INTRODUCTION. 



Having been convinced by years of constant labor in the field, and 

 practical results attained by soil culture experiments, that the average 

 farm crops throughout the west are not what they might be if proper cul- 

 tivation was applied; and realizing what it would signify to the grfeat 

 Semi-Arid Belt if every farmer in that section could grasp the funda- 

 mental principles involved in the science of soil culture, which are really 

 plain and simple, and put them into practical use, I have been prompted 

 to prepare the matter contained in these pages. 



I desire, if it may be possible for me to do so, to in some measure 

 supply the rapidly growing demand for a broader and more comprehensive 

 knowledge of soil culture and the storage and conservation of the avail- 

 able soil waters for the increase of crops, and the greater profit thereby to 

 the farmer; also to aid and encourage public sentiment in favor of farm 

 life and ideal farm homes. 



I believe one of the important sentiments as respects home life on 

 the farm is the abolishment of the " Bonanza " farm idea. The small 

 farmer has given character to agriculture everywhere and at all times. 

 He cultivates a smaller area, produces a greater diversity of crops and 

 practices a more intensive system of cultivation. His farm is his home, 

 which he wishes constantly to improve by the growing of trees, fruit, flow- 

 ers and shrubs. He has a better conception of economy; his wife and 

 children are happier and better contented; in short, it is upon the com- 

 paratively small farms that many a bright young man and woman have 

 found opportunities to develop a capacity for the higher and nobler duties 

 and service of life. 



Make the farm as comfortable and attractive as possible, and the 

 children will love it as their home, and will feel a deeper respect for their 

 parents, and will more fully appreciate nature in all her fruitfulness 

 and glory. 



The " Bonanza," or large scale system of farming, reverses all this; for 

 in that case the home is not a home, but merely a place where the family 

 stay. It is seldom beautified by trees or flowers; it is unattractive, and 

 the very atmosphere of such a place»will depress the mind of the true agri- 

 culturalist. Such a system is always barren of what is pleasing to the 

 eye, and to the mind, and is generally a system of soil butchery. 



Under the " Bonanza " system, two acres are required to do less than 

 one should do, and, as a rule, everything is in a state of congestion; stren- 

 uous activity abounds with, generally, unsatisfactory results. Little time 



