Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 May 1916 — Fewer Abandoned Farms. [ARTICLE]

Fewer Abandoned Farms.

Less is heard about abandoned farms in Massachusetts now that so many of our vfasfe places have been taken up by city people for country homes, or by the foreign-born who are more and more leaving mill work to acquire farms. These newcomers to the country bping old world standards of toil, and every member of such a household does bis or her part. When our forebears were subduing the earth in this state such industry was a necessity to the situation, and so it is now with these people who must make a second conquest of land which had been permitted to recede for lack of at ten; i on. Tii ese -Bolamle rs or peo - pie of other nationalities are making more than a living. The wants of such families are small in comparison with those of native owners of farms, and the growing difficult problem of help is provided for by large families. From these, beginnings a desirable element of citizenship, taught in the local schools, Is growing. A man like the Rev. Dr, F. E. Enrich, the. Congregational bishop of the rural regions of this state, comes to know through personal contact how valuable an asset Massachusetts possesses in this part of her rising generation.

j Oyer in New York state there J would appear to be more far-mMand available for purchase. A statement by the commissioner of agriculture shows an increasing demand for farms, and that the inquiries come largely from the west, where agricultural opportunities are supposed |to he most inviting. We are told | that improved roadways, good mar- , kets, advanced methods, of cultivaj lion and of treating the soil, promising larger returns to the farmer, j are among the infiuences that are turning attention to agriculture in the Empire state.—Springfield Republican. A