22 MAY 1920, Page 22

Forage 'Crops in Denmark. By Harold Faber. (Longmans. 6s.)—Every thoughtful

farmer ought to read this book, not only for the technical information about root and grass crops but also as an example of scientific method applied to agriculture. Mr. Faber, the Danish Agricultural Commissioner, shows how the Danish farmers, awaking somewhat tardily to the importance of roots as fodder for their cattle, set themselves to study the subject and to make sure that they grew the very best kind of roots. They had the roots tested and encouraged the pro- duction of new varieties. They did the same with grasses. The Danish seed trade was reorganized, and producers were required to give definite guarantees that their seeds would yield certain results. As Sir Robert Greig points out in a preface, this patient treatment of the problem has brought its reward in the shape of hard cash. Denmark used to import thousands of tons of grass and clover seed ; now she produces her own seed and exports thousands of tons to this country and to America. Her great cattle industry, before the war, was benefiting largely by the improved forage crops, yielding more nutriment to the acre than before and therefore less expensive. Co-operation, with State encouragement, is Denmark's grand secret.