56 Outlook to Nature 



region it is not now possible to determine. 

 But it is not so important to maintain a ratio 

 as to see that the persons living on farms have 

 the very best conditions for success ; they will 

 then contribute their necessary part to civilization. 

 It must not be supposed, however, that a 

 lessening ratio of population means a depreci- 

 ating agriculture ; in fact it may mean just the 

 reverse, that the persons remaining on the 

 farm are increasing in efficiency. We are now 

 an exporting nation, the exports of agricultural 

 products greatly exceeding the imports ; but 

 most of the southern and many of the western 

 states are still overwhelmingly rural ; hence 

 there is still reason and opportunity for persons 

 to remove from the farms to the city. I am 

 glad that so many of the farm boys have gone 

 to the cities, for the cities need them ; yet we 

 must not suppose that all of them are going to 

 the city. 



The open country is essential. 



It has been argued that since agriculture is 

 concerned in the production of food, it cannot 



