1891.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 4. 305 



south-west, and witness the developing of our agricultural 

 industries. Look at the cities of the great west, which have 

 grown to such prominence that it excites the envy of the old 

 world. See their magnificent buildings, State capitals, 

 court houses, churches, school buildings, with private resi- 

 dences equaling in splendor and decorations any to be found 

 in the world. Look at our labyrinthic system of railways, 

 which are a marvel of engineering skill and thought, that 

 have been built even to the remotest corners of our country, 

 so that the products of the farmer may easily and cheaply 

 reach the markets of the world. What a grand sight it 

 is to behold the thousands of acres of grain and corn just 

 before the harvest season ; with what pride the farmer points 

 out its beauties to the observing; traveler. One is lost in 

 wonder and admiration at this vast area which has been 

 brought to such a high state of cultivation by the industry of 

 our formers. 



The pioneer farmers, who pushed their way to the west, 

 and made the beginning for this great and rapid growth of 

 our country that followed in their track, are deserving of 

 great credit for their unfaltering perseverance. Their 

 sufferings were necessarily of that character that none but 

 the boldest and strongest could have survived, and their 

 deeds of heroism must have been countless. Soon the 

 wilderness was subdued, and a town was laid out ; the 

 school-house erected, and social life enlivened by their tales 

 of wonderful preservation. What a glorious record to hand 

 down to those who are now living upon the fruits of the 

 pioneer farmer, who spent the best part of his life in sub- 

 duing the soil, with a hope that his children might make a 

 still brighter record. And how well they are fulfilling the 

 fond wish, history proclaims in astounding figures from the 

 department of agriculture. 



There are many improvements which suggest themselves 

 to a manufacturer or mechanic, as he rides through a farm- 

 ing community. One thing particularly noticeable is the 

 absence of a suitable building for the storage of farm imple- 

 ments and small tools on too many of our New England 

 farms. It is not an agreeable sight to one who has system 

 and method in his business to see the mowing machine, the 



