ELEMENTS OF AGRICULTURE 



CHAPTER I 

 INTRODUCTION 



1. What is Agriculture? Agriculture is the production 

 of plants and animals that are useful to man. 



It is the fundamental occupation on which all mining, 

 manufacturing and commerce depend. Of course, no 

 complex civilization could develop without these occu- 

 pations. All are essential for a high civilization, but agri- 

 culture is essential for any civilization. 



Agriculture is a combination of science, art and business. 

 A good farmer needs to have executive ability, and should 

 be a good business man. He needs to be skilful with his 

 hands in farm operations. The reasons for all his farm 

 practices are based on scientific principles. He may learn 

 to become a good farmer by imitation, in which case he 

 applies scientific principles without knowing it. One who 

 understands the principles involved will be able to adapt 

 his practice to new and ever changing conditions. He 

 will be resourceful. 



To be able to understand the reasons for farm prac- 

 tices requires some knowledge of the sciences, such as 

 botany, chemistry, physics, meteorology, bacteriology, 

 zoology, geology, animal and plant diseases. In short, 

 A (1) 



