258 THE FARMER AND THE NEW DAY 



members of this local group can plan as a unit in pro- 

 duction of crops, agreeing on kinds and amounts. 

 They can sell together and buy together. They can act 

 together in school and church aftairs and in matters of 

 public health. A community may have its own ideas 

 and ideals, its own church, school, farmers' exchange, 

 library, in fine all organized activities that seem neces- 

 sary or desirable. The local community is almost es- 

 sential in a real rural democracy, and indeed is the unit 

 of democracy. 



COUNTRY LIFE 



In any program of rural reconstruction that aims to 

 be comprehensive it would be a fatal blunder not to 

 stress the importance of the social or humane factor. 

 The life is more than meat. The man is worth more 

 than dollars. " The farmer is of more consequence 

 than the farm and should be first improved." The big 

 farm question is getting and keeping the right sort of 

 people on the land. A satisfying farm life is necessary 

 to a permanent agriculture and consequently to the best 

 farming. The city will always be replenished from 

 the country-side. We must therefore omit no plan 

 and decline no exertion that will encourage a good farm 

 life through such elements as: 



A farm home that conserves the physical vigor, the 

 mental development, the moral character and the 

 spiritual insight of all members of the family, 

 whether workers or growing children, and plays 

 its part in developing a rich community life. 



A mechanism of communication within the community 

 and with other communities that serves both eco- 

 nomic and social needs. 



