A YEAR IN AGRICULTURE 



PART T 



AGRONOMY , /.\' 



CHAPTER I 



HOW PLANTS GROW 



The chief concern of the farmer is the growing of plants. 

 It is for the plants that he improves the fertility of his soils. 

 It is the plants upon which he feeds his animals. It is the 

 plants, directly or indirectly, that he sells for money or eats 

 as food. It is for the protection of plants that he com- 

 bats the insects and diseases; and for the cultivation and 

 harvesting of plants that he purchases and uses farm 

 machinery. 



Our study of agriculture will therefore begin with plants, 

 and as we proceed we shall learn the latest and best known 

 methods of the production and use of the economic plants 

 of our section of the country. 



Human interest in plants. Whether he knows it or not, 

 everyone has a vital interest in plant life. The life of man 

 and animal depends almost entirely on plants or plant prod- 

 ucts. From the fruit on our table to the clothing we wear, 



9 



