20 



N. H. Agri. Experiment Station 



[Bulletin 298 



Of the total number of houses 10 per cent were classified as large, 50 

 per cent as adequate, and 40 per cent as small. In condition 22 per 

 cent were classed as good, 44 per cent as fair, and 34 per cent as poor. 

 Approximately one-fifth of the houses were poor and small. 



Seventy-nine were used as summer residences, and all but seven of 

 these were in good or fair condition. ThirtA^-five were vacant, and 19 

 of these were in poor condition. 



Of the 289 occupied places, 110 or 38 per cent were in poor condi- 

 tion and were depreciating rapidly. Many of the 125 classed as in 

 fair condition will need attention within a brief time if they are to be 

 preserved. 



In general the barns were in poor condition, and with a few excep- 

 tions a return to an aggressive agriculture would require new out- 

 buildings. 



Many locations continue to be occupied because of the shelter af- 

 forded by the old farm house rather than for any particular use of 

 land. The size and condition of the houses are important, therefore, 

 in considering the future of the area. The income of the present oc- 

 cupants is so low and the prospects for future income so insecure that 

 it is doubtful whether replacements can be made from income origi- 

 nating within the area. If there is not sufficient interest or income to 

 repair roofs and foundations now, it is unlikely that new structures can 

 be built by local people later. 



Table 7. Condition of houses in the area grouped as to use. 



Condition 



On good locations a few places now in poor repair may be taken 

 over by summer residents, in which case the present house may be 

 restored or a new one built. But in general it is to be expected that 

 when people in a region have very meager incomes and very little pros- 

 pect of income in the future, the trend will be toward depreciation. 

 Buildings with poor roofs and delapidated foundations soon decay. 

 In addition, there are often losses by fire. With a third of the houses 

 now in poor condition, the abandonment of locations can be expected to 

 continue. This suggests continued decline in agriculture and in popu- 

 lation. 



PERSONNEL, INCOME, AND CONTENT OF LIVING 



This study of land utilization is primarily directed toward the ad- 

 justment of people to the land resources. Therefore, it is important to 

 consider the present personnel in the area. 



