PREFACE 



IN the pages which follow the characteristics of the forage 

 and fiber crops are discussed, and the results of experiment 

 and experience as to their climatic and soil adaptation, cultural 

 methods, insect enemies, fungous diseases, harvesting, use, and 

 marketing are summarized with special reference to American 

 conditions. This volume with "The Cereals in America" is 

 intended to cover the principal field crops as distinguished from 

 garden and orchard crops raised in America. There are some 

 omissions, such as coffee, hops, teasel, medicinal and aromatic 

 herbs, which are more or less extensively raised as field crops. 

 The most obvious omissions, however, are potatoes and tobacco. 

 A recent book, "The Potato," by Samuel Fraser, makes a dis- 

 cussion of this important crop unnecessary. 



With the exceptions noted, "The Cereals in America" and 

 "The Forage and Fiber Crops in America" cover what in the 

 historical and old Roman sense was known as agriculture (Ager 

 open or field + cultura cultivation) in contradistinction to 

 horticulture (Hortus enclosure or garden + cultura cultivation). 

 Agriculture, however, has come to have a much wider meaning; 

 viz., the science and art of producing living things. It is thus 

 distinct from mining, manufacturing, trade and transportation. 

 As the manufacturer, so is the farmer deeply concerned with 

 trade and transportation, although these activities are neither 

 manufacturing nor farming. Many an able farmer has failed 



