viii BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



now. All these indicate the change that is rapidly taking 

 place, — the advance that is being made in the agriculture 

 of the State. 



Standing at the threshold of a new century, filled with an 

 optimism that we believe the circumstances warrant, we 

 repeat the words of an address written one year ago, as an 

 inspiration and a prophecy : — 



To-day the agriculture of New England is improving. Of Mas- 

 sachusetts I know of what I affirm. The farmer is not discouraged 

 or downhearted to-day, but looks forward to the coming prosperity, 

 and goes forth to meet it. He believes the undue burdens now 

 resting on his labor are to be removed, and as never before he 

 realizes his strength. The fariTier is getting to believe in himself 

 and to have greater faith in his brother. He realizes the dignity 

 of his calling, its importance to the State, its right to favor. He 

 sees that through co-operation and united effort much can be accom- 

 plished to improve his condition and advance his position. 



Competition with tlie west in the great grain staples for a while 

 led to loss and hardship, even as the west has since suffered by the 

 competition of Russia and India; but to-day New England has 

 found other channels of industry more pro(ital)le and better adapted 

 to her soil, her markets and her people. Looking forward, we see 

 the fruits of summer grown in January in our own greenhouses, 

 more profitably than in their proper season. We see our own 

 dependent population supplied with every luxury by New England 

 enterprise on New England soil. We see the fanner taking his 

 old stand as a leader in all good enterprises. We see his sons, 

 educated and strong, taking their rightful place and exerting their 

 old-time influence, — the strength of the hills, the backbone of the 

 cities. We see the electric car speeding its way from town to town 

 and from village to village, carr^'ing the child to the larger and 

 better schools, and giving free mail delivery to the homes of the 

 country as to the city. We see equal taxation resting " like the 

 atmosphere " on rich and poor alike, — every man according to 

 his abilit}'. We see the trusts that hold the farmers in their iron 

 grasp destroyed or made to subserve righteous ends for the benefit 

 of all. We see the bright day when arbitration shall settle the 

 differences of the nations, as law now settles the disputes between 

 individuals, and war's costly tribute shall cease. We see the home 

 in which all comforts are found and all graces abound, its approaches 

 lines of beauty, its crown of blessing the love and contentment that 

 dwell therein. We see wealth of character and honesty of purpose 



