Introductory. 



description of the Eothamsted experiments on wheat, barley, 

 and grass. 



The first part of the book is concerned with experiments 

 upon the growth of wheat, and concludes with a discussion 

 of some important economical questions. The second part is 

 occupied with experiments upon the growth of barley. The 

 third and last part deals with experiments upon the mixed 

 herbage of permanent meadow. In each part there occur 

 many incidental references to the natural resources of the 

 soil, and to the nature of the loss occasioned by the drainage 

 waters, whilst much light is thrown upon the celebrated 

 problem as to the sources of the nitrogen of vegetation. The 

 numerical tables, most of which are quoted in extenso from 

 the original memoirs, are invaluable, and are specially com- 

 mended to the attention of students. 



These experiments are unique, and their fame has spread 

 wherever modern agriculture is practised. To the cultivator 

 of the soil they afford the best examples of the method of 

 conducting such investigations, whilst to the agricultural 

 student on the one hand, and to the chemist and physiologist, 

 the statistician and economist, on the other, a study of them 

 is indispensable. 



