4 PREFACE 
many of our operations have been suggested by neighbors and 
the reading of bulletins and farm papers. 
Changing conditions, from year to year, demand new and 
different methods of culture. The farmer, to keep abreast of 
the times, must be ready to adopt new ideas. If any of us 
should disregard the opinion of others and depend solely upon 
his own judgment for ten years, he would find that he would 
be left far behind in the march of competition. 
We wish gratefully to acknowledge the sympathy, 
encouragement and suggestions which we have received from 
farmers in J]linois and in other states. To mention each one 
would be out of the question, but our gratitude for their 
kindness is none the less sincere. 
Such rapid progress is being made in the methods of 
growing farm crops that this book will undoubtedly be a back 
number in less than five years. For this reason it is our 
intention to rewrite it every two years. If the reader will 
send a return stamped envelope we shall be glad to answer 
any questions, in our power, in regard to conserving soil 
fertility and the culture of corn. 
W. T. anp Ratpo M. AInswortuH. 
Sunny Swe Farmsteap, 
Mason City, Illinois. 
January, 1914. 
