104 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



growth to be possible, the outside surroundings must be 

 attractive and inviting, 



I have endeavored to lay emphasis on these points, not 

 that they are altogether neglected, but that there is need of 

 a more active agricultural sentiment, to combat the unwar- 

 rantable assumption on the part of the reckless lover of 

 sport, Avho would override all rights of ownership ; to check 

 a growing tendency on the part of the State governments to 

 throw the arm of protection around wild game, for the sole 

 purpose of nmltiplying the same at the expense of the farm- 

 er's crops ; and to correct a tendency in rm-al life to pattern 

 after the devotees of fashion, and be discontented with that 

 quiet life of the farm, which, appreciated, will insure time 

 for thought and o})portunity for growth. 



The introduction of machinery is certain to revolutionize 

 rural life, as it already has industrial ; and in the awakening 

 an open door is to be found for such increase of stock, prod- 

 ucts and crops as will send a volume of fresh blood coursing 

 through every artery, and bring blossom and fruitage to 

 every hillside. 



Out of the complex conditions, now manifest on every 

 hand, there is crystallizinij: a movement which is certain 

 greatly to advance New England agriculture. It is showing 

 itself primaril}^ in the purchase of farms all over New Eng- 

 land by those inured to city life, for the permanent improve- 

 ment of the same as farms, and especially in the attention 

 which nature studies are receiving at the hands of our most 

 valued educational leaders. 



I cannot close without i)lacing strong emphasis on the 

 educational work of the grange in })rom()ting rural life. It 

 was created to u})buikl agriculture and strengthen love for 

 the farm. AMiere this purpose has been the controlling 

 influence with the members, your agriculture is most active, 

 its advancement most rapid, the rural homes most attractive, 

 the schools most loyally supported, and the social atmos- 

 phere is being clarified from the dross of petty pride and 

 jealousies. The grange has unified and cemented public 

 sentiment for the advance of our agriculture, and, unless 

 swerved l)y selfish interests or marred by dissensions, it will 



