Xo. 4.] FARMING AS AN OCCUPATIOX. 337 



home. "Ill the homes of its people is the security of a 

 nation." Here can the evils which would destroy society be 

 best met and overcome, and our New England farmers come 

 short of their high privilege, if their homes are not fortresses 

 against which all the turbulent elements in society beat in 

 vain. 



" K'one love their country, but who love their home ; 

 For freedom can with those alone abide 

 "Who wear the golden chain with honest pride, 

 Of love and duty at their own fireside." 



I have alluded to the sturdy character developed on the 

 New England flirms in the eighteenth century. It is not the 

 fault of the farm if it is not still the nursery of those 

 characteristics which have made New England's history, and 

 which were never more needed than now. The study of the 

 past and present conditions of farming which the prepara- 

 tion of this paper made necessary, has strengthened my 

 faith in the future prosperity of the New England farmer. 

 The West is no lona-er making such laroe drafts of youth 

 from us, and her competition will be less severe as her home 

 markets make larger demands upon the Western farmers. 

 Also that other factor, manufacturing, which has helped to 

 deplete the rural ranks, has spent much of its force. The 

 West and shop will still recruit some from the New England 

 farm, but not in such a tidal wave as we have seen in the 

 past. 



The chief factor in the future progress of farming is the 

 farmer himself. Agricultural colleges and experiment 

 stations, wise legislation and organized agriculture by its 

 State boards and various other societies mav assist : but the 

 individual farmer, in his lot and place, mus^ work out his 

 own destiny. To do this successfully brain and braAvn must 

 go together. The study of his farm and its needs will add 

 streniith and visfor to his mind, as the ivork of the farm does 

 to his body. One of the best signs of the times is the in- 

 creased respect which farmers are having for their vocation. 

 As respect and faith come in, discontent with all of the evils 

 in its train will go out. The farmer will feel that he is in 

 partnership with nature, and, we hope, will recognize his 

 wife and children as active members of the firm. The ideal 



