CHANGES m NEW ENGLAND POPULATION. NATHAN ALLEN, M. D., Of Lowell, Mass. Read at the Meeting of the American Social Science Association, Saratoga, September 6, 1877. LOWELL, MASS. : Stone, Huse & Co., Printers, 130 Central Street. 1877. Changes in New England Population. In the history of a' nation or a people changes are sometimes taking place, gradually and quietly, which though scarcely perceptible at the time, be- come ultimately very important. It may require a series of years, or the space of several generations, to work out the prob- lems, but vital and important results are sure to follow. We believe that such changes are taking place in our New Eng ■ land population at the present time as in- dicate grave results, and which should re- ceive careful consideration. some change of business at home, oi new lands were thrown into market by the Government or by means of railroads, there has been “a Western fever,” and crowds might be seen going West. While we have no means of ascertain- ing the exact number removing from New England during any one year or period of time, the United States census gives every ten years the birth-place of all the people residing in every State at the time the census was taken. What, then, are some of the facts or figures on this sub- ject? In 1870, New York reports 105,299 persons living in that State born in New England—4l,3ss in Massachusetts, and 36,307 in Vermont. Ohio reports 41,995 born in New England—l3,39o in Massa- chusetts, and 12,408 in Connecticut. Illi- nois reports 71,172 persons born in New England—22,ls6 in Massachusetts, and 18,515 in Vermont. Wisconsin reports 48,529 born in New England—l6,42l in Vermont, and 10,403 in Massachusetts. Michigan reports 41,391 born in New England—l4,44s in Vermont, and 10,832 in Massachusetts. lowa reports 38,181 persons born in New England—l2,2o4 in Vermont, 8,929 in Massachusetts, 5,943 in Maine, 5,056 in New Hampshire, 5,185 in Connecticut, and 914 in Rhode Island, being more equally populated from all parts of the East than most of the other Western States. Minnesota reported 28,679 born in New England—9,939 in Maine, 6,815 in Vermont, and 5,731 in Massachusetts. California makes the fol- lowing report: From Massachusetts, 15,334 persons, 11,261 from Maine, 3,500 from Vermont, 2,977 from Connecti- cut, 2,720 from New Hampshire, and 1,417 from Rhode Island—amount- ing in all to 37,209. It seems that more than two-thirds of the emigration to California from New England came from Massachusetts and Maine, and all the representatives of New England in Cali- fornia composed less than one-thir- teenth of her whole population in 1870, though probably much less than that at the present time. It is proposed to notice some of these changes tinder the following heads : 1— Change in Residence. 2 “ in Pursuits. 3 “ in Numbers, i— “ in Character. 5 The Causes of Change. 6 The Effects “ “ In discussing these several topics, while the more recent changes will re- ceive the principal attention, it may be found necessary to extend the inquiry back two or three generations, or at least some fifty years. And though the sources of information differ widely in the different States, and the facts and statis- tics adduced will not apply alike to all the States, still the statements made and inferences deduced will find a general ap- plication to all parts of New England. I-—CHANGE IN RESIDENCE. In the early history of New England there were few changes in the residence of her people. As agricultural pursuits constituted their principal occupation, the same farms and lauds continued, to a great extent, in the same families from generation to generation. Very little emigration out of New England took place prior to the revolutionary war. About the close of the last century and the commencement of the present, many removals were made to the State of New York, and some to Ohio. This emigra- tion from New England continued stead- ily to increase, not only to these States, but to other States and Territories at the West. To such an extent has this emi- gration gone on, for half a century or more, that a very large number of individ- uals, numerous families and whole colo- nies of this class might have been found, any year, scattered all through the West- ern States and new Territories. While it is impossible to state the exact number thus emigrating, it may safely be said to amount every year to many thousands. There have been periods when this emi- gration has been much larger and more rapid than at others. Whenever by The whole number reported by the cen- sus as born in New England, but living in other States, in 1870, was 615,747, and emigrated from the different States as follows: 172,339 from Massachusetts, 133,430 from Vermont, 123,332 from Maine, 111,241 from Connecticut, 52,633 from New Hampshire, and 22,772 from Rhode Island. At the same time it re- ports 107,040 persons living in New Eng- land who were born in other States, New York furnishing 73,367—that is, almost three-fourths of the whole. By these figures it appears that New England had, 4 in 1870, over and above what she had re- ceived from States outside of herself, more than half a million of representa- tives in other States—mostly at the West —who had emigrated from her soil. As this emigration has been going on for three-fourths of a century, extending considerably over two generations, it would be interesting to know if we could ascertain just how many persons, born in New England, have removed from her borders to the Western States and the new Territories. Census reports for 1840 and ’SO furnish evidence that, at these periods, half a million of people, born in New England, were living in other States. From the best estimates we can make, we are persuaded that during the present century, more than one million of persons —including those deceased—have emi- grated from New England. But a change of residence is not con- fined to removals from New England to New York, to Ohio and the “ far West.” There are changes taking place within her own borders more frequent and nu merous than the emigration to other States. Let us inquire what are the facts illustrating this point. In 1870 there were found in Massachusetts 55,371 per- sons born in Maine, 47,173 born in New Hampshire, 22,180 in Vermont, 17,313 in Connecticut, and 14,356 in Rhode Island, making 157,193 natives of other States living in Massachusetts. At the same time Massachusetts had in these same States the following representatives : In Maine 11,139, in New Hampshire 16,510, in Vermont 9,202, in Connecticut 17,871 and in Rhode Island 18,719, making 71,- 441, showing that Massachusetts had gained in the exchange 85,752 persons. Changes in the other States are not so marked. Maine had sent to New Hamp- shire 11,394 and received in return 9,753 ; New Hampshire had sent to Vermont 13,- 540 and received 12,837 from Vermont; Massachusetts had sent to Rhode Island 18,719 and received 14,356 from the same; Rhode Island had given to Connecticut 7,897 and received 5,534; Connecticut had given to Massachusetts 17,313 and received back 17,871—almost an equal exchange. In these changes Connecti- cut and Rhode Island neither gain nor lose much; but Vermont loses 13,891, New Hampshire 30,981, Maine 49,008, while Massachusetts is the only State that gains largely by these exchanges. Vermont and Maine contributed the larg- est emigration to the West, in proportion to their population: Vermont 133,430, and Maine 123,332. It should be stated that, in the case of Vermont, 36,307 had removed to New York; whereas the emi- gration from Maine had principally gone to the West. extensive throughout New England.— Though this change may not extend to great distances, or require much prepara- tion, yet it may be attended with marked and serious results, especially when made on a large scale. This change commenced about a half- century ago, by the removal of a few young persons, and here and there a sur- plus family, from country districts to places where trade or business demanded more help. The introduction of manu- factures and mechanical pursuits of va- rious kinds, as well as the opening of railroads, created a great demand for la- borers. Connected with these changes, trade and commerce became very much enlarged and furnished employment for great numbers. By means of these changes, also, new centres of business are formed, new villages spring up, and large towns are converted into cities. Such changes in business must of course change the residences of a people. This removal from the country and rural dis- tricts will not apply in the same propor- tion to all parts of New England. It is more marked in localities, or States, where uew kinds of business have been introduced and railroads have been open- ed. This change has been taking place more extensively of late than formerly. The census of Massachusetts, for 1875. presents some striking facts on this sub- ject. It shows that from 1865 to 1875, of the 342 towns in the State 200 had in- creased in population, while 142 had de- creased by over one hundred thousand inhabitants. It should be stated that about hall this loss occurred by annex- ing lour places to Boston; but there was a positive loss of population in 138 towns ; and from 1855 to 1865 a loss oc- curred in 166 towns. From 1845 to 1855 there was a positive loss of population in 86 towns, and this extends back, growing less and less, some twenty years farther. I his change commenced first in the small farming towns, and has prevailed more extensively in places remote from mar- ket and railroad accommodations. It should be borne in mind that this change involves not only a positive loss in these districts,but that the natural increase from births, which occur from year to year and in the course of twenty years would add largely to population, is all absorb- ed in the change. This change of residence may be more marked in Massachusetts, which possesses a larger number of cities, more railroad facilities and greater diversity of pursuits ; but extensive changes of this character have been made in all the New England States. In Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, the hill-towns and many of the agricultural districts are gradually be- coming depopulated,not alone by death or the emigrating of young people, but by the removal of whole families to the cen- tres of business—that is, to the villages and the cities. In Rhode Island and Con- necticut there is not the same extent of territory, and population is more equally There is another marked change in residence, quite different from the one de- scribed, more local in its character and not governed by State lines. This change consists in a migration from country towns and rural districts to vil- lages and cities, and has become very 5 distributed, so that removals from coun- try to city is not so marked as in the other States; still, more than 60 towns in the agricultural districts of Connecticut have decreased in population since 1860. Then, the changes of residence within places devoted to manufacturing,commer- cial and mechanical business, and the re- movals from one town to another, are so many that they could not well be enumer- ated. Indeed, a change of residence with this class of people occurs oftener than in an agricultural district. We have no reports or statistics to show exactly to what extent a change of residence or mi- gration is taking place in New England, but it is very extensive and constantly increasing, and if fully known it would surprise most people. Vll.—Students of all grades, 282,784 VIII.—Not given, including chi1dren,&c.,347,129 The most striking fact observable in this table is the comparatively small number engaged in agriculture. In anoth- er place, where those concerned in fisher- ies are excluded, we find the exact num- ber engaged in agriculture is 70,945, classed as proprietors or owners of farms 35,457, and as laborers to whom wages are paid 35,488. In some cases, the “ pro- prietor ” was the owner of two or more farms, as there were over forty thousand distinct farms reported, and so the labor- er may have worked upon several different farms. Almost the only account of the occupa- tions of the inhabitants of the other New England States is found in the United States census of 1870, which is very brief, and as follows : Census of 1870. Profess’al Trades Manu- Closely connected with a change of residence is a change in pursuits; in fact, a removal from country to city, or from a small place to a larger one, almost ne- cessarily implies such a change. Prior to the present century, the prevailing busi- ness of New England people was agri- culture. Before the last war with Eng- land (1812) the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods had been commenced upon a small scale, but ill consequence of this war, the importation of these and some other foreign goods was prevented or forbidden. This brought up the ques- tion at once of home manufactures, which were soon introduced in different places—particularly in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Among the pioneers in this business were several Englishmen, distinguished both for their intelligence and enterprise. In this way the business was favorably started and soon met with much success. Nature had prepared the way by an abundance of water-power, and plenty of land well adapted to the pur- pose could easily be obtained. One site after another was selected, and soon vil- lages sprang up, as if by magic. As a result of this industry and enterprise, the whole face of the country, as well as the business of the people, has become changed. We have no reports or statistics by means of which a history or an exact account can be easily given of this grad- ual change in pursuit or occupation which has taken place with all our New England people. Massachusetts is the only State which has published from time to time iu reports separate from the United States census—a full account of its various in- dustries and the occupations of its in- habitants. In 1845, ’55, ’65 and ’75 we have a detailed statement of her indus- tries, including the occupations of her people. The report of 1875 gives these facts in respect to the number engaged in the following pursuits : IX.—CHANGE IN PURSUITS. Agri- and Per- and fact’es cul- sonal Trans- and ture Service portat’n Mech’s Connecticut, 43,653 38,704 24,720 86,344 Maine, 82,111 36,092 28,115 62,007 Massachusetts, 72,810 131,291 83,780 292,665 New Hampshire, 46,573 18,528 8,514 46,553 Rhode Island, 11,780 19,679 10,108 47,007 Vermont, 59,983 21,032 7,132 22,616 316,909 145,324 162,369 557,192 This table presents in a summary form these facts: In Connecticut for 43,653 engaged in agriculture there are 149,768 pursuing other occupations; iu Maine to 82,111 agriculturists, we have 126,214 otherwise engaged; in Massachusetts to 72,810 there are 507,736; In New Hamp- shire, to 46,573 there are 73,595; in Rhode Island to 11,780 there are 84,796, and iu Vermont to 59,983 agriculturists there are 50,780 otherwise engaged. The States standing at the two ex- tremes are Vermont, which, unlike any other State, has more people engaged in farming than in all other pursuits, and Massachusetts, which has only about one-seventh as many employed on the farm as are engaged in manufactures and other business. The occupations of Rhode Island people are distributed near- ly in the same proportion as those of Massachusetts. The whole number in all the New England States engaged in agriculture is 316,909, and in other pur- suits 865,885, being almost three times as many of the latter. It is well understood that fifty years ago farming constituted the principal oc- cupation of New England people, though neither the census nor any other reports can give us the statistics on the subject; but no fact is more evident than that dur- ing this period a great change in occupa- tion has taken place. By the censuses of 1840, ’5O, ’6O and ’7O, instead of an in- creased number engaged in agriculture, with the increase of population, we find the number actually diminishing. It is found during all these years, that the great additions made to our population are absorbed in other pursuits than farm- ing. The question of Decline in Agricul- ture in New England has for years been I.—Government and Professional, 29,730 ll.—Domestic and Personal service, 424,289 111. Trade and Transportation, 104,935 IV. Agriculture, Fisheries, &c., 81,156 V.—Manufactures and Mechanical Industries, - - - 316,459 Vl.—Non-productive and Propertied, 65,430 6 mooted, and various explanations of the j assumed decline have been given. It is well known, too, that many im- portant changes in agriculture have taken place. I—Less land is now cultivated than formerly; the improvement of many thousands of acres on the hills and in the poorer districts of New England is now | given up, but the land near cities, large towns and the markets is more fully and better cultivated. 2—There has been a change in the crops; the products are j greatly improved in quality and variety— are far better adapted to the market and yield a much better income. It is found that the products of agriculture, as a whole, are much larger and more valuable than formerly. 