24 Henry Gannett — Movements of our Population. 



losses which these states have sustained have been repaired only 

 in part by the fecundity of the people. 



On the other hand, in the newer states Avhere settlement began 

 since we became a nation, the rate of increase of population was 

 at first extremely large and then diminished down to the present 

 time ; but it has not diminished uniformly or continuously, be- 

 cause of certain disturbing elements. 



In the progress of settlement of this and perhaps other coun- 

 tries there is a certain order or sequence in the occupations fol- 

 lowed by the majority of the people, an order which accompanies 

 and is closely related to the increasing density of the population. 

 After the pioneers, or hunters, trappers, etc, commonly follow 

 herdsmen and ranchmen as the first settlers. The raising of 

 cattle, which requires a wide range of country for pasturage, is 

 the prominent industry of a newly opened territory. Then 

 farmers come and gradually crowd the herdsmen out. The land 

 . is occupied in small parcels and affords sustenance to a much 

 larger number, but the time ultimately arrives when the popu- 

 lation becomes too dense for profitable farming, and a portion of 

 the peojjle, taking the hint given them by the increasing hard- 

 ness of the times, enter other avocations ; and so manufactures 

 and commerce take their beginnings and gradually grow and 

 multiply until the farmer finds himself in tlie minority. The 

 body of people are engaged in making things instead of raising- 

 things. Now, Avhen a nation or state approaches the limit in 

 density of population of successful farming it does not pass easily 

 and freely into a manufacturing community. There is more or 

 less trouble. There are hard times and a depreciation of values 

 for a while. It is a sort of dead-point in the machiner}^; but 

 when the change is efii'ected, or on the way to be effected, pros- 

 perity once more beams upon the community. 



This is not an ideal case. We have before us in the states 

 of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, and in parts of adjacent 

 states examples of communities Avhich are now passing through 

 just such a crisis. The growth of population in these states is 

 at present very slow. The farmers are getting crowded, while 

 other industries are not sufficiently advanced to take their place. 

 A quarter of a century ago southern New England was in that 

 situation, but has now emerged from it, and having become a 

 manufacturing section is exceedingly prosperous and the popu- 

 lation is increasing again Avith great rapidity, the increase being 

 essentially urban. 



