1236 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [Ch. 742 J

''The improvement and betterment of country life has occu-
pied the attention of many of our sister States, and much of
our own prosperity depends upon the development of agricul-
ture in this State. It would therefore seem to be wise to
pass a law creating a commission to investigate conditions
as they exist in Maryland, and to suggest policies that may
be undertaken on the part of our State for the benefit of our
farmers and to bring to the attention of the public generally
the many natural advantages which our State has to offer
to those desiring to pursue the tilling of the soil as a means
of livelihood;" and,

WHEREAS, The suggestion of the appointment of such a commis-
sion is a recognition of the fact that the man in the country
—the farmer—has problems that government should aid in
solving; therefore,

SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Mary-
land, that the Governor is hereby authorized to appoint a com-
mission to be known as the Maryland Country Life Commission..
SEC. 2. Be it further enacted, That the said commission
shall have for its objects and purposes, among others:

1. A general study and investigation of the problems and
conditions of country life in Maryland, with particular refer-
ence to those problems relating to securing better business meth-
ods and better living and social conditions on the farm.

2. Co-operation with the agencies and institutions of the-
State and National Governments, with agricultural boards and
organizations, with rural communities, individuals and other
agencies, in connection with the work of studv and investiga-
tion as hereinbefore set forth, in suggesting remedies and in
formulating methods and policies looking to the development
and improvement of country life and agricultural interests.

3. The collection and distribution of such information and
publication; the recommendation and suggestion of such legis-
lation, as the commission may deem advisable in furtherance
of its work for the advancement and betterment of agricultural
interests and rural conditions.

SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That the said commis-
sion shall consist of seven members, to "serve without compensa-
tion. So soon as practical after the appointment of the mem-
bers of said commission they shall organize by the selection
of one of their number as chairman, and by the election of a
secretary, who need not be a member of the commission, who