. We ran classified
notices in the metropolitan papers, in addition inviting
correspondence from home seekers. We ran articles in
foreign-language papers, showing what the crops are and how to open
up the land, how to pull up the stumps, etc. We have had pamphlets
on Wisconsin, and methods of cultivation of its land, published in
foreign languages.

I find that the home seekers do not know where to go or whom to
believe, but by meeting them in conferences I have been able to
protect them against exploitation and direct them to localities
where they stand a good show of making good. The average capital of
immigrants will run a little over fifteen hundred dollars. The
average capital of native-born Americans who come to see me is
considerably less. A man going on the land should have not less
than twelve hundred dollars after making his first payment on forty
acres. We have schedules showing approximately what his living
expenses will be for the first couple of years.

Our work is largely protective. The leading Chicago papers
co-operate with us by refusing the advertising of real-estate men
who misrepresent their properties. The state attorney's office
co-operates with us by enforcing the confidence-game statute. Every
inquirer is furnished with a certificate (see p. 22), and I find
that dishonest dealers refuse to sell to home seekers who present
this certificate to them.

One point I should like to emphasize is that the back-to-the-farm
movement will be successful in proportion to each state's activity
in supplying home seekers with information that will insure their
success on the land.

First, those coming into the new land region in our state, must
have enough capital to carry them through the first two years for
the purchase of clothing and food and farm equipment.

Second, they should have had some experience in farming. The
city-bred man who wishes to get out into the country, not because
of love of the country, but because of dislike of the city, is a
poor investment. Those visiting us who have not had farm experience
are urged to get it before locating or before investing their
money.

Third, the wife must be satisfied and willing to undergo some
pioneering. Right here is where a good many fall down. The man is