In Iowa are some of the finest farms in this country. We see there modern houses and well-built barns like the ones in this view. We find the farmers using labor and time saving machines, and up-to-date agricultural methods. Iowa has fertile soil and plentiful rainfall. This state grows great quantities of corn, oats, and hay. It sends to the meatpacking centers thousands of beeg cattle, hogs, and sheep. Dairy cattle are kept. Winter and spring wheat, barley, and flax are also raised. Many of the farmers do not send corn and hay to market. They find it more profitable to feed them to their animals and when these animals are fattened to send them to market. Can you see why it is more profitable to sell the fattened cattle than it is to sell the grain and hay? Iowa farms are very large and the farmers are busy people. Early in the spring as soon

as the ground can be worked, oats are planted. This crop is not harmed by cool weather, and grows without further care until harvest. Next, when danger of frost is over, corn is planted. Corn needs much cultivating until midsummer. By that time the corn is tall and weeds will not grow plentifully in the deep shade. Then the farmer harvests his oats and hay. In the fall he harvests his corn and perhaps plants winter wheat. Then he purchases a great number of sheep and beef cattle from the ranches farther west, beyond the corn belt. These animals are brought to him by train. He fattens the sheep, beef cattle, and great numbers of hogs for market. Notice the splendid road, the telephone wires, the windmill, and silos. What do they tell you about this farm and the neighborhood?