breeds in some localities, or if the farm is too hot on account of the climate, or is exposed to mischievous winds, these discomforts can be mitigated by one who knows what to do and is willing to spend some money.  What is of the greatest importance in this respect is the situation of the farm buildings, their plan and convenience, and what is the aspect of their doors and gates and windows.  During the great plague, Hippocrates the physician saved not merely one farm but many cities because he knew this.  But why should I summon him as a witness:  for when the army and the fleet lay at Corcyra[60] and all the houses were crowded with the sick and dying, did not our Varro here contrive to open new windows to the healthy North wind and close those which gave entrance to the infected breezes of the South, to change doors and to do other such things, and so succeed in restoring his comrades safe and sound to their native land?

The fourfold division of the study of agriculture

V. I have rehearsed the elements and the purposes of agriculture, it now remains to consider in how many divisions this science is to be studied.”

“I have supposed these to be without number,” said Agrius, “when I have read the many books which Theophrastus wrote on The History of Plants and The Causes of Vegetation.

“These books,” said Stolo, “have always seemed to me to be fitter for use in the schools of the philosophers than in the hands of a practical farmer.  I do not mean to say that they do not contain many things which are both useful and practical.  However that may be, do you rather explain to us the divisions in which agriculture should be studied.”

“There are four chapters for the study of agriculture, of the highest practical importance,” resumed Scrofa, “namely:” 

1 deg.  What are the physical characteristics of the land to be cultivated, including the constitution of the soil;

2 deg.  What labour and equipment are necessary for such cultivation;

3 deg.  What system of farming is to be practised;

4 deg.  What are the season? at which the several farming operations are to be carried out.

Each of these four chapters may be divided in at least two subdivisions: 

The first into (a) a study of the soil, and (b) a survey of the buildings and stabling.

The second into an enquiry as to (c), the men who will carry on the farming operations, and (d) the implements they will require.

The third into (e) the kind of work to be planned, and (f) where that work is to be done.

The fourth into what relates (g) to the annual revolution of the sun, and (h) the monthly revolution of the moon.

I will speak of the four principal parts first, and then in detail of the eight subdivisions.

1 deg.  CONCERNING THE FARM ITSELF