FOREWORD 



With this publication the New Hampshire Agricultural Ex- 

 periment Station ventures into a new field of research. It is 

 a field of the utmost importance, involving the relationships 

 of man to his local government and institutions and to the 

 land itself. 



The study has been made with great care, and we believe 

 there will be little dispute so far as the accuracy of data is 

 concerned. There has been sufficient history for the trends 

 of the region to assume a definite shape. As to the sugges- 

 tions for future development, of course no such certainty is 

 possible. Therefore, this part of the study is offered with 

 becoming modesty. 



Yet to be of real significance such research must dare to 

 attempt to look into the future. In a period when there has 

 been a multiplicity of economic and social changes, we must be 

 prepared to hazard judgment as to future trends. Further- 

 more, any suggested program must be practical enough to con- 

 vince fair-minded people of its essential soundness. Never- 

 theless, the authors have not deserted their task when it comes 

 to this stage. They have proposed a program which may seem 

 to some of the inhabitants of the region too much of a break 

 with the past. But we trust that the suggestions will be re- 

 ceived, as they are offered, in an impartial spirit of desire for 

 human betterment and sound economic development. 



J. C. KENDALL, Director. 



