INTRODUCTION. 29 



to the practical agriculturist, but to the people 

 at large. Every one should feel an interest in 

 the productiveness of our soils; as all are con- 

 sumers of its products, therefore all are pecunia- 

 rily interested. Moreover, when our lands .fail 

 in their natural fertility, the loss injures com- 

 merce, manufactures, mechanical arts, and para- 

 lyzes all new enterprises. 



It is a grave mistake to suppose that farmers 

 alone are interested in the practical results of 

 tillage. They have no more than a common 

 interest in maintaining or improving the natural 

 fruitfulness of the earth. 



Hence, w^e should all unite in endeavoring to 

 impart knowledge to our farmers. If an increase 

 of knowledge should save only five cents on the 

 growing of a bushel of wheat, it would amount 

 to nearly thirteen millions of dollars on the 

 average wheat crop of this country. Or, if the 

 same saving could be effected on each bushel of 

 our average corn crop, it would amount to near- 

 ly fifty millions of dollars. 



The writers have endeavored to impart what 

 knowledge they possess, trusting and believing 

 that their efforts will be appreciated by those 

 for whom they have been exerted Our Far- 



;ners and Planters. 

 Feeling confident that we shall have the pat- 

 onage of the farmer, and the good wishes of the 



