Farmers of Forty Centuries or Permanent Agriculture in China, Korea and Japan
Madison, Wis. Mrs. F.H. King, 1911.
First Edition. Hardcover. Good. Scarce first edition of this classic work on traditional sustainable farming techniques. King (1848-1911) was a professor of agricultural physics at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, from 1888 to 1902, during which time he made important contributions to the literature on subjects such as "the water-holding capacities of soils, moisture requirements of plants, aeration, movement of water in soils, movement of groundwater, the drafts of plows, and the lifting power of windmills; he also began studies of soil fertility" (wiki). In 1909, he undertook a nine-month tour of China, Japan, and Korea, where he made observations on traditional sustainable agriculture practices. The result was this book, which discusses strategies for tilling and irrigation, maintaining soil fertility, composting, etc, with chapters dedicated to the cultivation of rice, silk, and tea. There are also observations on the local culture and customs and many photographic illustratons. 441 pp, indexed. Upper corner bumped, rippling to first ca. 10 leaves, some small pale stains on front cover; good to very good overall.
Item #24265
Price: $250.00