Agriculture in the Twentieth Century

Abstract

BRITISH agriculture has always had its problems, its vicissitudes, its hopes; and although still buffeted by forces political, economic and social, it keeps its head erect, conscious of its unique importance and maintaining an undying faith in the return of better times. One impression gained by reading these excellent essays, written by leading exponents of scientific agriculture, and most fittingly dedicated to its Nestor, Sir Daniel Hall, is that of the great difficulties confronting statesmen and administrators when they have to adjust their outlook and their policies to meet new situations, which, in the absence of any long-term plan, have come upon them unforeseen. Until Sir Daniel Hall was appointed to the Development Commission in 1909, scientific knowledge and foresight seem to have been conspicuously lacking in administrative circles, and even to-day they have to contend with reactionary forces, represented by vested interests, the ignorance of science, and that one and only static thing in an ever-changing world, the ultra-conservative mind.

Agriculture in the Twentieth Century

Essays on Research, Practice and Organization to be presented to Sir Daniel Hall. Pp. x + 440. (Oxford: Clarendon Press; London: Oxford University Press, 1939.) 15s. net.