CHAPTER IV

THE INNER LIFE OF THE AMERICAN FARMER

Reasons why the rural problem resulting from urban predominance exists only in English-speaking countries--Neglect of farmer more easily excused in the United States than elsewhere owing to his apparent prosperity--Country Life Commission's pronouncement on rural backwardness--Why the matter must be taken up by the towns--A survey of American rural life--The problem economically and sociologically considered in the Middle West--Causes and character of rural backwardness in the Southern States--The boll-weevil and the hookworm as illustrations of unconcern for the well-being of rural communities--The problem in the New England States not typically American--The progressive attitude of some communities in the Far West in rural reform 57