Grasses and clovers, field roots, forage and fodder plants

Every season we are in receipt of a great many letters asking information on the subjects which are discussed in this book.In our -desire to answer these questions correctly and in a manner that would be useful to our correspondents, it became apparent to us, as it has no doubt been clear to nearly everyone who operates a farm, that there was no book in existence that handled these important subjects ina really clear and practical manner.We determined to have such a book.The next question with us was, whom should we get to write it.There are some writers who know a good deal, but cannot tell it.There are others who write a good deal but do not know it.What we were after was a man who knew and could tell it in a way that would be readily understood by everyone who could read.We finally fixed on such a man, Professor Thomas Shaw, a thorough student, a practical farmer, and one who possesses in a rare degree the gift of imparting information in such a manner as to interest and instruct every one who reads.We said to Professor Shaw, '* We want a book that will enable the farmer who consults it to decide:First-What is best for his land and purpose.Second-How to prepare his ground.Third-How to sow the seed.Fourth-How to take care of the crop.Fifth-How to harvest it.Sixth-How to feed it."'We will leave it to the reader to judge as to how well Professor Shaw and ourselves have succeeded in the work as it stands.This book should.prove interesting and instructive to farmers everywhere, but it will be found of especial value throughout the Northwest.We have faith in the future of the Northwest.We believe that out of the conditions that have prevailed during the last few years, it will arise stronger than ever before.The low price of wheat will compel attention to other crops.Great changes have already taken place.In our experience in the seed business in Minnesota, covering a period of something over ten years, we can see already a great advancement.Ten years ago it was not thought possible to raise any good variety of corn in Minnesota, outside of the southern tier ot counties.The variety in common use in the immediate vicinity of Minneapolis was a small-eared, shallow corn called the '* Michigan Row Dent,'' which was in fact nearly a flint.At the present time this variety has been altogether discarded, having given place to such wellknown sorts as the Minnesota King, Pride of the North, Dakota Dent, etc., and it will not be more than a year or two when these will be superseded by even better varieties which have been brought from the South gradually by us so as to acclimate them to this climate.In less than five years' time, the state of Minnesota will be growing as good corn, as large corn, and as many bushels to the acre as are now produced in the states of lowa, Illinois and Nebraska.A few years ago, the only variety of corn that was known, or that was thought possible to be produced in North Dakota was the Squaw Corn.In its place we now have varieties like the Minnesota King, Mercer, Price of Dakota, etc., which not only give a large yield of ears but an abundance of fodder.We take considerable satisfaction in the thought that we have been instrumental in acclimating and introducing most of these varietles into the Northwest.Not many years ago it was thought impossible that timothy and clover could thrive in Minnesota.To-day Minnesota grown seed of these varieties commands the highest price amongst seed buyers, all over the United States.It is such facts as these that lead us to look confidently to more rapid developments even:owing to the pressure.necessity exerts.We should be pleased to hear from all those who read this book, as to how well it meets their views and needs.