No. 4.] NEW ENGLAND AGRICULTURE. 105 



be, as it must be, the chief alh' of this Board in the forward 

 movement of the future for better farms, better homes, better 

 schools, a more intense agricultural spirit, and, as a natural 

 sequence, a more active and self-centred citizensiiip. 



One of our writers paj's this noble tribute to agriculture : 

 "When the time had come in the creative evolution for the 

 stamping of the i)erfected animal with the Divine image 

 that forever separates him from all previous types, it was no 

 wonder that God set man, in whom the perpetual struggle 

 between the body and soul was to take place, in a garden for 

 his education." 



The outlook for New England agriculture nmst be posi- 

 tive, the horizon uuist broaden or converge, all depending 

 upon those who direct, suggest and inspire the energies of 

 the next quarter of a century. 



Here are the markets ; here the industries are multiph'ing 

 rapidly ; here is to be the ^reat distributing centre for 

 manufactured products ; here are the acres wdiich will yield 

 larger crops than prairie or plantation ; and here a climate 

 adapted to the growing of a vast variety of food for man and 

 beast, and of a quality unexcelled upon the face of the earth. 



In the constructive work, a more aggressive agriculture, 

 the student, professor and worker have offered the greatest 

 opportunity of their lives. The conditions are favorable, 

 the times are auspicious, the tide is setting towards New 

 England, and the currents of thought are centring about 

 these granite hills. 



It is for us to help open w^ide the gates and usher in a 

 sentiment which shall sweep over New England, multipl3ing 

 the flocks and herds, the orchards, dairies and crops ; insur- 

 ing that growth of sturdy population which in the future 

 will give that strength of purpose, vigor of thought and 

 loyalty to principle which thus far has made New England 

 the dominating factor in our social, industrial and political 

 life. 



The Chair. Before proceeding to a discussion of the 

 subject so ably and interestingly presented to us by Dr. 

 Twitchell, I wish to give notice that luncheon will be served 

 to all visitors in attendance Avhen the meeting adjourns. 



