62 CHAPTERS IN RURAL PROGRESS 



afford to disregard. Indeed, some of these insti- 

 tutions are largely the creation of the new 

 farmer himself. He is using them as tools to 

 fashion a better rural social structure. 



But they also fashion him. They serve to 

 explain him, in great part. Competition in- 

 spires the farmer to his best efforts. The oppor- 

 tunity offered by these new and growing advan- 

 tages gives him the implements wherewith to 

 make his rightful niche in the social and indus- 

 trial system. 



It would be erroneous to suppose that the new 

 farmer is a rata avis. He is not. The spirit 

 pervading the ranks of farmers is rapidly 

 changing. We have been in a state of transi- 

 tion in agriculture. But the farther shore has 

 been reached and the bridge is possible. The 

 army of rural advancement is being recruited 

 with great rapidity. The advance guard is more 

 than a body of scouts, it is an effective brigade. 



I want also to make a plea for the mossback. 

 He must not be condemned utterly. Remember 

 that competition among farmers has been in- 

 tense; that rural environment breeds conserva- 

 tism. Remember also that the farmer cannot 

 change his methods as rapidly as can some 

 other business men. Remember, too, that 



