xii TO THE PUPIL 



Although the authors have arranged this book in a 

 logical order, they hope that teachers will feel free to teach 

 each topic in the season best suited to its study. 



TO THE PUPIL 



Consult the glossary in the back of this book for the 

 meanings of all hard words. 



Try to get for your school library every farm bulletin 

 issued by the United States Department of Agriculture 

 and as many bulletins as possible from different State 

 Experiment Stations. These bulletins cost nothing and 

 are mines of practical and interesting information. 



Perform all the suggested experiments for yourself. 

 Do not be content to watch your teacher or your fellow- 

 students perform these experiments. First-hand work 

 gives expertness, accuracy, interest, knowledge, power. 



Above all, learn of nature. At first she is a shy and 

 silent teacher, but on better acquaintance she will talk to 

 you in many tongues. 



