HOW CROPS GROW. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The object of agriculture is the production of certain 

 plants and certain animals which are employed to feed, 

 clothe and otherwise serve the human race. The first 

 aim, in all cases, is the production of plants. 



Nature has made the most extensive provision for the 

 spontaneous growth of an immense variety of vegetation ; 

 but in those climates where civilization most certainly 

 attains its fullest development, man is obliged to employ 

 art to provide himself with the kinds and quantities of 

 vegetable produce which his necessities or luxuries de- 

 mand. In this defect, or, rather, neglect of nature, ag- 

 riculture has its origin. 



The art of agriculture consists in certain practices and 

 operations which have gradually grown out of an obser- 

 vation and imitation of the best efforts of nature, or have 

 been hit upon accidentally, or, finally, have been deduced 

 from theory. 



The science of agriculture is the rational theory and 

 systematic exposition of the successful art. 



Strictly considered, the art and science of agriculture 

 are of equal age, and have grown together from the ear- 



