44 COMMISSION ON COUNTRY LIFE 



and where it is not already on that level, be so 

 improved, dignified and brightened as to awaken 

 and keep alive the pride and loyalty of the farm- 

 er's boys and girls, of the farmer's wife, and of 

 the farmer himself? How can a compelling 

 desire to live on the farm be aroused in the chil- 

 dren that are born on the farm? All these 

 questions are of vital importance not only to 

 the farmer, but to the whole nation. 



"We hope ultimately to double the average 

 yield of wheat and corn per acre; it will be a 

 great achievement; but it is even more important 

 to double the desirability, comfort, and standing 

 of the farmer's life." 



It is especially important that whatever will serve 

 to prepare country children for life on the farm, and 

 whatever will brighten home life in the country and 

 make it richer and more attractive for the mothers, 

 wives and daughters of farmers should be done 

 promptly, thoroughly and gladly. There is no more 

 important person, measured in influence upon the 

 life of the nation, than the farmer's wife, no more im- 

 portant home than the country home, and it is of 

 national importance to do the best we can for both. 



The farmers have hitherto had less than their full 

 share of public attention along the lines of business 

 and social life. There is too much belief among all 

 our people that the prizes of life lie away from the 



