Commissioner of Agriculture 167 



Recent estimates of the value of products of the soil of this 

 state are that $441,000,000 were produced in the year 1909, as 

 compared with $241,000,000 produced in the last census year, 

 1899. This estimate is based upon both the increase in quantity 

 produced, and upon the greatly enhanced prices prevailing at the 

 present time for all the products of the soil. If the farmer is to 

 take full advantage of the satisfactory prices now prevailing, he 

 must engage sufficient farm help to till his soil and produce crops 

 to its full capacity. He must make farming a business as the 

 farmers of many sections of our country do, instead of a mere 

 means of livelihood, and in this manner will he not only have 

 more of the products of his soil to turn into cash, but will at the 

 same time be able, by more intensive cultivation and care of hia 

 farm, to increase its value and make it a desirable investment for 

 a purchaser. The outlook for agriculture in this state is bright. 

 Consumption of the products of the soil has almost caught up to 

 production, and without a corresponding increase in wages 

 throughout the country, at the present rate of increase, many 

 products will soon become prohibitive to a large class of con- 

 sumers. Such a condition is not desirable, because it means a 

 lower standard of living, greater congestion of population in the 

 cities and a general tendency toward poverty. During the present 

 year the cost of living has increased on 96 articles 11 per cent, 

 and 34 per cent, since 1905. The Secretary of Agriculture of 

 the United States has designated several experts to make a careful 

 investigation of the whole subject, and to endeavor, if possible, to 

 ascertain how the cost of living may be reduced to the consumer 

 and at the same time make it possible for the producer to receive 

 the prices now prevailing for his products, and, if possible, to 

 increase that price. This result could be accomplished by reduc- 

 ing the cost of transportation and handling, and the middleman's 

 profits, which are said to be, in many instances, that of the dairy 

 products especially, enormous. 



The chief of the bureau spent some months during the last fall 

 and winter as a member of a commission of immigration appointed 

 by the Governor to investigate " the condition, welfare and indus- 

 trial opportunities of aliens in this state." The result of this 

 investigation was to confirm fully the statements made in relation 



