Research Technique 142 
individual ownership farm did not conform to the pattern of surround- 
ing farms, it was found that the farm was being operated in conjunction 
with other farms. The total acreage managed by the same farmer al- 
most invariably conformed to the local crop pattern. 
Field work in 1933 and 1934.—Unless otherwise stated in the thesis, 
field data for the Madison County area were secured in 1933 and for 
the St. Clair County area in 1934. The weather conditions for both 
years were strikingly similar, and it is believed that the crop patterns in 
the American Bottoms were much the same for the two growing seasons. 
