EXAMPLES FROM OTHER LANDS 47 



possibility of some action being taken by the Association to 

 encourage agricultural development in New York State, 

 several articles on the subject were published in the issue of 

 Moody 's Magazine for June, 1912, among them being one on 

 " The Importance of Improved Agriculture : The Banker's 

 Opportunity," by Mr. W. C. Brown, President of the New 

 York Central Railroad. Commenting especially on the 

 failure in the United States to increase the production of the 

 nation's farms by increasing the number of bushels per acre 

 such failure being attributed to " careless, uninformed 

 methods of seed selection, fertilisation and cultivation " 

 Mr. Brown said that the railroads, both in the east and the 

 west, were co-operating with the State agricultural colleges 

 and other institutions having departments of agriculture in 

 running trains and arranging meetings of farmers for the 

 purpose of preaching the great gospel of better methods, 

 which also meant more profitable farming ; but no organi- 

 sation, he declared, could wield a more potent influence in 

 stimulating and directing this movement than the New York 

 Bankers' Association. He especially advised them to 



Lend money liberally, if assured that it will be used intelligently 

 and economically in increasing the productivity of the farm by 

 drainage and by fertilisation ; because these things will double 

 the value of the farm, double the prosperity of the community, 

 and in turn double the deposits and increase the dividends of 

 your bank. 



While public authorities, experiment stations and agricultural 

 colleges can contribute much in the way of stimulating interest 

 in this agricultural awakening by disseminating accurate know- 

 ledge and the results of scientific research, the most important 

 feature of the work is personal counsel and advice from those who 

 thoroughly understand its economic significance and in whose 

 judgment the farmers are accustomed to place most confidence. 

 No body of men is so favourably situated, or is better equipped 

 by experience and influence to further this movement than the 

 bankers of this State. 



To take advantage of this opportunity is to exercise construc- 

 tive statesmanship of the highest order ; and the imagination 

 can conceive of no higher duty, no broader patriotism, and no 

 more far-reaching philanthropy, than to take part in this vitally 

 important work. 



In the further issue of Moody' s Magazine for September, 



