PREFACE IX 



After the study of roots and soils the other parts 

 of the plant are considered in the order of their 

 importance to the farmer or plant grower. The aim 

 is always to get at fundamental facts and principles 

 underlying all agricultural and horticultural prac- 

 tice. 



The author regards the conditions necessary to 

 root growth and development as the important fac- 

 tor constituting soil fertility, and in the last ten 

 chapters takes up the discussion of certain farm 

 operations and practices and their effects on these 

 necessary conditions, and consequently their effect 

 on the fertility of the soil. 



The author extends gratitude to all who have in 

 any way assisted in the preparation of this book, 

 whether through advice, preparation of the text, 

 preparation of the illustrations, or any other way in 

 which he has received assistance. 



C. L. GOODRICH. 



GLENNDALE, 



Prince George Co., Maryland, 

 January 21, 1905. 



