78 BOAKD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



value and of so great importance, that real interest attaches 

 to the work. The land with its great possibilities is attract- 

 ing: larj^e numbers of business men and others in our cities, 

 not only to its ownership, but to its best development along 

 scientific and business lines. There is an active demand at 

 the present time for farms, and much less is said of aban- 

 doned farms than at any time. They are being bought up, 

 the land is again being brought into cultivation, buildings 

 are being repaired, dairies of good cows are being brought 

 to these farms, and orchards are being planted of carefully 

 selected tiee^ that have been as well bred as the cattle. 



The recent report of the Secretary of Agriculture gives 

 some astonishing facts. What the department has done for 

 a better agriculture is almost beyond comprehension, and 

 when we consider the enormous wealth, that agriculture has 

 produced, under crude methods, what are the possibilities in 

 the soil when we shall bring to it greater scientific knowl- 

 edge, practicall}^ applied? 



Never in the history of our agriculture has so much in- 

 terest, so much intelligent thought, I^een given to land, to 

 the soil, to the possibilities that may be realized in its im- 

 provement and future development, as at the present time. 

 While our cities are growing at a marvellous rate, and they 

 are filled and crowded by many who are seeking to acquire 

 great fortunes, — some, unfortunately, in doubtful ways, — 

 it is hopeful and healthful to note this tendency, now so 

 marked, back to the land, where, if money is not made as 

 fast, a kind of life is developed by living in close touch with 

 nature? that makes a better citizenship, and the promulgation 

 of iDrinciples that underlie good, just and stable government. 



Mr. B. P. Ware, (of Marblehead). While 1 have no 

 doubt the lecture has been of great interest and very profit- 

 able, my hearing is so imi)erfect that I really am not in a 

 condition to discuss the subject. I fe(il that fruit culture 

 for Massachusetts is of vital importance, and especially that 

 of the apple, although in coming over the road I saw a great 

 many old orchards that were quite neglected, and were of 

 little or no value. Vet T believe to-day that there is no 



