in growing crops may be mentioned plant diseases, insect attacks, ex- 

 tremes of temperature and moisture, lack of available plant food, 

 and an unfavorable physical condition of the soil due to deficiency of 

 vegetable matter, \\ant of drainage, or to improper tillage. You 

 thus see that growing crops are constantly subject to influences and 

 conditions favorable or unfavorable to their perfect development. 

 To a greater extent than you might first suppose these conditions 

 and influences are under man's control. As students of agriculture 

 you are interested to learn just how far the conditions of crop jjro- 

 duction may be controlled. 



Of the csfieniials mentioned above you can control the seed by se- 

 lecting that which is sound and of a variety that is hardy and prolific. 

 You can also, by an intelligent treatment of the soil, largely secure a 

 desirable degi-ee of soil moisture, warmth and fertilit}' — the sunlight 

 and air will do the rest. Then, too, the obstacles referred to above 

 may be largely held in check Ijy the prompt intelligent eifort and 

 co-operation of farmers. 



Your attention is now called more particularly to the considerations 

 which are especially important in successful crop production. 



1. The Soil. The soil should receive earliest consideration (1) 

 because of its importance in crop prodiiction and (2) because its capa- 

 city to grow crops is so easily increased or diminished Liy the treat- 

 ment it receives from man. The soil must not only contain all the 

 mineral elements of plants, but it must supply these elements in 

 available form to the growing crops as rapidly as needed. To ac- 

 complish this the soil must lie enriched, if not naturally fertile, and 

 be kept suitably moist, open and «arm. The prime agencies in se- 

 curing and maintaining these desirable soil conditions are under-drain- 

 age, tillage, manures, green manures, and also an occasional liming of 

 \'erv close, sticky clays. In all heavy, relenlive soils ilraiiuujc is the first 

 and fimdamental means of improvement. It not only will remove the 

 excess of water but it will also make the soil more open and warm, 

 and, curiously enough, it will in a great measure prevent the ill 

 cllx'cts of drouth. This has been abundantly proved both by farmers 

 and experimenters. Next in importance is to maintain the supply 

 of hrmius or organic matter in the soil. This is renewed by manure, 

 green manure and by turning undt'r straw and other refuse matter. 

 If the land is properly drained and filled with humus, tillage, the next 

 thing in order will have its maximum cH'eet. The tillage should be 

 both thorough and frequent to make it most effective in destroying 

 weeds, admitting air into the ground and in conserving soil moisture. 



