INTRODUCTION xv 



Now I must explain what I mean by the 

 Lighter Branches of Agriculture. It implies 

 all work on the land which requires skill 

 rather than mere physical strength. It em- 

 braces work in the dairy, work in the 

 garden and greenhouse ; supervision of 

 market gardens, culture of fruits, manage- 

 ment of poultry and bees. As a necessary 

 part of this work, the worker must know 

 how to market her produce, make her fruit 

 into jam, and preserve the vegetables that 

 do not find an immediate sale. I think I 

 have said enough to show that the lighter 

 side of agriculture requires something more 

 than a light heart and nimble fingers. I 

 cannot insist too much on the fact that it 

 demands a thorough training, a whole- 

 hearted service, and a determination to over- 

 come obstacles. Agriculture even in its 

 lightest mood offers no chance of success 

 to the dilettante, but the woman who takes 

 it up as a means of livelihood must have a 

 sound training in some agricultural hostel or 



