6 HISTORY OF FARM 



many of them will bear repetition with new materials, or in 

 new situations. Each one includes a brief introductory 

 statement to be read, and an outline of work to be performed. 

 In all of them, it is the doing of the work outlined — not the 

 mere reading of the text — that will yield satisfactory educa- 

 tional results. 



The work of this course is not new. Much work of this 

 sort has been done, and well done, as nature-study, in various 

 institutions at home and abroad. But here is an attempt to 

 integrate it all, and to show its relation to the sources of our 

 living. So it is the natural history, not of the whole range of 

 things curious and interesting in the world, but of those things 

 that humankind has elected to deal with as a means of liveli- 

 hood and of personal satisfaction in all ages. 



These are the things we have to live with: they are the 

 things we have to live by. They feed us and shelter us and 

 clothe us and warm us. They equip us with implements for 

 manifold tasks. They endow us with a thousand delicacies 

 and wholesome comforts. They unfold before us the cease- 

 less drama of the ever-changing seasons — the informing 

 drama of life, of which we are a part. And when, in our rude 

 farming operations, we scar the face of nature to make fields 

 and houses and stock pens, they offer us the means whereby, 

 though changed, to make it green and golden again — a fit 

 environment wherein to dwell at peace. 



In the belief that an acquaintance with these things would 

 contribute to greater contentment in and enjoyment of the 

 farm surroundings and to a better rural life, this course was 

 prepared. The original suggestion of it came from Director 

 L. H. Bailey of the New York State College of Agriculture. 

 It was first given in that college by me in cooperation with 

 Mrs. J. H. Comstock. To both these good naturalists, and 

 to all those who have helped me as assistants, I am greatly 

 indebted for valuable suggestions. 



James G. Needham. 



