64 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



done something in the same direction. "When all work 

 together in the same line, and for a given purpose, it is 

 marvellous to see the results. 



\Ye want to see every New England town permeated by 

 this spirit of union which aids in the accumulation of prop- 

 erty, and in beautifying our homes. It is in accordance with 

 the spirit of farming, which is, to aid others. For what 

 purpose do we have our agricultural exhibitions? For what 

 purpose do we meet, and our Secretary work, but to cooper- 

 ate with each other, to make known everything we discover 

 to aid our fellows ? Let this principle be carried as fiir as it 

 can possiljly be carried, and leave the home and independent 

 business for the head of each family intact. 



Every change that promises good-fellowship in neighbor- 

 hoods, and in the work of life, and, above all, anything that 

 promises to take multitudes from those methods of living 

 that are unstable, and tend to continued poverty, and brings 

 men into modes of living that promise permanent plenty, 

 independence and healthful, happy homes, should receive our 

 careful consideration and hearty God-speed. AVe do not 

 believe in communism, nor in communities isolated by peculiar 

 religious or social views. We believe in no system that can- 

 not embrace an entire community, with all its peculiar opinions 

 and social theories. AVe believe iu no plan that is not 

 adapted to the people as a whole. The i^rinciple of coopera- 

 tion prevails from necessity up to a certain point. Can it not 

 prevail much farther than it has ever yet done, — saving labor 

 and promoting intercourse and the innocent pleasures of life? 

 If it can, it is worth our while to bring its benefits before the 

 community, and aid those who are willing to do their part to 

 avail themselves of its benefits in our settled New England 

 life, or iu those new States that are waiting for thousands of 

 new communities, such as might be formed under wise leader- 

 ship from the young men of our farming districts, or from the 

 overburdened population of some of our large towns and 

 cities. It is a good thing for us to cause two blades of grass 

 to grow where only one grew before ; but the most glorious 

 thing an American citizen can do for his country and his kind, 

 is to cause two happy homes to arise where only one was 

 found before. For the great crop of the world — that toward 



