NEW ENGLAND FARMING. 15 



agricultural exhibition is not a mere show, nor are the days 

 devoted to it mere holidays. But over all and above all there 

 is a spirit of inquiry and progress, which is earnestly engaged 

 in solving the agricultural problem in the best way, always 

 remembering that the rules governing the occupation diifer as 

 localities differ. 



The agricultural taste of the community is also improving. 

 Not only are the farm-houses throughout New England, 

 wherever occupied, in good condition, indicating the profit of 

 those farms which are still under cultivation, but the evi- 

 dences of an increasing desire for tasteful and well-ordered 

 houses are abundant everywhere. And this taste has in- 

 creased as the devotion to a careful and accurate system of 

 agriculture has increased. In this respect the people of New 

 England are doing their whole duty. They occupy such 

 land as will reward them for their toil. They apply the same 

 rules to their business as are applied to others. They retain 

 what is profitable and reject what is not. And when they 

 have been enabled to apply their best skill they have con- 

 verted their acres into a garden which is alike creditable to 

 their taste and their thrift. The growth of large towns in 

 their midst has furnished them with opportunities for cultiva- 

 tion not enjoyed by their ancestors. And whatever may be 

 the deductions from an array of statistics, the fact is evident 

 to every candid observer, that in the midst of all the supposed 

 decline the agricultural population of New England was never 

 in a Ijetter condition than now. It may be that many young 

 men desert the farms of their fathers for more lively scenes 

 and more active duties ; but it is nevertheless true that a farm 

 well located has its attractions still, and is sure to find an 

 owner. And I have no doubt that the time will come, when 

 the sagacity and industry which find so ample a reward in 

 other occupations, will discover the opportunity afforded by 

 the agriculture required in a busy and growing and thriving 

 community. 



