Preface. 



In this book the author aims to present the fundamental prin- 

 ciples of agricultural chemistry. The point of view is that of the 

 chemist dealing with agricultural problems; the attempt is made 

 to emphasize chemical methods of investigation, and inculcate 

 scientific habits of thought. Details are omitted so far as they 

 are not necessary to the proper treatment of the subject. Practi- 

 cal applications, which are necessarily local, are left out as much 

 as possible. The book thus treats of agricultural chemistry 

 rather than of chemical agriculture. It attempts to give a com- 

 prehensive view of the subject, and to prepare the student for a 

 more detailed study of its various phases. 



This book is based upon lectures given for a number of years 

 .to students in Agriculture at the Agricultural and Mechanical 

 College of Texas. A number of references are given, some of 

 which do not refer to the articles in which the facts were first 

 published, but to articles of interest or of value to the student, 

 which may contain numerous references to the literature of the 

 subject. It was not deemed desirable nor was it practical, to 

 give references for all the statements made in the text. 



The author is fully aware of the fact that there is room for 

 differences of opinion as to what should be treated or omitted in 

 a work of this character. He also realizes the difficulty of avoid- 

 ing errors, arid will be grateful to the reader who may bring 

 errors to his attention, or offer suggestions for the improvement 

 of the book. 



Valuable assistance has been received from Mr. S. E. Asbury, 

 Assistant State Chemist, and especially Dr. C. P. Fountain, 

 Professor of English. 



Agricultural and Mechanical 



College of Texas, 

 Aug. 30, 1912. College Station. 



271665 



