A glance at the table of contents will Show that this book treats, first, the subject Of plant life and growth, and methods of improving plants. A preliminary study of botany is not essential to the understanding of these lessons. Soils and their improve ment and maintenance are next considered. The treatments of the various farm crops, including fruits, vegetables, field crops and forestry, are given in much more detail than in texts which attempt to include also the study Of livestock. The latter is omitted from this book except as it enters into the discussion of the principles of farm management, the business Of farming, or the principles of breeding. The enemies of crops — weeds, insects, and diseases — are considered somewhat fully. Much emphasis is laid upon the improvement of the home and the community. The field and laboratory exercises at the close of each of the chapters are given so fully that it is believed they will be easily understood and may be readily followed. The time allowed to complete the studies and the exercises in the book should, be one school year. In many instances there are more exercises in field and laboratory work, suggested at the ends of the chapters, than can be performed by all students. A good plan may be to divide the exercises among the students. In other cases the materials may not be available in the particular region, but Similar exercises will naturally suggest themselves. The different sections of the country have been in the writer's mind while preparing the text and suggesting the exercises.