3—By the introduction of machinery and improved tools,- farm- ing is carried on with much less help and manual labor. These facts may account in part for changes in pursuit. But there is another point which has an important bearing on the question. By the last census of Massachusetts it appears that one-half the persons engaged in agriculture are paid laborers, working for wages; but perhaps in the other New England States there would not be the same proportion of laborers—that is, persons to whom wages are paid. Now, it is well known that this laboring class is composed largely of foreigners, who take the place of young men and old of purely native origin; and not only this, but in the rural districts and throughout the country towns, both small and large farms are constantly pass- ing into the hands of this same foreign element, so that foreigners are becoming extensive land-owners and proprietors. Thus, from the class denominated agri- cultural, if a line could be drawn between the strictly native and foreign, large numbers must be deducted, to obtain the proportion of Americans engaged in this business. in this change deserving notice. One general characteristic is, to exchange the harder and more laborious employ- ments for the lighter pursuits of the office, the shop, the store and the mill. Again: those occupations are sought that are immediately remunerative, and hold out the greatest prospects of accumulation. Health, safety, integrity, morality, im- provement, &c., have comparatively lit- tle influence or weight in the consideration There is another point connected with this change, in addition to its extent and frequency: Its growth its increase. ~ Such a result must follow, both from a more changeable state of business and society, as well as from a change in physical organization. This last point presents considerations and involves consequences of the greatest magnitude, which will be more fully discussed, in some of its aspects, near the close of this paper. From the statements already made in reference to changes in residence and pur- suit, we should infer that there must also have been many changes in numbers. But there are certain peculiarities in these changes that call for special notice. For, in order to understand fully and correct- ly the condition, characteristics and pros- pects of a people, we must have some definite knowledge of their past and pres- ent numbers, and through what changes, in this respect, they have passed. And to obtain this knowledge, it becomes necessary to bring together a great varie- ty of facts, and then look at them from different points of view. It is only by collecting, analyzing and comparing these facts, that we can obtain this defi- nite knowledge. 111.—CHANGE IN NUMBERS. As each State has peculiarities in the history and changes of its population, we propose first to notice each separate- ly, and then consider the general facts as applied to the whole. And inasmuch as the numbers and character of a people are so identified and connected that the discussion of the two subjects can not well be carried on separately, it is pro- posed to include under the same head, In this change two facts are noticeable : I—The diminishing number of Americans engaged in agriculture; 2—The relative increase of foreigners engaged in it. And never was this change taking place faster than at the present time. Within a few years an extraordinary amount of real es- tate has come into market, and many farms in the rural districts, or back country towns, are offered for sale at low prices. These are very generally purchased by the foreign class. The hard times have a peculiar tendency to drive this class into the country to engage in farming. The Massachusetts census of 1875 reports under the head “ Agriculture,” 2,000 per- sons less than the United States census of 1870. Before presenting any statistics or re- marks on this topic, it may be premised that there are certain general principles or established facts which should guide us in our inquiries. While we have no perfect models or standards of society by which we can always test in the history and growth of a people what is natural, healthy and normal, still there are general considerations that should enter into the account. For illustration : There are two modes by which the population of a com- munity may be increased: I—By an ex- cess of births over deaths, that is, by nat- ural increase; and, 2-By the number immi- grating into a place exceeding those mov- ing out of it, that is, increase by immigra- tion. Now there may be changes in the operations of these two factors or agen- IV.—CHANGES IN CHARACTER. By change of pursuit we do not mean simply a change from agricultural to man- ufacturing pursuits, but include all other kinds of business—professional, commercial, mechanical, &c. The fact of frequent change from one occupation to another, indicates a restless, uneasy state of mind and fickleness of purpose. There are two or three peculiar features 7 cies that, so far as the permanent inter- ests of a people are concerned, may prove for the better, or for the worse. The good or the evil involved in the change is not apparent. It may require a long period of time for its full development. But still in examining these changes, we can but form some opinions and theories as to results. At the same time the greatest care should be exercised in the presenta- tion of facts, in analyzing and comparing them, as well as in the inferences or de- ductions drawn from them. States into this are, in all probability, made up of a similar class, which would balance any loss from this source. For illustration: Among these emigrants into Massachusetts were 103,344 persons from Maine and New Hampshire, which should make good an equal number of removals. The facts that every census has report- ed large additions to our population, and the births have considerably exceeded the deaths every year, have misled the public mind. No particular inquiry has been made whence this increase came. Sup- posing that for fifty years there had been no foreign emigration into the State, and of course no natural increase from this source, what a surprising difference it would have made in these census reports ! What a strange spectacle would Massa- chusetts, or even New England, have presented upon the question of increased population! What a change has taken place in its birth-rate during the present century! What a contrast it presents to the birth-rate of foreign emigrants! France, having the lowest birth-rate of any European nation, has for many years attracted the curiosity and study of its savans to ascertain its cause. Why should there, with the same number of married families, be one-third more births in England or Germany than in France? Why should there be twice the number of births among the English, Irish and Canadian women to the same number of American? Without quoting the figures, or stating the facts in detail, it is shown by the census and registration reports of Massachusetts and Rhode Island that there are twice as many births of foreign origin as of American; and it is very questionable whether there is much in- crease of numbers in the latter class. Massachusetts.—As this State is the oldest and largest of the New England States, we will first notice the changes that have taken place in her popu- lation. The census presents the fol- lowing facts : The population of Mas- sachusetts was, in 1820, 523,287 ; in 1880, 610,408, in 1840, 737,700; in 1850, 994,514; in 1860, 1,231,066, and in 1870, 1,457,351. In 1820 the foreign-born ele- ment in the population was very small, but in 1830 it reached 9,620; in 1840, 34,- 818; in 1850, 164,448; in 1860,260,114, and in 1870, 357,319, reported as born out of the United States. This does not in- clude those of foreign parentage born in the State during these fifty years, and still living here. Erom the best estimates we can make this number cannot fall short of 150,000, which, added to the for- eign-born, makes over a half million of foreign descent. This deduction left in the State (1870) less than one million of pure American stock. Now, how stands the emigration of this class, out of and into the State? In 1850 there were 199,582 residents in other States, natives of Massachusetts; in 1860, 242,786 and in 1870, 243,880; but in 1850, there were in Massachusetts 134,830 res- idents, natives of other States; in 1860, 163,637, and in 1870, 200,107, making an excess at each census as follows : 64,732, 79,149 and 43,763 of natives of Massachu- setts living in other States. By the cen- sus of 1870 it appears that this emigra- tion from Massachusetts into other States had fallen off, making the difference in the exchange almost one-half. While it is presumed that only a small portion of this internal migration from State to State is composed of a foreign element, one thing is very evident: A careful analysis of these figures in exchanges of population for a series of years, shows that Massachusetts has not actually lost so many inhabitants by emigration as is generally supposed, or, in other words, that this emigration from year to year was balanced in some measure by per- sons removing from other States into Massachusetts. This fact goes to show that for a long series of years, there have not been by natural increase large addi- tions to the purely American population. It has been said that much allowance should be made for the fact that the emi- grating class is composed of young per- sons mostly, and that this makes a dif- ference in the birth-rate. In reply, it may be said that those removing from other That portion of the population of Mas- sachusetts represented as foreign-born, is composed of persons from the follow- ing countries : Ireland 216,120, England 34,081, Scotland 9,000, British America 69,491—about one-half of the last being Canadian-French. This was the report of 1870; but the numbers have since con- siderably increased. It. should be borne in mind that these figures do not include the children of these classes born in this country. If these were added, it would almost double the number. It may safe- ly be stated that about one-third of the population of this state is foreign. Maine—Stands next to Massachusetts in numbers, but is much larger in terri- tory. The census reports its population at different periods as follows :—IB2O, 298,335; 1830, 399,455; 1840, 501,793; 1850, 583,169; 1860, 628,279, and 1870, 626,915. It will be observed