JUNE, 1875. 



No. 14. 



BULLETIN 



OF THE 



UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 



SYNOPSIS OF A COUESE OF LECTUKES 



ON THE 



Origin, Composition, and Functions of Soils, and 

 their bearing on Agriculture. 



Delivered at the University of California, during the first Term, 1874-5. 

 PROF. EUG. W. HILGAKD. 



Definition of " Soil" : 



Different meaning as referred to different plants. 

 Judging of Soils by the natural growth. 

 Different forms of trees, etc., on different soils, and er- 

 rors resulting from their neglect. 



Exceeding complication of considerations in judging of the 

 value and nature of soils, involving a very varied knowledge 

 and careful judgment, or long and costly experimenting. 



Hence necessity for scientific examination on the spot, and 

 mechanical and chemical analysis of soils; to serve as guides 

 for practice, or practical tests. 



Necessity for cooperation between farmers and scientists, to 

 prevent endless mistakes and expense. 

 Experimental Stations. 



s 95 



-73261 



University Press, Berkeley 



