Iv
Preface
The highly developed form of the problems and exercises has also
the effect of making the book elastic. By omitting a number of them,
or by assigning some of the problems to individuals for report to the
class, the whole subject can be covered in half a year. If all parts
are carefully studied, the book provides material for a well-rounded
course of a year.
The original draft of this book was to a large extent the work of the
junior author, whose lamented death occurred before the book had
received its final revision. Mr. Cushing was responsible for the
general plan of the book, and for its development along the lines of
the four great economic fields. To him also is due the pedagogical
method illustrated in the text and problems, and especially in the
problem chapters at the ends of the four sections. It should be added,
however, that since Mr. Cushing’s death the book has been com-
pletely rewritten to bring it up to date.
The. death of Mr. Cushing makes it impossible to acknowledge
all the various sources from which help was received. Therefore,
rather than acknowledge the kindness of some and omit others, it has
seemed wise merely to express deep appreciation for the services
of all who have had a part in the book, and to omit personal acknowl-
edgments. The work of Miss Lenox E. Chase of the Mount Vernon
High School of Commerce, however, must be mentioned, for Miss
Chase has had an important share in the preparation of the exercises
and tables. As a student of Mr. Cushing’s she knew and practiced
his methods, and her assistance has been most valuable throughout.
Acknowledgment is also due to the United States Department of
Agriculture for most of the maps of crops and animals, which form an
important feature of the book. The Department is doing a truly
remarkable work in collecting, mapping, and disseminating statistics
on a great variety of agricultural subjects.