X INTEODUCTION". 



on whicli to exert themselves than the farm. It cannot, indeed, 

 be expected that practical men will acquire a profound know- 

 ledge of all the sciences which throw light on their path, for these 

 are many and extensive. 



Chemistry has made immense strides, and has achieved the 

 most important discoveries. These must be brought to bear in 

 favor of agriculture. Geology^ though of recent origin, has 

 already become a great and useful science. Vegetable physiology 

 is replete with instruction to the farmer. The history of animals 

 affords an almost limitless field of instruction. Because those 

 who are, and those who intend to be practical farmers, cannot 

 compass the whole of these and other sciences, it does not follow 

 that they should cull nothing from them. 



There are facts, principles, and conclusioi^s from all the natural 

 sciences, which can be easily acquired, and which cannot fail to 

 be of the greatest service to practical agriculture. To state these 

 facts, to illustrate principles, and to apply conclusions to the 

 every-day business of the farmer, is the design of the following 

 pages. 



Should the first chapter appear to any too difficult and not suf- 

 ficiently 'practical^ I readily admit that it is difficult ; it is so from 

 the very nature of the subject, but it is not impractical. The 

 subject of this chapter has important bearings on every branch 

 of practical agriculture. 



Succeeding chapters will be found more directly and manifestly 

 practical — will have more and more to do, as we go on, with the 

 every-day business of agriculture, and it is hoped, will become 

 increasingly interesting and useful to practical men. 



If farmers will peruse this and similar works, and will encour- 

 age their sons to study them, they will find that "it pays," both 

 in the increased pleasure and in the augmented profits of agricul- 

 ture. 



