
BY - E. J. RUSSELL, D.Sc. (Lond.) - GOLDSMITH COMPANY'S SOIL CHEMIST, ROTHAMSTED EXPERIMENTAL STATION
Cambridge: at the University Press 1911
PREFACE
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER I - WHAT IS THE SOIL MADE OF?
Fig. 1. Soil and subsoil in St George's school garden
Fig. 2. Columns showing what 100 parts of soil and subsoil were made of
Fig. 3. Columns showing what 100 parts of dried soil and subsoil were made of
CHAPTER II - MORE ABOUT THE CLAY
A clear‑headed guide introduces young learners to the hidden world beneath their feet, showing how soil isn’t just dirt but a living system that supports plants, animals, and even human activity. Drawing on the author’s hands‑on experience at experimental stations and in classrooms, the book blends concise explanations with step‑by‑step experiments that can be carried out in school gardens or on a half‑day field trip. Readers discover how to identify soil types, observe the behavior of clay and sand, and explore the role of microscopic organisms in fertility.
Designed for pupils aged twelve to fourteen, the volume offers practical worksheets, simple diagrams and suggestions for creating modest tools, making the material accessible even when a teacher’s time is limited. Activities range from drawing soil profiles to testing water drainage, encouraging both scientific observation and artistic expression. With straightforward instructions and vivid illustrations, the text serves as a useful companion for teachers aiming to spark curiosity about the natural world right where it begins.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (155K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Al Haines
Release date
2007-04-10
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1872–1965
A pioneering British soil scientist, he helped shape modern agricultural research and made complex ideas about soil and plant growth accessible to a wide audience. His books reflect a lifelong effort to connect careful science with the practical needs of farming.
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