there was a regular increase up to 1850, when the in- crease fell off nearly one-half up, to 1860, and from 1860 to 1870 Maine lost over 1300 inhabitants. Its foreign element is relatively small, being less than 50,000 foreign-born, and composed mostly of persons from the following countries ; Ireland, 15,745; British America, 26,661; England, 3,645; and Scotland, 998. The 8 census shows that a large majority of this foreign element came into the State after 1850, when the increase of Ameri- can population was on the decline. were born in other States, losing in the exchange 109,479. It is presumed that, as a large majority of the natives of oth- er States residing in Maine came from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, these would make good an equal number of Maine people who had moved out of the State. But as a further oifset to this loss, the census reports 48,949 persons in Maine born out of the United States, mostly in Ireland and British America. Now, if the births among these classes should have been twice as large as the strictly American (as they have proved in other States), this foreign element would nearly make up in natural increase the loss occasioned by emigrants from Maine. Still we lack the statistics, or data, to settle these matters satisfacto- rily. The questions raised by this super- intendent of schools should receive care- ful consideration; but we pass them now, proposing to refer to the subject near the close of this paper. As there have never been any registra- tion reports of births, marriages and deaths kept in Maine, no facts can be gathered from this source. But the school reports of Maine furnish some striking statistics on the subject. We find that these reports give the whole number of scholars in the State, between four and twenty-one years of age, in 1860 as 244,920, and in 1861, 243,171; but in 1875, 221,474, and in 1876, 218,490. This makes a loss in these sixteen years of 25,430 scholars. This loss has occurred, notwithstanding in the meantime quite an addition of foreign element (which is always prolific) had been made to its population. Another fact: This diminu- tion occurs in children, and not of adults emigrating into other States. It is not at all surprising that one of the State superintendents of schools should use the following language in his report: “ Have we ceased to be a producing peo- ple? Formerly large families were com- mon. Have habits of living, diet, want of ventilation, increased family expenses, fashion, tight-lacing, intemperance or lewdness influenced to this result? Are the vital forces expended in brain labor and lost to physical reproduction? Are the modern fashionable criminalities of infanticide and foeticide creeping into our State community? It is not within the scope of this report to investigate the causes of this great loss in number of scholars, but rather to startle the statis- tician and sociologist to inquiries and remedies.” It is easy—very easy—to make “ inquiries,” but very difficult to find out and apply the “remedies.” That there should be, within a few years, a diminution in the population of Maine of 25,000 children is surprising. Once the people of this State had large families, abounding in children. But what a change have twenty or thirty years wrought! A healthy, an industri- ous people, engaged mostly in agricul- tural pursuits, and more than nine-tenths of them of Puritan stock (and where, too, the marriage-rate has not, so far as we can find, been lessened), instead of making from year to year regular addi- tions to their numbers by natural in- crease, show a wonderful decrease in children! New Hampshire.—The census reports give the population of this State at dif- ferent periods as follows: 1820, 244,161; 1830,269,328; 1840,284,574; 1850,317,- 976; 1860, 326,073, and 1870, 318,300. By these figures it appears that there was a steady increase of population up to 1850, a slight gain from 1850 to 1860, but a loss of over 7000 between 1860 and ’7O; and that in 1870 there were only 324 more inhabitants in New Hampshire than in 1850. As this State has never pub- lished reports of births, marriages and deaths, it is difficult to ascertain changes in population. The foreign ele- ment is quite small in New Humpshire (29,611—less, relatively, than in any oth- er New England State), and made up mostly of 12,190 from Ireland, 11,901 from Canada, 2,679 from England, and 892 from Scotland. It is somewhat singular that the larger part of the emigration from New Hamp- shire has been to the three adjoining States. The census of 1870 reports na- tives of this State, 9,753 in Maine, 13,540 in Vermont, and 47,773 in Massachusetts, making 71,066; and in return New Hampshire had received from Massachu- setts 16,510, from Vermont 12,837, and from Maine 11,394, making 40,741. The difference in the exchange is gained prin- cipally by Massachusetts. The emigra- tion West from New Hampshire, com- pared with other States, has not been large: 8,213 to Illinois, 5,056 to lowa, 3,633 to Michigan, 3,271 to Minnesota, and only 2,720 to California. From the census and other reports, it appears that the emigration from New Hampshire has not for many years been so large as formerly. It appears that the proportion of children also is not relatively so large. The censuses of 1860 and 70 report these remarkable facts: In 1860 there were in this State 67,578 children under 10 years of age; but in 1870 there were 57,874 under the same age—almost 10,000 less. In 1860 there were 66,603 persons between 10 There are only two extenuating facts, which should be mentioned in this con- nection, but they by no means afford a satisfactory explanation of this state of things : I—The Southern war, between 1860 and ’65, called from their homes a large body of men, which undoubtedly had an influence; but its effects here, as in other States, must have been tempo- rary and limited. 2—Emigration may have had some influence in this direction. In 1870, 146,403 persons born in Maine were living in other States and the new Territories, and 36,924 residents of Maine 9 and 20 years of age; but in 1870 there were 63,446—over 3000 less, and making in the two ages a loss of 12,861. It should be borne in mind, too, that the foreign element had in the meantime been increasing, and that this falling off in children could not originate from that source. among the Americans, has for along time been declining. From 1857 to 1874 its average has been 1 in 45, Including both American and foreign. The births are reported under foreign parentage, which must be somewhat larger than the foreign-born alone would be. If we take the two classes as reported by the census, the births of the foreign for the same numbers would be three times as many. The last Registration Report published, gives the whole num- ber of births from 1857 to 1874, Amer- ican 77,574 and foreign 31,136, with a population (census of 1870) of 283,396. American and 47,155 foreign. It may be said the comparison is not fair—that the foreign element is more largely composed of young families, whereas in the Ameri- can there are more elderly persons and families past middle life. Admitting this may be true in the present case, yet let the comparison be made di- rectly between young married families of both classes, as it has been done on a large scale by actual count in other States, and the number of births for one year or a series of years would be found about twice as many among the foreign as among the American. Connected with the tables of mortality there is an important statement. They show for a series of years that the rate of mortality is greater with the American than among the foreign. In cities and populous places in other States, the mortality of the foreign (especially of children) is considerably the largest. This occurs generally in unhealthy lo- calities—tenement houses, with the ex- tremely poor and neglected, from the want of care, nourishment and nursing. Give the foreign the same advantages as the American, and their death-rate would not be larger. In fact by birth, as a whole, they have more vitality and physical vigor and in infancy the advan- tage of being nursed at the breast, which is no small consideration. New Hampshire once added largely to its population by natural increase, fur- nishing not only great numbers for emi- gration, but supplying the demand for labor in its own State. The manufactures of Manchester, Nashua, Great Falls, Newmarket, &c., were once carried on by young men and women, natives of the State; but now nearly all the opera- tives in these mills are foreign. A dis- tinguished person upon a re-visit to one of these places, after many years’ absence, observing the difference, asked the question, What has become of the great numbers of young American people once working in these places, or why not found here now? It was difficult to convince this person that a surplus of such help could not be found in New Hampshire. Vermont.