226 CHAPTERS IN RURAL PROGRESS 



involved, or which encouraged in any degree 

 whatever the notion that the farmer's business 

 and welfare are not vitally and forever bound 

 up with the business and welfare of all other 

 classes. 



OUTLINE FOR A BRIEF COURSE IN AGRICUL- 

 TURAL ECONOMICS 



I. Characteristics of the Agricultural Industry. 

 Dependence upon nature. . 

 Capital and labor as applied to agriculture. 

 The laws of rent and of decreasing returns in agri- 

 culture. 



Relation of agriculture to other industries and to 

 the welfare of mankind. 

 II. History of the Agricultural Industry. 

 In ancient times. 



Status in Europe prior to the eighteenth century. 

 The struggle to maintain its standing after the 

 advent of commerce and manufacture. 

 In the United States. 



The pioneer stage. 



Development of commercial agriculture. 



The new farming. 

 III. Present Status of the Farming Industry. 

 The world's food supply. 

 Agricultural resources of the United States. 



Geographical factors. 



Soils, climate, fertility, natural enemies, etc. 

 Statistics of farms, farm wealth, production, etc. 



