4 PREFACE 



many of our operations have been suggested by neighbors and 

 the reading of bulletins and farm papers. 



Changing conditions, from year to year, demand new and 

 different methods of culture. The farmer, to keep abreast of 

 the times, must be ready to adopt new ideas. If any of us 

 should disregard the opinion of others and depend solely upon 

 his own judgment for ten years, he would find that he would 

 be left far behind in the march of competition. 



We wish gratefully to acknowledge the sympathy, 

 encouragement and suggestions which we have received from 

 farmers in Illinois and in other states. To mention each one 

 would be out of the question, but our gratitude for their 

 kindness is none the less sincere. 



Such rapid progress is being made in the methods of 

 growing farm crops that this book will undoubtedly be a back 

 number in less than five years. For this reason it is our 

 intention to rewrite it every two years. If the reader will 

 send a return stamped envelope we shall be glad to answer 

 any questions, in our power, in regard to conserving soil 

 fertility and the culture of corn. 



"W. T. AND RALPH M. AINSWORTH. 



SUNNY SIDE FARMSTEAD, 

 Mason City, Illinois. 

 January, 1914. 



