ventilation and the sanitary condition of the seed-bed. We will also 

 emphasize the benefits of raising high-grade or pure-bred stock and 

 feeding a balanced ration, at the same time will not overlook the benefits 

 to be derived from giving the farm animals proper care. 



We will not only give om' own experiences, but utilize authentic 

 experiments and demonstrations made by state agricultural experi- 

 mental stations, departments of the United States government, and the 

 results obtained by individuals who have used intensive and scientific 

 methods successfully. 



FORMATION OF SOIL 



THE foundation or frame-work of soil is disintegrated rock. In those 

 particles of rock are found essential inorganic elements of fertility. 

 The process of disintegration began millions of years ago and will 

 undoubtedly continue until the end. 



The crumbling or disintegration of rock is caused by many agencies, 

 the most effective ones being: 



Atmosphere. 



Water. 



Changes in temperature. 



Growing plants. 



Insects and earth worms. 



The Atmosphere 



causes disintegration and changes by acting chemically. Certain 

 minerals, through oxidation, are transformed into more soluble sub- 

 stances, such as the carbonates, which are easily dissolved. Carbon- 

 dioxide and other gases, and vapors are instrumental in bringing about 

 disintegration. 



Water 



plays a very important part in the formation of soil from rock. It 

 acts both chemically and mechanically. Water absorbs carbon-dioxide 

 from the atmosphere. The acid thus absorbed acts effectively on rocks 

 containing lime and the oxygen combines with substances not yet 

 freely oxidized. New compounds are formed which in turn form 

 others when they come in contact with water and new substances 

 and elements, thereby disintegrating the various rock formations. 

 The mechanical action of water is very marked. Drops of rain 

 falling upon rock surfaces dislodge minute particles, and running 

 water wears away rock formation very rapidly. The erosion is 

 very pronounced in ravines, canyons and cataracts where the 

 flow is rapid. Glacial action during past ages dislodged rocks, and 



