INTRODUCTION
This is not intended so much as an introduction to the book, but rather to acquaint the reader with the organization which makes this interesting little volume possible, and promises the likelihood of more and greater works—it being the intention to publish similar hand-books on all the basic industries.
The book does not purport to be a history of the agricultural industry, but merely a condensed story of the evolution of the tools, the machinery, and the remarkable modern methods of agriculture, horticulture, cattle raising, etc., presenting the wonderful development of the production of all things essential to the life and happiness of people, the control of which by all the people would make the world a good place in which to live.
Incidentally herein is shown the way in which corporations have grown and gigantic trusts have been formed, privately owning vast tracts of land, immense implement factories, stock yards, cold storage and canning plants; also the mines and railroads, thus controlling the necessities of life of which food stuff forms the greater part. But nearly all things are within the greedy grasp of these combined capitalists. These vicious institutions are sapping the very life blood of the human race.
You must realize that this infamous system of robbery amounts in the end to crime worse than murder. The trusts have so developed that they now have their fangs fastened deep into the very heart of society. Their merciless schemes and operations are conceived and carried out for profit and personal
