32 SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



type of his soil, but in a general way can give him facts concerning crop 

 adaptation and the treatment most likely to bring good results. 



Samples of soil should accurately represent the field from which 

 taken. Samples should be taken to the depth cf plowing in not less than 

 ten places in the field. These may be put together and thoroughly mixed. 

 A pound of this mixture sent to the experiment station 

 by parcel post will meet the requirements. It is frequently 

 desirable also to send a sample of the subsoil. If there is 

 no great hurry it will be better to write to the experiment 

 station first and ask fcr instruction on collecting and send- 

 ing samples. 



The soil auger is most convenient for taking soil 

 samples. It consists of an ordinary 1 3/2-inch weed auger 

 having the shank lengthened and the threaded screw and 

 sharp lips removed. Any blacksmith can do the w r ork in a 

 few minutes. The accompanying figure shows a three-foot 

 auger with gas pipe handle. For a farmer's use the wooden 

 handle will serve just as well. If an auger is not availa- 

 ble, a square-pointed spade will serve very well for taking 

 samples. Dig a hole to the depth of plowing, having one 

 perpendicular side, then cut from the perpendicular side a 

 slice of uniform thickness from top to bottom. This re- 

 peated in ten or more places in the field will give a sample 

 representing the soil accurately. 



Because of the difficulty on the part of the experiment 

 station authorities in giving definite advice at long range, 

 A SOIL AUGER. l SO me of these institutions now employ experts who travel 

 about the state, inspect farms and consult with farmers rela- 

 tive to their soil problems as well as other problems of the farm. By 

 such inspection these men are able to advise more definitely than can be 

 done by letter. 



In the last few years another innovation for the benefit of the farmers 

 has been introduced, namely, the providing of the county farm adviser, 

 who is located within a county permanently and who soon becomes familiar 

 with the agricultural problems of his restricted territory. Through these 

 sources the farmer can always secure able assistance in the solution not 

 only of his soil problems, but of all problems that concern his business. 



REFERENCES 



"Soils: How to Handle and Improve Them." Fletcher. 



"Soils." Lyon and Fippin. 



"Soils." Burkett. 



Pennsylvania Agricultural Expt. Station Bulletin 132. "Soils of Pennsylvania." 



Canadian Dept. of Agriculture Bulletin 228. "Farm Crops." 



Farmers' Bulletin No. 494, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. "Lawn Soils and Lawns. 



1 Courtesy of The Macmillan Co., N. Y. From " How to Choose a Farm," by Hunt. 



