Edward John Russell (1872–1965) was a British agricultural scientist and Director of the Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden from 1912 to 1943. In this book, which was first published in 1940 as the third edition of a 1915 original, Russell presents an introductory guide to the properties of soil. The text falls into three main parts: 'An Account of the Soil'; 'The Control of the Soil'; and 'Fertilisers'. Numerous illustrative figures and appendices are also included. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in soil, educational books and the history of science.