PREFACE ¥ 
conclusions of pure economics, while at the same time using 
theoretical knowledge for the explanation of particular phe- 
nomena. In this way the problem has been attacked from 
the two sides—deduction and induction—with, I hope, due 
appreciation of both pure theory and historical analysis. 
The sources of information have been many and varied. 
The ‘‘Statisties of New Zealand,’’ as published from year to 
year, contain statistics of production, acreage and yield, for 
the separate provinces since 1869; of importation and expor- 
tation since 1853; of population since 1853; and of rainfall, 
wind, temperature, etc., at several meteorological stations since 
the early sixties. It is not necessary to point out here the 
defects in this information. They are adequately indicated in 
the text. ‘‘The New Zealand Official Year Book,’’ issued 
annually since 1892, gives a complete summary of the statistics, 
but does not contain adequate analysis and explanation. Useful 
articles, however, on agriculture and related subjects, appear 
from time to time, and these have been drawn on extensively. 
Much information has been collected directly from farmers, 
and though the result of the quest was not wholly encouraging, 
it was not altogether fruitless. The other sources of information 
I have set out in the Bibliography, where a complete list of 
the books and publications used is given. But I must mention 
particularly Dondlinger’s ‘‘Book of Wheat,’’? Hunt’s ‘‘Cereals 
in America,’’ and MeclIlraith’s ‘‘Course of Prices in New 
Zealand,’’ all of which have been of the most valuable service. 
Where the work of others has been drawn upon, it has been 
duly acknowledged, though much of it is presented in different 
form. But most of the work of this essay is the result of 
first-hand information from official sources, as given in the 
‘*Statistics of New Zealand,’’ and ‘‘The Official Year Book.’’ 
The results of personal investigations among farmers and others 
eonnected with the industry, together with practical experience 
in rural work, have also proved very valuable, while the services 
rendered by investigators in other countries, notably Australia 
and the United States, are inestimable. 
A treatise on rural economics for the Dominion should prove 
pleasant reading, quite apart from the wealth of information 
which it would contain for the economist, the student, and the 
general public. Such a work is scarcely yet contemplated in 
New Zealand, but it is hoped that the present study of only 
a small section of the whole field, may stimulate sufficient 
interest for the enterprising student to undertake the more 
