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VI. The Rural Problem in China 



The rural problem in China has not as yet 'been carefully 

 studied. There are no authorities, few data, and little is 

 accurately known. The present survey is scarcely more than an 

 outline of the question. It is based on a few books, some 

 observations, many interviews and conferences with specialists 

 who have also furnished important and suggestive memoranda, 

 and some of whom have had the opportunity to criticize the 

 statements here attempted. 



The skill of the Chinese farmer is proverbial. Professor 

 King many years ago paid a deserved tribute to the intelligence 

 used in handling plant and soil and in adapting means to ends. 

 The farmer's thrift of time; his constant saving of the most 

 minute resources, as well as his refusal to waste fertility that 

 the West constantly wastes; his hard labor, his skill in devising 

 methods adapted to conditions are characteristic of multitudes 

 of Chinese farmers, especially those engaged in gardening, and 

 apply in a measure over all China. 



One proof of this skill of the farmers is the fact that for 

 many centuries they have supplied food [for a huge population 

 and are still doing it to-day. On the whole soil fertility has been 

 well maintained. No country in the world has succeeded over so 

 long a period of time in retaining its national integrity and 

 civilization. In all fairness, a large share of credit for this 

 marvelous record must be given to the farmers of China. It is 

 small wonder that the farmers has stood next to the scholar in 

 Chinese opinion. 



But new conditions are rapidly arising. As never before 

 population in China is requiring increased food production. 

 During the past two generations the western farmers have learned 

 to apply science to agriculture, and thus have revolutionized 

 their farming. There is, therefore, supreme need of the 

 application of science to the farming of China, as difficult problems 

 show themselves; for from science both physical and economic 

 must come to the rescue. It is highly important from the 

 national point of view that these problems be recognized and 

 fairly faced by all and that a solution be found if possible. 



The following is little more than an attempt to state in 

 outline form those questions that seem to be most important. 



