The American Farmer

The history, present problems and probable future evolution of the American farmer are to a large extent unique. Nevertheless he is a part of the great social development of his age to 'a greater extent than the farmers Of any other nation past or present. These facts render the voluminous European literature on the agrarian question of little value to the student of American agricultural problems save as it deals with the most general phases of the subject.
European conditions are still largely in uenced by the survivals of feudalism. The great estates trace their origin to this social stage. Hundreds of details affecting the present relation of land lord and tenant descend from the days of lord and serf.