AGRICUIvTURAIv GEOLOGY 
179 
cation of water courses, of valleys and uplands, of railways, high- 
ways and of markets as well as the adaptability of various areas 
to their respective agricultural uses are, to a remarkable extent, 
arranged in accordance with the topography and with the kinds 
and relations of the underlying rocks. 
The principles of improvement in domestic plants and animals 
are found in a diligent study of the geological history of their 
respective races and are fully illustrated in the development of the 
present forms of life from the ancient ones. These great changes 
in form, stature and intelligence make some of the useful stories 
in the earth’s history as they are revealed by the record that is 
written in the rocks. 
By the study of this history man is encouraged in self improve- 
ment and in the realization of his responsibility to the world about 
him ; he is inspired to higher ideals in his relations with his fellow 
man and in the field of intellectual achievement; he is stimulated 
to a more intelligent understanding of the powerful forces in 
nature and of their influence on the origin and on the destination 
of the human family. 
In view of the present awakening to the needs of people in agri- 
cultural vocations and of the many relations of this science to 
rural welfare, it seems reasonable to expect that the study of 
agricultural geology in colleges and elsewhere will be extended 
until it is shared by all who are preparing to do work in rural 
improvement and that each will continue this study long enough 
to be able to apply the subject with intelligence. 
Department oe Geology, 
Iowa State College. 
