No. 4.] RURAL BETTERMENT. 23 



each specific object, or it maybe through that great national 

 organization, the grange, which champions the farmers' in- 

 terests in every wortliy direction. After an existence of 

 nearly forty years, it stands unrivalled in the country as a 

 representative of the agricultural interests and the farmers' 

 welfare. It combines social enjoyment, mental develop- 

 ment, and through co-operation the means of awakening 

 public sentiment in favor of legitimate legislation, that can- 

 not be obstructed by coml)ined wealth or the subterfuges of 

 wily schemers. It is the farmer's improved machine for 

 planting, cultivating and harvesting his crop, which is the 

 most important of all, noble manhood and helpful woman- 

 hood, and the opportunity to secure for themselves through 

 fair conditions a rightful share of the rewards for honest toil, 

 to the end that the activity in rural communities may regain 

 its early standing and agriculture return to its rightful place 

 at the head of all the industries of New England, and her 

 followers the true noblemen of the land. 



