142 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE FARM ' 



Study 17. The Natural Fields of the Farm 



For the purposes of this study a somewhat diversified area 

 should be selected, including bottomlands, large or small, 

 bordering hills and level uplands, traversed by little streams. 

 A map should be provided, showing soil types and all princi- 

 pal topographic and cultural features. 



The tools needed will be a pocket compass for taking 

 directions, and a ioo-ft. line, a hand level, and a surveyor's 

 rod for measuring gradients. 



The program of work will consist in : 



i. A trip across the uplands, slopes and flood plains, 

 observing their exposure and measuring their gradients. 

 Natural adaptations to particular crops, and to choice sites 

 for burrows for particular animals, should be noted. 



2. A comparison of the life and conditions in sunny and 

 shaded slopes of a wooded ravine. 



The record of this study may consist in : 



i . The map with the natural fields roughly marked out in 

 part — i.e., the areas that are much alike in soil, gradient, 

 exposure, etc. , and that are, therefore, adapted to one kind of 

 crop. Mark direction of slope and percentage of grade 

 (roughly determined by measuring the descent per hundred 

 feet with level, line, and rod at some average place) in each 

 field. Mark also on the map the direction of the prevailing 

 wind of the season that is most trying to vegetation. 



2. A summary statement as to relative area of each ex- 

 posure; also the maximum gradient found under cultivation, 

 and the condition of its soil. 



3. A comparison in word or diagram of the two sides of a 

 wooded ravine having an East and West direction, as to, 

 (a) tall plants, (b) undergrowth plants, (c) moisture, (d) 

 accumulation of humus. 



