CHAPTER I. 



WHAT IS THE REAL IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE? 



That the progress of America during the century 

 which now draws to a close has been of unprecedented 

 greatness, as compared with the past or present progress 

 of the other nations of the world, is a generally accepted 

 belief. The idea prevails that America is " built up." 

 This feeling finds expression every day in the utterances 

 of its people, and in most quarters. 



That this development on our continent has been 

 marvellous, is not to be questioned. However, to ap- 

 proximate a correct estimate of the real worth of this 

 expansion and greatness, and of the principal factors in 

 its accomplishment, various considerations are involved. 

 Account has to be made, not only of its political stand- 

 ing among the nations, but of the power and vigor of its 

 institutions, and its conditions for the existence and 

 promotion of peace, contentment, morality, and stability 

 among its people. A country's " strength is in its men, 

 and in their unity and virtue." ' In these are the essen- 

 tials of a development which may be true and enduring, 

 a progress which may be verifiable. 



To the question, to what great industry are we most 

 indebted for what may be true and abiding for good in 

 our development ? I have no hesitancy in answering : 



' John Ruskin 

 I* • Q 



