L[ntroductory. Il 
and highest type. We should know, not only the soil that 
best suits the plant, but the amount of air, light, moisture, 
warmth and food in which it prospers best. We should 
know the enemies that prey upon it, the manner in which 
they work their harm, and how to prevent their ravages. 
We should know, in short, how to regulate every factor of 
environment so as to promote the plant’s well-being to the 
utmost, as well as how to develop every desirable quality the 
plant possesses. 
5. Domestic or Domesticated Plants or Animals 
are those that are in the state of culture. In nature, differ- 
ent plants and animals struggle with one another for space 
and food. Only those best adapted to their environment 
survive, and these are often much restricted in their devel- 
opment. In culture, the intelligence and energy of man 
produce a more favorable environment for the species he 
desires to rear; hence domestic plants and animals attain 
higher development in certain directions than their wild 
parents. The cultivated potato, for example. grows larger, 
is more productive and is higher in food value than the wild 
potato. The finer breeds of horses and cattle are superior 
to their wild progenitors in usefulness to man. 
6. Culture Aims to Improve upon Nature’s Methods 
rather than toimitate them. By cutting out the superfluous 
branches from a fruit tree, we enable the fruit on the re- 
maining branches to reach a higher state of development. 
By planting corn at the proper distances, we prevent crowd- 
ing, and enable each plant to attain its maximum growth. 
We should constantly study nature’s methods for useful 
hints, but the highest progress would be impossible if we 
sought only to imitate nature. 
