156 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



ments that were used were of crude type. All seed was sown by 

 hand and threshing machines were unknown. The ripened grain was 

 cut with a scythe or a sickle and threshed with a tiail or was tramped 

 out by the treading of animals. Muscle and brawn ruled during 

 the early history of agriculture, and farmers were not accustomed 

 to do much thinking or planning to better their conditions. 



It is stated that the early Roman farmer spent four and six-tenths 

 days in growing a bushel of wheat, while in 1830 the same amount 

 of wheat could be grown under improved hand methods with three 

 hours' work at a cost of 17.7 cents. At the present time, under im- 

 proved machine methods, the same results may be secured with only 

 nine minutes' work at a cost of three and five-tenths cents. This 

 Avonderful change in farm operations, has been brought about by the 

 introduction of improved farm machinery and the application of 

 scientific methods in farming. Much of the drudgery of farm work 

 has been eliminated and the cost of producing farm products has been 

 greatly lessened. 



The Romans gave much attention to farming, and many of their 

 statesmen spent their leisure moments in the country. The poems 

 of Virgil, Horace, and other Roman authors extol the virtues of 

 country life and show the high esteem in which the farm was held. 

 As long as agriculture occupied this high place of honor, and as 

 long as they tilled their farms, they were a powerful people and 

 conquered all nations. But as soon as the farms were neglected, 

 the freemen flocked to the cities, and the powerful Roman nation 

 began to decay and soon sank into obscurity. 



It may be safely stated that every strong and sturdy nation known 

 in history has been one in which agriculture has been the leading 

 occupation. This is true of our own country and it would be well 

 if our law makers would recognize this fact, when shaping legisla- 

 tion affecting agricultural interests. Our last Congress passed a 

 tariff law, which compels the farmer to sell in an open market and 

 buy in a protected one. The time has come, when the tariff should 

 no longer be considered a political issue but a business problem. A 

 Tariff Commission may not suit ambitious politicians, but it will 

 best serve the needs of agriculture and protect the great industrial 

 and financial interests of the country, A tariff for all or a tariff 

 for none should be the slogan of every farmer. 



We are justly proud of our industries, and realize that the fact 

 that our railroads constitute the great arteries of trade and com- 

 merce. We recognize the fact that the natural resources of Penn- 

 sylvania are excelled by no otJier state in the Union. And yet, 

 Agriculture is greater than any of these, and the value of its products 

 nearly equals the combined value of all of them. It is an undisputed 

 fact that the success of all business enterprises, for the welfare of 

 mankind, depends largely upon the success of agriculture. 



Such, in brief, is the character of the profession represented by 

 the men and women assembled here today. We accept your hospital- 

 ity and appreciate your words of welcome, and trust our coming 

 among you will unite us in a closer brotherhood, and that when we 

 have gone you will feel that we have scattered a few rays of sun- 

 shine across your pathway. Again, in behalf of my co-workers, and 

 in the name of the State Board of Agriculture I thank you for your 

 fraternal greetings. 



