108 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [P. D. 4. 



the unfamiliarity of the farmers in that particular region with 

 scientific methods, skepticism as to the practicabiHty of any- 

 thing particularly new or progressive, and, we must admit, a 

 certain hesitancy to accept anything so freely offered by a 

 railroad corporation and a chamber of commerce. The work 

 did not become really successful until an association of farmers 

 was with some little difficulty formed and financial support 

 obtained therefrom. I never saw a better illustration of the 

 fact that where your treasure is there will your heart be also, 

 than in this work, and I am now a firmer believer than ever 

 in the fact that if you want to get a man's interest you had 

 better first get his capital. 



This was soon followed by a contribution from the county 

 itself through its board of supervisors, so that to-day these 

 two agencies, the Farm Bureau Association and the board of 

 supervisors, contribute over two-thirds of the total expense. 

 Of course, with the development of the farm bureau throughout 

 the nation, and under the provisions of the Smith-Lever Act, 

 the United States government and the State governments con- 

 tribute to such farm bureaus, I think, $600 each per annum 

 for their support, in addition to furnishing through the State 

 colleges all of the assistance and direction necessary to make 

 the county agent successful. 



Following the Broome County Bureau in 1912 the formation 

 of the farm bureau of Cortland County was brought about 

 by the Lackawanna Railroad on lines similar to these already 

 described. Cortland County has become one of the banner 

 farm bureaus of the United States, and a visit to that county 

 will show you the farmers almost unanimous in its praise. 

 Shortly following that came Chemung County, and then others 

 in rapid succession. 



I have just received a letter from Honorable Raymond A, 

 Pearson, assistant secretary of agriculture at Washington. He 

 says: — 



I recall clearly your active interest in establishing the county agency 

 in Broome County, New York, in 1911, the first county agency in any 

 northern State. As Commissioner of Agriculture of New York State at 

 that time, it was my privilege to discuss this matter with you. I remember 

 how you took this matter up with the business men and farmers, and 



