14 BOARD OF AGEICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



where; and for a few moments we' will forget that we are 

 citizens of Massachusetts or New Hampshire , but Americans 

 in the broadest sense of the word. 



Agriculture the Basis. 



We hear a great deal about the importance of agriculture 

 as the great basic industry of the country, upon which all 

 other industries depend ; but comparatively few people 

 appreciate the full significance of such a statement. The 

 volume of agricultural products can be expressed in figures 

 and the number of people engaged in agricultural pursuits 

 stated, both of which are so vast as to be almost staggering, 

 and yet convey no comprehensive idea of the important 

 place that agriculture fills in the business of the country, 

 because its relation to other industries is not therein indi- 

 cated. The dependence of manufacturing, transportation 

 and commercial affairs for prosperity upon the prosi)erity of 

 agriculture is the vital point in the great supremacy of this 

 industry. The patriotic statesman who most sincerely desires 

 to contribute to national wealth and national prosperity will 

 most effectually accomi)lish his purpose by contributing to 

 the promotion and development of agriculture. 



To do this means something more than producing crops 

 and feeding stock, for it means making such efforts as will 

 enable every farmer to produce crops and feed stock at an 

 increased })rofit. Those men and women who have worked 

 out difficult problems in agriculture and established princi- 

 ples that have become a science are entitled to as much honor 

 as those who have manifested their patriotism in the discus- 

 sion of important public questions or directed great public 

 matters. In a smaller way, those who have been leaders in 

 the adoi)tion of scientific methods in the operation of their 

 farms, furnishing object lessons for those inclined to follow 

 rather than lead, are as much entitled to be termed patriots 

 as those who have rendered the people loyal service in the 

 management of public affairs. A })erson can become a 

 patriot in building up agriculture, either working for him- 

 self or for the advantage of others, as well as in the super- 

 vision of affairs which depend upon agriculture for a 

 foundation. 



