No. 4.] COMPETITION AND THE FARMER. 413 



I have elsewhere indicated the general lines of production 

 upon which we may best meet competition ; time forbids my 

 enlarging upon them. Fresh vegetables must be grown 

 near to the consumer. This industry shows a money return 

 in 1885 of $5,227,194; figures are not at hand to study its 

 comparative growth. It is significant to note that, on 

 account of its importance, Boston and Worcester rank first 

 in the State, not alone as commercial centres, but also 

 as farming towns. Fruits and berries arc in constantly 

 increasing demand ; strawberries and cranberries alone in 

 1885 gave a return of nearly $1,000,000. I predict that 

 our next census will show rapid development in these two 

 products. Fresh eggs and poultry should receive more 

 than a passing remark, for they are lines for profitable pro- 

 duction. 



I have now endeavored to call attention to the fact, first, 

 that competition demands of the Massachusetts farmer a wise 

 choice in the lines of production sought ; and, second, that 

 intelligence along those lines of production is also demanded. 

 I say intelligence. Our general government recognizes this 

 want by her generous gifts to our experiment stations. 

 Massachusetts, ever ready to contribute for the education 

 of her children, has acknowledged the farmer's claim by her 

 aifts to our Agricultural College. If the times are calling 

 for the educated farmer, should not this Board, by its advice, 

 more by its earnest pleading, demand that still larger sums 

 shall be granted this college ? Let the affection and inter- 

 est of our farmers be more and more enlisted for this insti- 

 tution, feeling sure that here our sons may be trained to be 

 kings and priests in this noble calling. Who that has 

 visited this seat of learning, has looked upon the beauty of 

 its surroundings, has examined the object lessons here given 

 for the best agricultural methods ; who has studied its 

 curriculum, with appliances for thorough instruction : who 

 has looked into the faces of these young men, soon to be 

 the standard bearers along the lines of intelligent farming, — 

 but is led to exclaim, " Beautiful for situation, let it become 

 the joy and pride of our glorious Commonwealth." Let us 

 remember that here may be gained the weapons which shall 

 enable the farmer to give real honor and dignity to his 



