8 CAMPBELL'S SOIL CULTURE MANUAL 



good crops are so pronounced in this semi-arid region that 

 it seems specially fitted for development of the very highest 

 type of agricultural science; but everywhere the problems 

 are much the same, and having shown the way to success 

 here, the way will be much easier elsewhere. There is 

 hardly a section of the United States that can be said to 

 be free from the danger of crop failure by reason of the 

 irregular distribution of the rainfall. The season of 

 drouth, or weeks of dryness perhaps sandwiched between 

 other weeks of excessive rainfall, are common to all re- 

 gions. In showing how to overcome the danger which 

 is ever present in- the semi-arid region we have also shown 

 how to avoid the danger which comes occasionally in any 

 farming country. The system therefore is of universal 

 application. If in discussing it solely in relation to the 

 problems of the semi-arid region I seem to ignore this 

 larger truth, it is not because it is not well understood. 



I also admonish the reader not to take fright of the 

 subject because it appears to be ponderous and uninter- 

 esting. The term, "scientific soil culture," may seem 

 heavy, but I assure you that when once you have grasped 

 the principles here made use of, the study will become 

 the most fascinating imaginable. Other branches of ag- 

 riculture are attractive to intelligent persons. Consider 

 what has been achieved in stock breeding, in adaptation 

 of breeds to certain purposes, in bringing about perfec- 

 tion in the domestic animals; then observe what has been 

 done in the production of the improved varieties of vege- 

 tables and fruits, and in creation of marvelously beautiful 

 flowers; all the result of applying the genius of man to 

 intelligent direction of the resources of nature and in 

 the special line of scientific treatment of the soil to secure 



