6o 



READINGS IN RURAL ECONOMICS 



addition to the number actually found in that occupation class. 

 The number reported as engaged in the agricultural industry, in 

 1900, was 10,381,765. It appears, therefore, that during the 

 period from 1870 to 1900 the agricultural class lost, relatively, 

 almost one fourth of its membership. Of this number 1,523,365,1 

 nearly one half of the total for the whole United States, were 

 from the North Central States. 



A table constructed similarly to the one given above and show- 

 ing, separately, the shifting of males and of females among the 

 different occupation classes, during the period from 1870 to 1900, 

 is presented herewith as follows : 



SHIFTING OF THE POPULATION ENGAGED IN THE DIFFERENT 

 OCCUPATION 'CLASSES: 1870-1900 



It has been shown above that, relatively speaking, nearly three 

 and a half million people changed from agriculture to other indus- 

 tries during the thirty-year period 18 70- 1900. So great a dis- 

 placement will, doubtless, at first seem incredible. There is need 



1 The number engaged in gainful occupations in the North Central States in 

 1900 was 9,580,913 (Twelfth Census, Population, Vol. II, p. cxxviii). The portion 

 of this population which, during the period from 1870 to 1900, has shifted from 

 agriculture to other occupation classes was 15.9 per cent (see p. 59). 



