If men and women lived a less artificial life it is probable no such question as the decline of the birthrate would exist.  But every day takes us deeper into a state of living farther removed from Nature; every day sees a new invention, something to save time, labor and money.  The large factories of today did not spring into existence in a night. They had small beginnings.  But they grow enormously and who benefits whereby?  Some would arbitrarily say the owner reaps it all. Some would claim the world benefits.  It is a problem that remains to be solved.  Whoever is the gainer of the factory system, great is the suffering entailed to bring about that benefit.  For of the many ills mankind is afflicted with, the factory is responsible for a large number.  Built in crowded districts, ill ventilated, unsanitary, they are far from desirable places for young children and girls, and it is that portion of the population that mostly finds employment in them.  For it is long hours and low wages that the factory thrives on, and it is the younger generation that must be fed to it.  But then, how can a people be healthy and vigorous when it is bred under such conditions?  The factory is here to stay.  But laws should be passed, and carried out, that would do much to mitigate the evils.  There are progressive factories where it is a pleasure to work, and they are paying concerns.  But factory legislation and an impartial administration of it is badly needed.