Transcriber's Note Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal signs=. MAKERS OF MODERN AGRICULTURE [Illustration] MACMILLAN AND CO., Limited LONDON · BOMBAY · CALCUTTA · MELBOURNE THE MACMILLAN COMPANY NEW YORK · BOSTON · CHICAGO · DALLAS · SAN FRANCISCO THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, Ltd. TORONTO [Illustration: Jethro Tull Founder of the Principles of Dry-Farming. 1674-1740.] MAKERS OF MODERN AGRICULTURE BY WILLIAM MACDONALD, D.Sc. _Editor, "Agricultural Journal," Union Department of Agriculture, South Africa; and Corresponding Secretary for the International Dry-Farming Congress_ MACMILLAN AND CO., LIMITED ST. MARTIN'S STREET, LONDON 1913 _COPYRIGHT_ Richard Clay and Sons, Limited, BRUNSWICK ST., STAMFORD ST., S.E., AND BUNGAY, SUFFOLK. PREFACE When it is remembered what a prominent part Agriculture plays in the history of all Nations, it does seem strange that so little is known of the lives of those pioneers who have been foremost in the discovery of fundamental principles, improved methods, and labour-saving machines. Perhaps it is that farmers as a whole are not specially fond of reading. This, however, is not to be wondered at, because after a long day's work in the open air it is hard to rivet one's mind on anything more serious than the headlines of a daily newspaper, or the rose-tinted pictures of a rural magazine. Still, it is safe to prophesy that the successful farmer of the future will not only be a hard worker, but also a hard reader. And biography brings before us, in a vivid manner, the onward march of modern Agriculture. It is also of interest to note how much Agriculture owes to men who could scarcely be called practical farmers. Indeed, the author has been impressed, contrary to common opinion, with the success of the Townsman who takes to farming. But this is really no more surprising than that the simple-hearted farm lad should forsake the Old Homestead for the fascinations of the City, and by reason of his character, courage, and industry, become in a few years the Captain of some great commercial enterprise. There will always be the ceaseless ebb and flow of the human tide between country lane and crowded street. But it is surely our plain duty to do something to make the life of the worker in the field less dull and lonely, and more attractive by the erection of pleasant cottages and the establishment of rural industries: while, at the same time, we try to brighten the life of the toiler in the town by freehold garden lots and sunlit, open spaces.