viii AUTHOR'S I'KEFACE 



fifteen years toTicliing soils and land improvement, 

 tlie study and correlation ol' these agricultural re- 

 sources and ii:stitutions have been ever-present prob- 

 lems. 



Thus it is that this book is the fruit of those 

 years of travel and study and teaching. Its prepar- 

 ation was in mind even before the specific opportu- 

 nity for its pre})aration was offered by the Editor 

 of this Series. The author welcomed the opportu- 

 nity to join with the larger enterprise, and he de- 

 sires to express to the Editor full appreciation for 

 the many helpful suggestions that have been given 

 as well as for the larger inspiration the author has 

 derived from these years of official and personal con- 

 tact. To many other friends and fellow-workers in 

 and out of the State who have directly and indirectly 

 contributed to the making of this book, he also de- 

 sires to make full acknowledgment. 



If this book contributes in some small measure to 

 a l)etter understanding and appreciation of the agri- 

 cultural resources and institutions of N"ew York in 

 the larger sense, and the direction for their best 

 development, it will have justified its preparation. 



E. 0. FiPPiN. 



