The author says, “This book is an attempt to set forth the important facts about the soil in a plain and untechnical manner. It is not a contribution to agricultural science, but an interpretation of it.” A popular treatment dealing with the nature and management of soils, soil water, soil builders, benefits of tillage, objects and methods of plowing, harrowing and cultivating, rolling, planking, hoeing, drainage, irrigation, fertilizers, etc.
| A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 96. Ap. ’07. |
“It is to be regretted, however, that the author has in many cases sacrificed accuracy to happiness of statement; that in the avoidance of technical terms and the use of everyday ones, he has not always succeeded in choosing such as were truly synonymous. Had his manuscripts been overhauled at certain points by a chemist, and at others by a biologist, it would have been the better.”
| + − | Nation. 84: 19. Jl. 4, ’07. 220w. |
“A simple, direct, and comprehensive statement, serviceable for class use, but offered mainly for the better instruction of the vast American multitude of men, engaged in different branches of farming.”
| + | N. Y. Times. 12: 79. F. 9, ’07. 50w. |
“It is not altogether with equanimity that we view the recent habit of publishers to push American text-books of agriculture in this country. This preliminary grumble over, we can honestly recommend Professor Fletcher’s book as containing a well-reasoned practical account of the nature and benefit of such operations as ploughing, subsoiling, and cultivating.”
| + − | Sat. R. 104: 85. Jl. 20, ’07. 500w. |
“A book which, by reason of its excellent illustrations as well as its facts is a useful addition to current agricultural literature.”