XXXII. A Lesson of To-day 189 XXXIII. Intellect in Agriculture 195 XXXIV. Sheep and Wool-Growing 200 XXXV. Accounts in Farming 207 XXXVI. Stone on a Farm 212 XXXVII. Fences and Fencing 219 XXXVIII. Agricultural Exhibitions 225 XXXIX. Science in Agriculture 231 XL. Farm Implements 237 XLI. Steam in Agriculture 241 XLII. Co-operation in Farming 248 XLIII. Farmers' Clubs 254 XLIV. Western Irrigation. 260 XLV. Sewage 266 XLVI. More of Irrigation 274 XLVII. Undeveloped Sources of Power 280 XLVIII. Rural Depopulation 286 XLIX. Large and Small Farms 292 L. Exchange and Distribution. 297 LI. Winter Work 303 LII. Summing up 308 PREFACE. Men have written wisely and usefully, in illustration and aid of Agriculture, from the platform of pure science. Acquainted with the laws of vegetable growth and life, they so expounded and elucidated those laws that farmers apprehended and profitably obeyed them. Others have written, to equally good purpose, who knew little of science, but were adepts in practical agriculture, according to the maxims and usages of those who have successfully followed and dignified the farmer's calling. I rank with neither of these honored classes. My practical knowledge of agriculture is meager, and mainly acquired in a childhood long bygone; while, of science, I have but a smattering, if even that. They are right, therefore, who urge that my qualifications for writing on agriculture are slender indeed. I only lay claim to an invincible willingness to be made wiser to-day than I was yesterday, and a lively faith in the possibility--nay, the feasibility, the urgent necessity, the imminence--of very great improvements in our ordinary dealings with the soil. I know that a majority of those who would live by its tillage feed it too sparingly and stir it too slightly and grudgingly. I know that we do too little for it, and expect it, thereupon, to do too much for us. I know that, in other pursuits, it is only work thoroughly well done that is liberally compensated; and I see no reason why farming should prove an exception to this stern but salutary law. I may be, indeed, deficient in knowledge of what constitutes good farming, but not in faith that the very best farming is that which is morally sure of the largest and most certain reward.