Edward John Russell (1872–1965) was a British agricultural scientist, and Director of the Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden from 1912 to 1943. First published in 1950, as the second edition of a 1911 original, this book was written by Russell to provide the younger reader with an accessible guide to the properties of soil. Numerous illustrative figures are also included. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in soil and the history of education.