60 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



escape from the deadening and demoralizing rut of criticism, 

 skepticism, and inertia. That I will he a hooster, not a knocker, 

 and that I will neglect no opportunity to show my faith in the 

 future of New England and to labor unceasingly for its fulfillment." 



That is the spirit which quickeneth; and will repopulate New 

 England's hills and valleys with ambitious, enterprising and cul- 

 tured people. History records that the great tide of population 

 has ever been westward. A thousand years before Christ it started 

 on the shores of the Mediterranean, oyerflowed Rome and Europe, 

 and centuries later reached the new world in a few broken ripples. 

 Then, after centuries deyoted to gaining strength, the tide again set 

 westward and finally has broken on the shores of the Pacific. 

 Whither now can it go? If this human wave crosses the broad 

 Pacific it will be face to face with the millions of the Orient. There 

 can be but one result, as Pres. W. C. Brown of the New York 

 Central lines so well said in his recent address in New York, from 

 whom I quote: "The advance column of this great westward 

 moving procession of the centuries has encircled the globe. Soon a 

 great human undertow must set back toward the east and the 

 westward tide will settle in turbulent, dangerous eddies and whirl- 

 pools about the great centers of population." Therefore, I say it is 

 the psychological moment for Xew England to make known her 

 resources, show her optimistic spirit, and confidence in our lands, 

 in our industries and our people. This is a factor of significance 

 to New England agriculture. 



Associated closely with this influence of optimism and confidence 

 comes the all important matter of capital. The Boston Chamber 

 of Commerce at the time of the fruit show prepared a very elaborate 

 folder reflecting credit to rural New England. This was highly 

 complimented, except one phase, which was the ignoring of the 

 necessity of capital. J. H. Hale, the peach king of America, was 

 quick to see the mistake and declared that all of these rural resources 

 and possibilities cannot be fully realized upon unless there is capital 

 to develop them. The business man knows he cannot go far 

 without capital, either in the way of available funds or confidence. 

 It is just as important, if not more so, for the farmer, for in many 

 cases the rural dweller sees opportunities which he simply cannot 

 improve owing to lack of funds. What we want is more investment 



