10 



an iiilieritaucc, returns more than commenc«iirate to the slight 

 value of the land, by no means necessarily discourage invest- 

 ment ; and to the possessor of a little means, who would be 

 unencumbered with the cares which attend even a successful 

 strife for wealth, the farms of Northern New Hampshire offer 

 a snug retreat. 



But not in all parts of Xew England does, this stationary 

 condition of agriculture exist. Sections such as our own 

 county represents, from their nearness to large cities, receive 

 benefit from the very causes that work disadvantage to re- 

 moter regions. Here, farm-land is constantly rising in value 

 from the enlargement of city limits, not to mention encroach- 

 mants upon oui- damaia^ by city wealth in the form of 

 country houses, or elegant villas for summer residence. Bear- 

 ing in mind, then, that the small amount of capital v/hich 

 many of our farms represent is in itself sufficient reason for 

 small returns, let us consider what, if any, are the real draw- 

 backs to the pursuit of agriculture in New England. 



One of the first questions that suggests itself is, Will not 

 the South and West pour in upon our markets out of the 

 abundance of their agricultural resources ? 



For a time the very poverty of the frontier settler operates 

 in his favor. Content with almost anything, in the way of 

 luxuries which older sections from the variety of their in- 

 dustries can furnish in exchange for his raw material, he bears 

 the disadvantage which he cannot overcome, and brings into 

 play almost as disturbing an element as the cheap labor re- 

 sulting from the opposite extreme of over population. But as 

 year after year the tide of emigration pours in upon the 

 frontier, bringing with it other industries by which the wants 

 of civilization are suj)})lied and home markets furnished to 

 the agricultural community, tins source of danger to our in- 

 terest is lessened. 



That the disadvantage under which the distant })rodueer 

 labors in competition with our home farmer is very great, 

 might sufficiently ap[)ear from the consideration of the cost 