—The census reports the population as follows: 1820, 235,764; 1830, 280,652; 1840, 291,948; 1850,314,- 120; 1860, 315,098, and 1870, 330,551. By these figures, it appears that there was a steady increase of population from 1820 to 1850, but from that date to 1860 the gain was less than 1000. From 1860 to 1870 there appears to be a gain of over 15,000, but on examination we find this made up wholly from an increase of the following element; The census gives the foreign-born in 1860 as 32,743 and in 1870 as 47,161—almost the precise difference in the foreign which is found in the aggre- gate at the two pei’iods. This fact is also confirmed by the Registration Re- ports, showing that the increase in the State has taken place in those regions which are settled by the foreign-born. The emigration from Vermont to the West and other States was larger former- ly than of late years, but the census of 1870 reports 173,001 persons boi’n in Ver- mont living in other States and 39,474 living in Vermont born in other States. This emigration is made up mostly as follows : To New York 36,307, to Massa- chusetts 22,180, to Illinois 18,515, to Wis- consin 16,421, to Michigan 14,445, to New Hampshire 12,837, to Jowa 12,204, to Ohio 9,055, to Minnesota 6,815, to California 3,500; and in exchange from New Hampshire to Vermont 13,540, from New York 11,297, from Massachusetts 9,202, from Connecticut 1,613, and from Maine 1,202. No State in New England shows so large an emigration for its pop- ulation as Vermont. This change ex- plains, in part, why the State for a long series of years has not increased more in numbers. Connecticut.—The State of Connecti- cut presents quite a contrast to Vermont in the extent of its territory, in the pur- suits of its inhabitants and the mixed character of its population, which the census of 1870 reports as follows : 1820, 275,202; 1830, 297,675; 1840, 309,978; 1850, 370,792; 1860, 460,147 and 1870, 537,454. Unlike the other New England States, the last ten and twenty years present its greatest increase. In 1860 it had 379,451 native and 80,696 foreign, and in 1870 it had 424,115 native and i 13,339 foreign, showing in the meantime a stea- dy increase of both classes. The emigration from this State to the West has not been so large relatively as from most of the other States, and is thus represented: To New York 38,861, to Massachusetts 17,313, to Ohio 12,408, to Illinois 11,062, to Pennsylvania 6,767, to Michigan 7,412, to lowa 5,185, to Wis- consin 5,714, to Rhode Island 5,524, to New Jersey 5,448, and to California 2,977- The emigration to Connecticut is report- The registration report, which has been published now almost twenty years, presents some interesting facts. It is evident that the birth-rate in Vermont, 10 Ed as follows: From New York 29,594, from Massachusetts 17,871, from Rhode Island 7,897, from New Jersey 2,694, from Vermont 2,646, and from Pennsyl- vania 2,304, making in the exchange a difference of 63,315. The foreign element in this State is large, reported in 1870 as 113,339—but this represents only that portion born out of the United States. As they settled in the State early and have been increasing for fifty years or more, we must add to this all born of foreign parentage in the State classed as “native.” The whole number of foreigners, then, reckoning their increase as found in other States, must reach, at the present time, 175,000 —nearly one-third of the population of the State. This “natural increase” of the foreign element explains, in a meas- ure, why the State for the last twenty years has steadily increased in numbers. They are composed of a fruitful class, as will be seen by the census report of 1870: from Ireland 70,630, England 12,992, Ger- many 12,443, Canada 10,840, Scotland 3,- 238, and from France 830. The German and English element is relatively more largely represented in Connecticut than in other States, and they find employment in special departments of manufactures. ces, there could scarcely be gathered enough pupils to form a school. On this account many school districts in these towns are given up, and the number of schools reduced. This diminution of children and schools in country towns applies to large districts in every State, and presents one of the saddest specta- cles that can be found in New England. Rhode Island—Is the smallest in ter- ritory and population of any of the New England States. The census reports its population at different periods as follows : 1820,83,059; 1830,97,199; 1840,108,830: 1850, 147,545; 1860, 174,620; 1870, 217,- 315, and 1875, 258,239. It appears by these figures that the increase was slow the first thirty years, but from 1850 to 1870 it was more rapid, and then from 1870 to ’75, it was far greater than at any former period. This increase is account- ed for by the large foreign element in the State. Rhode Island had in 1870, 46,381 repre- sentatives in other States, in exchange for 19,720 born in these States, but resi- dents of this State: in Massachusetts 14,356, in New York 6,993, in Connecti- cut 7,897, in Illinois 2,446, in California 1,418, in Pennsylvania 1,586, in Wisconsin 1,152, in Michigan 1,137, and in Ohio 1,127; but in Rhode Island were natives of Massachusetts 18,718, of Connecticut 5,534, of New York 3,931, of Maine 1,875 and of Yermont 994. These figures show that this State has never sent many emi- grants to the West, but made exchanges principally with adjoining States. The foreign element has been, and is especially at the present time, more large- ly represented here than in any other State. In 1870 we find the whole number 55,396, but in 1875, 71,630, made up as follows ; From Ireland 37,286, from British Ameri- ca 13,687, from England 12,739, from Scotland 3,186 and from Germany 2,013. But these figures include only the foreign- born; if we add the exact number of foreign parentage (51,887) it makes the whole number of foreign 123,517 and American 134,722, according to the new census of the State for 1875. Rhode Island is the only State whose census and registration reports have for twenty years or more kept an exact record of the two classes by parentage or nationality. This is the only way in which correct compar- isons can be instituted, or any true basis for vital statistics be established. The public are indebted to Dr. E. M. Snow for this great improvement in registra- tion reports and tables on vital statistics. No one can examine these reports without being surprised at the difference in the “natural increase” of the two Another peculiarity in the foreign ele- ment in Connecticut is this : it is not con- fined to cities or particular localities, but diffused through all parts of the State. This may be accounted for from the fact that there is found here a great variety of pursuits widely scattered throughout the State, some of them re- quiring just the skill and service which can be rendered best by foreign help. Cer- tain kinds of mechanical and manufac- turing business, not found elsewhere, are carried on in this State and readily af- ford occupation for skilled labor. In this way, a portion of the foreign element be- comes more intelligent and of a higher character. Excepting Rhode Island, this State has a larger and greater variety of pursuits than any other New England State. In fact, Connecticut is devoted especially to the interests of manufac- tures. Still, agriculture has a strong hold on the people, affording occupation, ac- cording to the census, to a Very large num- ber of persons, though marked changes in those portions of the State have been taking place. The Secretary of the Board of Educa- tion in a late report says : “ Having vis- ited all but two towns in the State, my sympathies have been much enlisted in behalf of those declining in population.” He describes nearly one hundred such towns ; some of them the oldest in the State, and which were once flourishing places, furnishing large and promising families, giving birth to some of the most distinguished men in the State and the nation. In some of these towns a great change had taken place in the num- ber' of children; once there were neigh- borhoods and districts abounding with school children, but now in the same pla- classes. A careful record of this increase from 1865 to 1875 was kept, and the fol- lowing statement referring to it is made in the census report of 1875 : “It shows that the native American population of Rhode Island, by parentage, has in- creased only 12.89 per cent, in ten years past, while the foreign population, by parentage, has increased 80.11 per cent. 11 in the same time. If this increase should continue at the same rate in the future, the population of Rhode Island will be in June, 1877, American 138,195, and for- eign 143,307; and in 1885, American 152,- 087, and foreign 222,466,” making consid- erably more than half of the latter class. It should be borne in mind that the population of this State is concentrated principally in cities and large towns, be- ing almost one-half in Providence, which is peculiarly favorable to the increase of the foreign element. The agricultural portions of the State are quite small, but even these towns have been gradually decreasing in inhabitants by emigration to villages and cities. There seems to be a surprising pro- clivity with people settled in the agricul- tural regions throughout all the New England States, to leave the rural dis- trict and country town for the village or the city. The census of Rhode Island notices another peculiarity of the