Preface 



the light of the greater fundamental problem. 



The commission has pointed out a number of 

 remedies that are extremely important ; but 

 running through all of these remedies are several 

 great forces, or principles, which must be utilized 

 in the endeavour to solve the problems of 

 country life. All the people should recognise 

 what those fundamental forces and agencies are. 



Knowledge. — To improve any situation the 

 underlying facts must be understood. The 

 farmer must have exact knowledge of his busi- 

 ness and of the particular conditions under 

 which he works. The United States Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture and the experiment stations 

 and colleges are rapidly acquiring and distribut- 

 ing this knowledge ; but the farmer may not be 

 able to apply it to the best advantage, because 

 of lack of knowledge of his own soils, climate, 

 animal and plant diseases, markets, and other 

 local facts. The farmer is entitled to know 

 what are the advantages and disadvantages of 

 his conditions and environment. A thorough- 

 going system of surveys in detail of the exact 

 conditions underlying farming in every locality 

 is now an indispensable need to complete and 

 apply the work of the great agricultural in- 

 stitutions. As an occupation, agriculture is a 

 means of developing our internal resources ; we 

 cannot develop these resources until we know 

 exactly what they are, 



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