French Canada: Rural Poverty

In the 19th century, English-speaking Protestant industrialists and workers came to Quebec's cities. The Roman Catholic church actively encouraged their parishioners to stay in the rural areas, away from the (bad) influences of the Protestant cities. In addition, large families required new farmland for each of the sons. Consequently, farmers continued to clear new land at the edge of the Canadian Shield where farming became increasingly difficult.
What evidence from this photo indicates rural poverty?

Answers:

the three log barns, which have been joined, and their poor condition
probably a small herd of dairy cows -- a small pile of manure in front of the two barns with Dutch doors
use of firewood under the back shed

Created by Ingolf Vogeler on 30 May 1996; last revised on 09 March 2005.