people in that State, viz : frequent removals of individuals and families from one place to another. This habit must prevail far more extensively with a people engaged in mechanical and manufacturing pur- suits than in agricultural. But whatever be the business or circumstances of a people, the practice as a whole must prove unfavorable both to their material and intellectual interests. Surely such frequent changes are unpropitious to moral and spiritual interests. The pro- verb that “a rolling stone gathers no moss” finds a fit application in these changes. The more frequent the prac- tice, the greater strength the habit ac- quires. twice that of the American, so that the probabilities are that the former class will steadily gain in numbers upon the latter. What, then, are some of the leading causes for this state of things ? I—“A love of money and adventure”— a desire to improve one’s situation and circumstances. The spirit of enterprise in an individual or in a community is commendable. Much depends, however, upon the direction it takes and the prin- ciples that guide it. What may be ad- vantageous to the individual, may not be so to the community, and what may ben- efit the present generation most, may not always prove so beneficial to the next. Energy and enterprise are elements that have entered largely into all the changes that have characterized New England people. These qualities have been in- herited in an unusual degree—have al- ways been encoui’aged by early training, and constantly developed by circum- stances. It is doubtful whether any peo- ple can be found more distinguished for these traits of character. 2—Fondness for mental rather than physical labor may, we believe, very just- ly be considered one of the leading ca, ses of the changes above described. This quality is largely inherited, and has been a marked feature in the Anglo-Saxon character for many generations. This arises from a large development of the brain and nervous system, compared with other tissues; and such have been the situation and relations of this people, that circumstances have constantly brought this part of the system into great, if not undue, activity. Connect- ed, also, with this high state of mental activity, there has grown up a restless- ness, an uneasiness, a love of excitement. This may arise, not so much from a mere predominance of the nervous tempera- ment as from a peculiar, sensitive, excit- able, and at times morbid state of the system. It may originate, in part, from early habits and training, but more from a variety of surrounding circumstances, from personal acquaintances, from fre- quent communications, &c. For such persons country life is found too quiet and monotonous; it does not afford them enough news, company and excitement; the newspaper, the postoffice, the rail- road and the telegraph are too far away. Hence arises an uneasy, a restless and dissatisfied state of mind, and a change of residence, if not of pursuit, follows. Having noticed certain changes taking place among our New England people, we come now to a consideration of the V.—CAUSES. It will be impossible to review all the causes, they are so numerous, some of them so complicated and others so ob- scure. The statements made in this pa- per go to establish these general facts : 1— There has been within a half cen- tury a great change of residence among New England people, both by emigrating out of these States and by removals in each State from the country to the city. 2 There has been a marked change in business, men largely giving up manual labor and exchanging the farm for the shop, the store and the mill. 3 A change also in numbers and char- acter, the removal of more than half a mil- lion of New Englanders out of these States, and the introduction into their places of a still larger number of persons born in other countries. 3—Too high a standard of living has had, and still has, a powerful influence in pro- ducing changes in society. This stan- dard is based, not upon natural wants, but artificial; the actual needs of life are few and simple, not very expensive, but the standard of living set up by most New England people, is too high—has more wants than means can be easily provided to gratify, and makes demands upon the body and mind greater than they can well bear. Hence there is a constant struggle for some improvement 4—The birth-rate of New Englanders has for a long time been gradually declin- ing—approaching nearer and nearer to the death-rate, so that their increase from this source has become as a whole small, and in some localities is doubtful; whereas, it is an established fact that the birth-rate of the foreign element is 12 or change whereby more means can be obtained; the strain upon the physical system is overpowering, and the mental faculties are kept continually on the rack. Hence comes the temptation to resort to expedients not always safe or legitimate, and multitudes break down under pressure or misfortune. In con- nection with this standard, there is one element, or agency, that has almost an omnipotent influence in society—that is, the “fashions of the day.” Ii is doubtful whether there be a race or na- tion (unless it is the French) more pow- erfully influenced by “fashion,” in all its diversified forms, than New England people, notwithstanding their intelli- gence and love of independence. There is probably no one agency in society so exciting, so disturbing and productive of so many changes as the so-called “ fash- ion of the day.” 4 Dislike of hard work. The early set- tlers of New England were great workers, principally upon the land, and such con- tinued to be their habits and character till the present century. It may be fifty years ago or more when there appeared a growing disinclination to hard work— when young men here and there began to shun the more laborious work on the farm, as well as those kinds or parts of mechanical business that were hard and difficult. About this period labor-saving machines began to be used upon the farm, and power manufactories were in- troduced somewhat extensively. This aversion to manual labor gradually in- creased, and became, as it were, conta- gious, generally among the young. It extended to the household, so that young women became more and more disinclin- ed to do housework, or at least all the more laborious portions of domestic ser- vice must be performed by hired help. So prevalent and deep-seated has this dislike of hard work become, that very few American young men can be found in New England as day laborers on the farm, and few young women engaged out in domestic service. Indeed it has come to this, that such service is regarded by many as menial and degrading. Nothing could be more unfortunate or pernicious in its influence than this spirit of caste— this looking down upon honest industry. This feeling has got a strong hold of young people, and become altogether too prevalent. 5 Our civilization is assuming more and more what may be called a money basis. Property, its possession, show and uses, are all-powerful in society—the test, the insignia, the standard of posi- tion, of influence and character. The great principles of industry, integrity, economy, honesty and morality have not the same influence in the community that they once had. Material interests are constantly changing, but principles based upon moral character never change. Thus, when the whole structure of soci- ety depends so much upon a money pow- er, there will be, there must be, changes; it is a primary cause of many changes that have occurred and are now taking place, and whether these are to increase more and more, time only can determine. 6 Change in Numbers. Why there should have been such a decline in the birth-rate of Americans, and why there should be at the present day such a dif- ference in natural increase between them and other races, are questions not easily answered. There may and will be differ- ences of opinion upon this question; but after extended inquiries, much thought, reading and study, we are convinced that the causes are complex—that some of them depend directly upon the personal choice and agency of the individual, while others are fixed, governed solely by the laws of physiology. These chang- es do not come by chance or accident, but must have causes. But one thing is very evident—that the causes of this decline in birth-rate, or decrease in population, are not the same that were once considered necessary to produce such changes, viz: climate, famine, war, pestilence, want of employ- ment, revolution in government, &c. The New England people have surely never suffered much from such sources. Still, there may be other evils, or agen- cies, operating slowly and quietly in so- ciety which have a most decided influ- ence in preventing increase of popula- tion. Many of the changes which we have described interfere seriously with the family relation—especially with that of a large family. When the standard of living is too high—the wants greater than the means; when the pleasures of society, of company, of travel, of amuse- ment, of taste, &c., possess more attrac- tions than home duties and labors, chil- dren are a burden, an expense, and in- volve cares and responsibilities which cannot, it