HUMUS 31 



clean, sweet-smelling subtstance of new-turned earth the bed- 

 ding, rooting and growing material of life itself. 



WHY AND HOW 



In considering the soil-building possibilities inherent in har- 

 nessing the earthworm, the subject matter naturally falls under 

 two main headings, viz: "Why It Can Be Done" and "How It 

 Can Be Done." The preceding sections have been introductory 

 to these two divisions. As a preliminary generality, we might 

 say, "The reason it can be done is because it has been done." The 

 remaining chapters of this book are really an elaboration of this 

 generality. 



At this point we feel justified in a brief digression to con- 

 sider the practical purposes of soil-building, as we conceive it. 



Collectively, we think of man as the master of the earth, 

 through his universal adaptability harnessing, controlling, and 

 directing the forces of nature. Through this adaptability, the 

 present-day environment of man has become the entire earth. 

 Thanks to his ability to comprehend, direct and utilize the forces 

 of nature, he can now live in comparative comfort wherever there 

 is air to breathe. Nevertheless, today and in all the days to come, 

 each individual is encompassed by his own particular environ- 

 ment and must work out his own salvation in that environment. 



Philosophically, we listen to the full-bellied poet blithely sing, 

 "I am the master of my fate, the captain of my soul." But until 

 the individual can paraphrase the poet with a more literal and 

 practical statement, "I am the master of the earth, the captain of 

 the soil," he is liable to live in insecurity and fear of the future. 



Security what a comforting word! Security means ade- 

 quate food a roof over one's head clothes on one's back a 

 place in the sun freedom from fear no apprehension for the 

 future. To the individual who desires surely to build security 

 for himself and his loved ones, we hope to bring a knowledge of 



