INTRODUCTION. 



From the growth and drift of public sentiment 

 it is evident that education in Agriculture will 

 soon be offered in all good elementary schools 

 of our country. This, from the nature of the 

 case, seems unavoidable, because such instruc- 

 tion is essential both for utility and for culture. 

 It is an essential utilit)', because it is the only 

 means of furnishing adequate conceptions of 

 the one fundamental occupation of mankind 

 upon which all other occupations depend. 



For the masses it is an essential basis of true 

 culture and refinement, as illustrated in its ear- 

 liest fruitage, which is the adornment of homes 

 through improved lawns, shade-trees, walks, 

 driveways, gardens, flowers, etc., thereby open- 

 incr the avenues to consciousness and revealinor 

 in the most pleasing way the beauty world all 

 around us. 



This volume is unique. It is not the product 

 of its authors' imas^inations. No one desiorned 

 it to exploit a theory or a person. It is an out- 

 line of work done — done by ordinary people 

 under ordinary conditions. 



The Agricultural Laboratory and the School 

 Garden of the Kirksville Normal School have 



