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 itis 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 meansof 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 codperation 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. 
