TO THE FARMERS OF CANADA 



TO the call for men, and more men, Canada has nobly responded, and 

 every day sees fresh battalions on their willing way to the Empire's 

 battle line. To the unceasing and unselfish work of the women of 

 Canada we all pay a heartfelt tribute, and the patriotic activities of 

 our people in the cities and towns have made life a finer thing than it 

 was before. But those concerned with the production of that which 

 is the life-blood of armies in the field have been no whit behind. The 

 farmers of Canada realizing as perhaps never before the important 

 part that the production of food stuffs plays in such a gigantic struggle, 

 looked upon their calling and responsibilities with deeper respect and 

 broader view, and made strong efforts to give their assistance by in- 

 creasing production along all possible lines. To what extent, small or 

 great, the appeal made last year was responsible for this, I cannot tell, 

 but in any case I gladly here express my own and the Government's 

 deep appreciation of the fine response made. The results have sur- 

 passed expectations. Canada from her abundance can help supply 

 the Empire's needs, and this must be a comforting thought for those 

 upon whom the heavy burden of directing the Empire's affairs has been 

 laid. Gain or no gain the course before the farmers of Canada is as 

 clear as it was last year — they must produce abundantly in order to 

 meet, the demands that may be made, and I believe this to be especially 

 true in regard to live stock, the world's supply of which must be par- 

 ticularly affected in this vast struggle. Stress and strain may yet be 

 in store for us all before this tragic conflict is over, but not one of us 

 doubts the issue, and Canadians will do their duty in the highest sense 

 of that great word. 



MARTIN BURRELL, 



Minister of Agriculture. 



Qooni K 