is thought, be borne. But may not these be secondary agents, or causes, growing in part out of a great primary cause, having a broad- er, deeper and more permanent founda- tion—a change in physical organization f Are there not evidences that within a hundred years or so there has been a marked change in the organization of New England people, becoming more strikingly manifest in the last and pres- ent generation? Has there not been a loss of vitality, a loss of muscular power and stamina of constitution? If a great organic law of propagation pervades the whole vegetable and animal creation, must not the human race be subject to it, with, perhaps, some modifi- cations? We believe such a law exists, and that it has its basis in the highest and most perfect development of the body. This perfect anatomical and phys- iological development may very properly be called its normal standard. The most important feature in this standard is that the physical system should be evenly de- veloped and harmoniously exercised in every part and organ. Upon this condi- tion of things depend very much not 13 only the laws of life and health, but this law of propagation; so that marked de- viations from this standard will affect the birth-rate and of course the increase of population. If the brain and nervous sys- tem, in case of women, become excessive- ly developed, so as to require an undue proportion of nutrition, and at the same time the organs involved in reproduction become more or less weakened, displaced and diseased, it presents as a whole, an organization decidedly unfavorable to human increase. In this way the strength and functions of all the organs in the body become changed—some stronger, others weaker—and the whole more dependent upon the nervous sys- tem, and that, too, at times, in a capri- cious or morbid state. schools—these are paramount to every- thing else in their thoughts and plans, and become in their minds the leading objects and aims of life. This long and close confinement to school, at the ex- pense of others, and the supreme devotion to getting simply a book education, with- out any definite object or practical pur- suit in view, poorly qualifies young men or young women, as they come upon the stage, either for hard work or self-sup- port and independence. Hence some ad- venture, or experiment, must be tried, without, too, the proper physical or men- tal training for it. Thus with many life is made up of changes, and, in not a few instances, of failures. But another more serious evil of our school system is its effect upon the or- ganization and character of our girls. The high cultivation of the brain, at the expense of other parts of the body, has always proved unfavorable to human increase. If only here and there an indi- vidual became thus highly educated, its effect would not be noticed; but when a great majority in the community are thus educated, its effects are soon perceptible. Our girls are early placed in school—arc kept closely confined there from 10 oi- ls to 16 or 18—through the most criti- cal period of life, without much regard to a proper, full and harmonious develop- ment of the physical system. When the laws of vital statistics, in their bearings on population, become better and more correctly understood, we are confident some very important improvements or reforms will be made in our system of education. Thus the organization of New England people has gradually changed; in the first place by men giving up to such au extent manual labor, physical exercise and out- door work for such lighter employments in the shop, in the store and in busi- ness, as tax the brain far more than the body; and by women abandoning house- work and labor generally which makes a severe demand upon the muscles, and by giving more attention to mental pursuits —to the fashions of the day, to the arti- ficial habits of society and what may be called the luxuries of modern civilization. By these means there is not only a great loss of muscular power, and a deficient development of the lymphatic system, but an undue, an abnormal development of brain and nerve tissue, compared with other parts and organs of the body. These physical changes extend to the brain, causing certain portions of that to be too active, and, in process of time, to become unduly developed for the normal activity and development of other parts of the brain. This involves certain changes of character which have an im- portant bearing upon domestic life and relations. It involves, to some extent, the foundation, the objects and perma- nence of the family institution. Judging from the diminution of children, the de- crease of marriages and multiplication of divorces, it would seem that this institu- tion has not the same hold upon the com- nunity that it once had. VI.—EFFECTS. The last, and in some respects the most important topic in this paper is the tendencies of the fore-mentioned changes. Time only can fully determine results; but we can notice the drift, the probabilities, deduce inferences, &c. In referring back to the statement giving the causes of these changes in popula- tion, some inference as to tendencies might be readily drawn from the nature of the causes. If certain evils in society produce bad effects, by removing those evils we find at once improvement, and may anticipate good results; but when the causes cannot easily be removed, and the influences going out from themj are likely to increase more and more, about all we can do is to offer a few comments, and ask some questions. Such is the case in respect to the subject before us; only a few points can come under re- view. 7—There is another agency which we think has had an influence in causing the changes that have been described, viz : Our educational systems. Our schools, with all their advantages—which are many and great—have, as conducted, se- rious defects. The brain is cultivated at the expense of the body. In cities, vil- lages and large towns, children irom 5 to 15 are kept almost continuously at school, without much regard to the growth and development of the physical system. During this time the great ma- jority of our young people have no train- ing in hard work, nor have impressed constantly upon their minds the neces- sity of some useful employment for a livelihood. Theoretical education, book- knowledge, a course of study in the I—Change of Eesidence. Emigration from New England to the West is declin- ing, and in all probability will decline more and more, but removals froig the country to the city will undoubtedly in- crease. More than one-half of the popu- lation in Massachusetts is already found in cities, and nearly one-half in Rhode Island and Connecticut. By emigration and migration, the population in near- ly five hundred towns in the New Eng- 14 land States has actually decreased in number. How long is this process of de- population to go on? The sight of empty and dilapidated houses, of old cellars and chirnnies, of decaying orchards and fences, is not pleasant. Again: What is to be the effect of an increased density of population—of con- gregating great masses in cities? What is to be the effect on the health, the per- sonal habits, the morals and the charac- ter of such a people? What on govern- ment, education and religion? 2—Change in Pursuit. In order that a people or a nation may prosper for a long period of time, there mus+ be a diversity of pursuits, one of which must be agricul- ture. It is not so much that the products of the farm are needed as that the physi- cal stamina, the vitality and constitution of the people be kept good. With a pop- ulation engaged exclusively in manufac- turing, trading and commercial pursuits, the prevailing tendencies are that such a people will in process of time, inevitably degenerate physically (if not run out in numbers), and they must be recruited from the country, or agricultural life. This fact might be illustrated in a multitude of instances in the history of civilization, as well as of examples at the present day; and it can be proved, we believe, by the laws of physiology, that no community or people can prosper permanently unless the physical system or stock is kept good. Eor just as sure as physical degeneracy occurs, mental and moral degeneracy is sure to follow. Such is the history of civilization; such is the law of nature. will be prolonged and the rate of mortality be diminished. But the same thing cannot be said in favor of increasing the birth-rate.— The probabilities are that the birth-rate of the foreign class will decline, partly by their becoming gradually assimilat- ed in habits and character to New Eng- land people, but more by a change of or- ganization. It is morally certain that this class will not always keep up their physical vigor, vitality and strength, and that the functions of the brain and ner- vous system will become more and more prominent in their organization. Such a change will prove unfavorable to their in- crease of numbers.