40 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY [1912-13 



In closing, Dr. Bigelow asked the listeners to take the child's 

 ever-wondering, ever-searching, view of Nature, and not the 

 economic and utilitarian view of things in Nature which is 

 most often taken by people. 



President moved that a vote of thanks be given Dr. Bigelow 

 for his interesting talk. The motion was carried and the 

 meeting adjourned. 



The attendance of this meeting was the largest of any which 

 has been held, so far. 



Thursday, Feb. 1, 1912. 



AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN WORCESTER 



COUNTY. 

 Charles H . 1 White . 



It is with a real sense of satisfaction that we, as tillers of the 

 soil and those interested in rural problems, note the increasing 

 general interest in Agriculture and Country Life. 



When we realize that Agriculture is our nation's most im- 

 portant industry; that one-half of the population of our 

 country still live under rural conditions; and one-third of the 

 population derives its existence from the soil; that 60% of 

 the men who appear in Who's Who in America were born and 

 bred in the rural communities; that Agriculture is our only 

 permanent resource; when we consider these facts it is not 

 surprising that Agriculture is to-day commanding the con- 

 sideration of the leaders of our land. Indeed it is to be wondered, 

 in view of the great importance of this industry, that an awaken- 

 ing has so long been delayed. However, may our visions not be 

 clouded by an apparent lack of appreciation in the past, but 

 rather may we be seized with a broad spirit of optimism and 

 rejoice that finally our fundamental industry is beginning to 

 enjoy the dignity that it deserves, and our people at large are 

 appreciating the saneness of the words of George Washington, 

 tnat Agriculture is the most useful, most healthful and most 

 noble employment of man. 



