42 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY [1912-13 



a more intelligent tilling of the soil. The high cost of living; 

 the annual immigration of thousands of people, and numerous 

 other problems necessitate that our agriculture become estab- 

 lished upon a sounder and more productive basis. Hon. James 

 J. Hill prophesies that, within the next half -century, we will 

 have in this country a population of some 200,000,000 people. 

 Our agriculture must needs be developed extensively and 

 intensively if we are to meet this demand. 



Having reviewed briefly the importance of agriculture, the 

 new awakening, and the urgent need for a more systematic 

 development of our agriculture, let us now direct our thoughts 

 more specifically to our subject — Agricultural Development in 

 Worcester County. Worcester has always ranked high in the 

 value of her agricultural products. While I have been unable 

 to secure the present standing of the county in this regard^ 

 yet it is doubtful if Worcester enjoys the high standing she 

 has enjoyed in the past. The excellent crops grown here are 

 indicative of the high producing capacity of her soil. Worcester 

 county has for many years ranked high as regards the value of 

 her agricultural products. In fact, she has stood higher among 

 the counties of our country. Surely such a record augurs well 

 for the producing capacity of her soil. While as yet statistics 

 have not been computed with reference to her present stand- 

 ing, yet indications seem to reveal decline. However, no very 

 definite data is available concerning the agricultural status of 

 this county. A thorough agricultural survey would be invaluable 

 in disclosing the facts. 



Realizing the paramount importance of securing facts as 

 such a survey would disclose, a state commissioner, Henry 

 Coleman by name, was appointed in 1836, and notwithstand- 

 ing the fact that his reports were suspended in 1840, the data 

 he collected are regarded as treasures of great practical knowl- 

 edge, especially such knowledge as pertains to the character 

 of the soils, the reclamation of waste lands, and the adaption 

 of crops. Perhaps one of the most important features of this 

 survey was its effect in stimulating enthusiasm and faith in 

 a more thorough investigation of agricultural conditions, — 



