PREFACE 



A number of simple experiments have been in- 

 troduced into the text in the belief that they will 

 make the work more interesting to the general 

 reader, and will aid the student in learning to make 

 simple investigations for himself. 



The author recommends all who use the book to 

 perform the experiments and to make the observa- 

 tions, and so come actively in touch with the work. 



The observations begin on the farm. The author 

 considers the plant the central and all-important 

 factor or agent on the farm. 



The root is regarded as the most important part of 

 the plant to itself, and consequently to the plant 

 grower. 



The general truths or principles which state the 

 conditions necessary for the growth and develop- 

 ment of plant roots are regarded as the foundation 

 truths or fundamental principles of all agriculture. 

 These truths are as follows : 



The roots of farm plants need for their best 

 growth and development: 



A firm, mellow soil. 



A moist soil. 



A ventilated soil. 



A warm soil. 



A soil supplied with plant food. 



The first two chapters lead the reader quickly 

 through logical reasoning to these fundamental 

 truths, on which the remainder of the work is based. 



A study of soils is made in connection with the 

 root studies, as the two are so closely related. 



