I did not make poultry raising pay, and had I remained on my chicken ranch, I would have gone broke.  I do not mean to say, however, that there is no money in poultry, but merely that I could not get it out.  Perhaps others who are better equipped for the work can make a success of such an undertaking, but I could not.  The numerous poultry journals are filled with instructions how to do it and with letters from people who assert that they have done well with poultry; but, really, during the four years that I was in the business I cannot recall a single case of success, and, on the other hand, I learned of failures without end.  I had the reputation of having the best planned and most completely equipped in this part of Washington, and perhaps in the entire state.  My stock was thoroughbred and healthy, and they seemed to attend to business strictly.  I devoted about all my waking hours to them, did everything that seemed necessary that was suggested by my own success, and yet I could not make it go, am glad I am clear of it, and have no desire to try it again.  I am perfectly willing to admit my possible unfitness for the business, but I am also compelled to admit that I could not succeed and that no advice of mine could help others.”

Although many, either under exceptional circumstances or because of exceptional ability, have made a success of wholesale poultry raising, it seems on reflection that Mr. Wolf ’s ideas are in the main correct.

The price of chickens is fixed, like all other prices, by supply and demand, and toward the supply every farmer contributes his chickens and their eggs which cost him practically nothing; at least he counts that they cost him nothing.

Now it is clear that if you considerably increase the supply at any place, the price will fall, and the farmer, whose chickens and eggs cost him almost nothing in money, will sell them low enough to command a market and will continue to raise them, however little he gets for them.

So you are against inexhaustible competitors who can neither be driven out nor combined with.  It is worse than competing with bankrupt dealers.  To make much money you must have at least some monopoly, and even a little bit of the earth that is well suited to your purpose where there is no unreasonable and unreasoning competition, will give you a chance.