CHOICE OF A REGION 505 



However, the present condition of the soil may be mis- 

 leading. A naturally good soil may be a little out of 

 condition and may sometimes be easily brought up at 

 small expense. On the other hand, land that is not 

 naturally good is sometimes growing big crops, because 

 of the treatment given. 



Because men judge too much by superficial appearances, 

 it often happens that land that is good but out of condition 

 sells for less than it is worth, while poorer land that has 

 been better cared for sells for more than it is worth. In 

 order to judge land, it is necessary to consider both the 

 present appearances and the underlying causes. 



311. Use of soil maps. If a soil map of the region, 

 prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture 

 or by a State College, is available, it will give reliable in- 

 formation as to the soil type and its value. The particular 

 farm in question may be better or poorer than the soil 

 type would indicate, but the general character and adap- 

 tation of the soil is shown. These government reports 

 must be read with care. They are likely to give the more 

 cheerful prospects for the region, but if carefully read, 

 the facts are usually reliable. 



312. Value of chemical analysis. If a chemical 

 analysis has been made of the soil type, it should be con- 

 sidered. Such an analysis is of great value in showing 

 fundamental deficiencies. 



The soil may have a very large amount of some plant- 

 food and still give better crops when more of this food is 

 added in a fertilizer. For this reason, some persons have 

 lost faith in chemical analysis of soils. But if a soil is 

 very deficient in any element of plant-food, the deficiency 

 should be known. Chemical analysis gives this informa- 

 tion. 



