Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1890-08-22
Re-pespIiaE New HRusP-htre's Abaa-
HourH Rmrtrta.

domfd EnFuas-
Brief reference has already been made 10
the fact that Of the l342 abandoned farms
reported in the state Of New Hampshire
last August, 30l are now occu pied as the re
suit Of the work Of the state commissioner
Of agriculture and immigrai on. later
mail has brought 10 us Comm ssioner Batch
elders report entire, and we refer to it
again not for purposes Of orgumedt, but
merely to show what has heen done in
neighboring state in the way Of re- peopling
abandoned farms, where the situation and
surroundings are in many respects similar
to those prevailing in our own state, how 1t
has been done, and with he thought in
mind that some of the methods adopted
there may be made to apply here with equal
effect.
The New Hampshire commission was ere
ated after that of Vermont and on the same
general plan, the law being entitled IAN
act for the development of the agricultural
resources Of the state through immigration
and other means " The same general re
suits followed the establishment of the i'm
migration bureau in New Hampshire as in
Vermont. although the subject has been
more favorably discussed by the press and
people in the former than in the latter state
Regarding the wisdom of advertising to the
world the fact that many New England
farms were abandoned Mr.. Batchelder
says
at was with more or less hesitancy at first
that we entertained the proposition to ad
vertise to the world that within the borders
of our state were hundreds Of abandoned
farms. but recognizing the business princi
pie that no one comes to purchase until he
knows what there is for sale, we have en-
tered upon the work, AMI at no time have
we had any reason TO regret the course
taken"
First was issued the letter of inquiry sim
liar to that put forth by the Vermont com
missioner, bringing in reports of 1912 aban-
doned farms and tenantable buildings in 154
towns. Then was published a descriptive
pamphlet of 103 pages, containing map of
the state and statement IN regard to its Fl
nancial. educational and social advantages.
The adaptability of the abandoned farms to
various branches of agriculture was dis
cussed and special prominence given to their
advantages for summer homes. A list of
summer hotels and boarding houses in the
state was included in the pamphlet and sta
tistics given in regard to them. A com
plete list of creameries with their location
was also included, and numerous illustra
tions of typical New England scenery. An
edition of 5000 copies was published and
5000 copies have been distributed, having
been sent to all parts of the United States,
and even to Canada, England and Sweden.
Only two thousand letters of inquiry were
received in response to these pamphlets,
and a table in Mr.. Batchelder's report
shows that the three hundred and one farms
sold since this work was instituted were
located in various parts of the state, seven
being the largest number in any one county.
In answer to the question, what class of
people are the buyers of these farms :" Mr..
Batchelder saws that the class in general
is good. Those farms which have become
occupied for agricultural purposes are main
ly taken by Americans. large number
have become occupied by city people who
desired home in the country.
As we said in the beginning, these state
ments are not presented for purposes of ar
gument, but merely to show what is doing
in a nearby section of New England to
remedy the abandoned-fa farm evil New
Hampshire has profted by following, in
some particulars, the plan as originally
adopted by Vermont. This state may gain
some points" by carefully studying the
system adopted by New Hampshire,
Meanwhile it should be noted that Mr.
Batchelder's report is a magnificent testi-
mony 10 the value of advertising. The
state made use of exactly the same methods
that prevail in nearly every large and sue
cessful business house in the country in ad
vertising what it mad for sale, and these ad
vertisements have brought the customers.
Judicious advertising pays. - Burlington
Free Press.