* On the other hand, immigration from Great Britain—particularly from Ireland —has of late years been lessened, so that, allowing for those who return to the old country, the addition to population from this source is not large, and we can see no reasons why in this respect there should at present be any change. The immigration from the British Provinces, including Canada, may, on account of the times, be somewhat checked, but in all probability it will continue, and per- haps increase. Still the gain of the for- eign class in New England must hereaf- ter come chiefly from natural increase. The question as. to the birth-rate of New England people proper—whether it is to continue declining, or not—is a prob- lem that cannot be solved. In fact, the exact birth-rate in-iMbst of the States cannot be ascertained for the want of reg- istration reports. Neither can we ascer- tain definitely just how our population stands—whether it is stationary, declin- ing or increasing. But several important facts in vital statistics have been estab- lished. In order that a people or a nation living in a healthy, normal state shall in- crease much in numbers, the birth-rate must range between lin 30 and 35. The birth-rate of the following nations is re- ported thus : Austria 25, Prussia 25, Sax- 3—Future Population of New England. As to what precise changes in population are to take place in these States, no hu- man sagacity can predict. At the same time some changes must take place. By the more general diffusion of a knowl- edge of physiology and sanitary laws it is evident that greater attention will be paid to the preservation ofhealth,as well as prevention of disease, so that human life *Just as we were penning these lines, a friend called our attention to an able article on “ Col- onization and Future Emigration in the United States,” in the August number of the Catholic World, published in New York. As it confirms the statements made in this paper, and that, too, by information derived from entirely different sources, and with a very different object in view, we are induced to make the following quotation, expressing at the same time, some doubt in re- spect to the proportion of births here stated, in New England, as occurring in Catholic families : proprietorship of the soil, in New England, has gone on to an extent much larger than is gener- ally known; and one would labor under a seri- ous mistake who supposed that the foreign-born and foreign-descended population of New Eng- land waft altogether or even unduly congregated in the cities. “There are in New England, according to the last Catholic Directory, 539 Catholic priests, 508 churches, 167 chapels and stations, in a Catholic population of about 890,000 souls, and it is evi- dent, from an examination of the list of the churches, that a large proportion of them are in the small towns and rural districts of these States. “It may be unwelcome news to our Protestant readers, but it is true, that nearly twenty-five per cent, of the present population of New England is composed of Homan Catholics. “ It may still be more unpleasant for them to learn that nearly seventy per cent, of the births in that region are those in Roman Catholic families. ' “ New England, indeed, promises to be the first portion of the country which is likely to become distinctively Roman Catholic. The emio-vnf,Vm into New England is small, but isToSsed mostly of Catholics; the increase of norm Inti mi is very largely Catholic; the emigration is al- most entirely non-Cathohc.” “ In the New England States the increase ol this class (Catholic) has been very marked. The farms throughout this section "are generally small; their native owners, especially when they are young men, find -it difficult to extract from the,)#, incomes large enough to supply their de- sire for the luxuries of life; they "are often anxious to try their fortunes in the cities or in the West. Whenever one ot them offers his little estate for sale the purchaser is most likely a Ger- man or Irishman, whose wants are more mod- est, and who finds it quite possible to derive from a farm of twenty or thirty acres a comfortable subsistence for his family. Thi§ change in the 15 ony 25, Netherlands 27, Sardinia 27, Eng- land and Wales 28, Bavaria 29, Denmark 32 and Sweden 32. Large additions are annually made to these nations; but France, with a birth-rate of 38, has re- mained almost stationary in population for years. In Massachusetts and Khode Island where registration reports have been carefully kept, the birth-rate of the purely American ranges considerably more than 1 in 40—perhaps above 45. While it is impossible to form any sat- isfactory opinions as to the future popu- lation of New England, ei her in respect to its numbers or its character, it may be that these changes will throw light upon most important laws in vital statistics. If in the eighteenth century, in colonial times, when the people of these States doubled their number once in twenty-five years, they furnished fixe ground-work for the theories of “ Mai thus on Population,” which have ever since constituted the prevailing opinions upon this subject, it may be that the changes of population, in these same States, ih this nineteenth century, will start inquiry, investigation and discussion, which will result in es- tablishing principles as lasting as the human body itself. If the facts and sta- tistics gathered from these changes, shall aid in establishing certain laws of physi- ology in regulating the increase and de- crease of population, it will make valu- able contributions not only to this sci- ence, but to those of Biology and Anthro- pology. UNITED STATES CENSUS, 1870. In 1860, the population of the United States was 81,399,300, and in 1870 the new census showed it to be 38,558,371,—an increase of seven millions. According to the gain from 1840 to 1850, and 1850 to 1860, the increase in this last decade should have been between three and four millions more. This lack of increase is in part accounted for by a loss from natural increase of about one-half million of colored people, on ac- count of the sudden changes in their liberation from slavery, and also by the loss of about one million of persons in the Union and Confederate armies, whose deaths were occasioned by the war. Then the continuance of the war some four year’s, calling from their homes more than a million of men, must have had a great effect upon the increase of population. But cause of this diminution of numbers is thus expressed in the Census Report itself: “A fifth cause may be alluded to, namely, the notorious growth of habits of life in many sections of the country, which tend strongly to reduce the rate of national increase, and which, if persisted in, will make the showing of another census hardly so satisfactory as the present, even without a devastating war to account for the loss of hundreds of thousands in hospitals and on the battle field. No one can be familiar with life in the Eastern and Middle States generally., and in the Western cities, and not be aware that children are not horn to American parents as they were in the early days of the country. Luxury, fashion, and the vice of ‘ boarding,' combine to limit the increase of families to a degree that in some sections has threatened the perpetuity of our native stock. This tendency is not one that requires to brought out by statistical comparison. It is patent, palpable, and needs no proof.” REGISTRATION REPORT OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1870. “The character of our population is undergoing a great change. Surely, and not very slowly, a mixed stock of Irish, German and Canadians is taking the place of the pure English stock which has possessed Massachusetts for more than two centu- ries. The tide of humanity flows the stronger with an increasing wealth and general prosperity. There is much hard work to be done, unskilled labor is in demand, and Americans are not ready or willing to supply it from their own ranks. These are facts for the statesman, the educator and the moralist.” . 16 VITAL STATISTICS. Connected with the Bureau of Education at Washington, established by Gov- ernment, a pamphlet has recently been published upon Vital Statistics. In this docu- ment we find some valuable tables and diagrams, showing the birth and death-rate in different States and at different periods of time. Dr. J. M. Toner, the compiler, in explaining and commenting upon these tables, has these remarks : “With adesire to view this question of birth-rate from a standpoint that would be sufficiently compre- hensive, and yet free from even the appearance of preconceived notions or sectional partiality, I have made something of a study of what the records of the United States census (1870) teach upon the subject of population, in its enumeration by ages; also of the births, deaths, &c. Erom this source I find undoubted evidence of a gradual decline in the proportion of children under 15 to the number of women between 15 and 50 years of age in our country. I do not propose to adopt any theory or to explain this extraordinary condition. But it is proper that the profession and the country should be made acquainted with the facts, and made to realize that the American people in this particular are showing unmistakable signs of physical degeneracy. I have embodied facts only, and leave the enlightened understanding of the American people to assign the reasons, from the evidence everywhere around them, and to supply the remedy.’'