HOW CROPS GROW 



INTRODUCTION. 



The objects of agriculture are the production of certain 

 plants and certain animals which are employed to feed and 

 clothe the human race. The first aim, in all cases, is the 

 production of plants. 



Nature has made the most extensive provision for the 

 spontaneous growth of an immense variety of vegetation ; 

 but in those climates where civilization most certainly at 

 tains its fullest development, man is obliged to employ art 

 to provide himself with the kinds and quantities of vege 

 table produce which his necessities or luxuries demand. 

 In this defect, or, rather, neglect of nature, agriculture has 

 its origin. 



The art of agriculture consists in certain practices and 

 operations which have gradually grown out of an obser 

 vation and imitation of the best efforts of nature, or have 

 been hit upon accidentally. 



The science of agriculture is the rational theory and ex 

 position of the successful art. 



Strictly considered, the art and science of agriculture 

 are of equal age, and have grown together from the ear 

 liest times. Those who first cultivated the soil by dig- 

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