114 COMMISSION ON COUNTRY LIFE 



of land occupancy, wholly different farming 

 schemes and different economic and social sys- 

 tems. Our country necessities are peculiarly 

 American. 



The correctives for the social sterility of the 

 xopen country are already in existence or under 

 way, but these agencies all need to be strength- 

 ened and especially to be coordinated and feder- 

 ated; and the problem needs to be recognized by 

 all the people. The regular agricultural depart- 

 ments and institutions are aiding in making 

 farming profitable and attractive, and they are 

 also giving attention to the social and community 

 questions. There is a widespread awakening, as 

 a result of this work. This awakening is greatly 

 aided by the rural free delivery of mails, tele- 

 phones, the gradual improvement of highways, 

 farmers' institutes, cooperative creameries and 

 similar organizations, and other agencies. 



The good institutions of cities may often be 

 applied or extended to the open country. It 

 appears that the social evils are in many cases no 

 greater in cities in proportion to the number of 

 people than in country districts; and the very 

 concentration of numbers draws attention to 



