EDITOKIAL. 1013 



The work reprosonts a vast amount of search throiii^h the litcra- 

 tiu"G of different periods as found in a number of hir^-e libraries, and, 

 so far as known, is the first attempt to brin^ these writings together 

 in a systematic manner. The arrangement is by periods. Beginning 

 with tlie Greek and Roman waiters, the author follows the deveU^p- 

 ment of the literature which was epoch making or especially note- 

 worthy for the times, down through the centuries, fre(|uently noting 

 briefly the conditions of agriculture which were prevalent at the 

 different periods. 



The work does not consist merely of bibliograpliical lists, but is 

 more descriptive in character. In most cases some account is given 

 of the books cited and the ground covered })y them, and there arc 

 frequently brief biographic notes on the writers. Portraits of some 

 38 of these writers are given. Particular phases of the subject are dis- 

 cussed in several general articles. The evolution of difierent classes 

 of books, as the 'iiusbandman literature," agricultural handl)ooks, 

 agricultural calendars, etc., is traced, and later the development of 

 periodical literature. 



For the recent literature the book is far more complete for Ger- 

 many than for any other country ; and the list of periodicals for the 

 United States displays a lack of familiarity with our literatui-e and 

 sources of publication which is lamentable in a book of this character. 



Such a work should possess considerable value as a basis for histor- 

 ical study, and in itself it makes it possible for the rt^ader to get a 

 general surve}- of the early writers on agriculture and their works. 



1302— No. 11—02 2 



