4 CLASSIFICATION, ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION 



favorable conditions for producing corn, but there it can not at 

 present compete with cotton as a cash crop. In the vicinity of great 

 cities, as in New York State, it is the perishable and bulky products 

 that are likely to be produced, as milk, vegetables, or hay ; while at 

 greater distance, the non-perishable and concentrated products are 

 produced, as butter, grain and meats. 



Useful References to Literature. Statistical data will be found in the 

 following publications, most of which may be secured free: Annual Year- 

 books of United States Department of Agriculture (secure from Congress- 

 man). Thirteenth Census Report, Census Office, Washington, D. C. (avail- 

 able to School Libraries). Statistical Abstract of the United States, an 

 annual publication, secured from Bureau of Statistics. Agricultural 

 Graphics, Bui. 78, Bureau of Statistics, Washington, D. C. (small charge). 

 Seedtime and Harvest, Bui. 85, Bureau of Statistics (small charge). A 

 circular may be secured from any of the bureaus in Department of Agricul- 

 ture or Government, giving the name and prices of publications. For His- 

 tory of Cultivated Plants see Origin of Cultivated Plants by DeCandolle. 



QUESTIONS 



1. On what kind of land did crop raising begin? Can you give reasons? 



2. How did the culture of crops affect the customs of people? 



3. How did cultivated plants originate? 



4. Name cultivated plants belonging to each of the six groups named on 



page 2. 



5. ,Can you name some important plants originating in America? 



6. Name the eight important groups of cultivated plants classified by use. 



7. Why is the grass family so important? 



8. What are the most important crops in the world? In the United States? 



9. What crops are produced near great markets? Why? 

 10. What crops are produced at a distance from markets? 



