INTRODUCTION 



5 



of their lives and habits is the weapon with which man 



x 



conquers them. 



Wherever farming has proved to be profitable, we may 

 expect to find good roads, good schools, churches, libraries, 

 telephones, and much else that helps to make life in the 

 country pleasant and attractive. Even a child may do his 

 part in bringing these things to pass. Some of the agri- 



Courtesy Ky. Es.pt. Station 



FIG. 3. AN EXAMPLE OF HOW KNOWLEDGE PAYS 



Above, the yield of apples from one tree sprayed to prevent rot ; below, the yield 

 of a similar tree not thus protected. 



culture that he learns at school he can promptly make 

 use of at home. Still more of it will be helpful to him in 

 later years if he becomes a farmer. Best of all, the study 

 of agriculture should enable him to find a keener pleasure in 

 observing the ways of plants and animals, and thus enrich 

 his entire life, whatever may be his future occupation. 



Even from this book we may learn how to make the soil 

 richer year by year. If we should remember only this, 

 and forget all else, we should be able to help our neighbor- 

 hood and our country as well as ourselves. He serves his 



