Generally, the same level of living costs less in the country than in the city. The savings are not as great, however, as is sometime supposed. Usually, the cost of food and shelter will be somewhat less on the farm and the cost of transportation and utilities somewhat more. Where schools, fire and police protection, and similar municipal services are of equal quality in city and country, real estate taxes are usually about the same.

A part-time farmer and his family can use their spare time profitably.

Some persons consider the work on a farm recreational. For some white-collar workers it is a welcome change from the regular job, and a physical conditioner.

Part-time farming can take comparatively little land, labor, and equipment -- or a great deal. It depends on the kind and the scale of the farming operation.

General requirements for land, labor, and equipment are discussed below. Specific requirements for each of various types of enterprises are discussed on pages 8 to 14.

Three quarters to 1 acre of good land is enough for raising fruits and vegetables for home use, and for a small flock of chickens, a cow, and two pigs. You could not, of course, raise feed for the livestock on a plot this small.

If you want to raise feed or carry out some enterprise on a larger scale, you'll need more land.

In deciding how much land you want, take into account the amount you'll need to bring in the income you expect. But consider also how much you and your family can keep up along with your other work. The cost of land and the prospects for appreciation in value may influence your decision. Some part-time farmers buy more land than they need in anticipation of suburban development. This is a highly speculative venture.