ing losses. (See Plate VIII.) In the first case it is a problem
of preventing the solid portion of the soil from being washed
away. In the second case it is a problem of preventing the
soluble portions of the soil, commonly referred to as fertilizer
nutrients, from being leached. Therefore, plants will either bind
the soil particles together or absorb the available soil nutrients
and convert them into a less leachable form. Thus the sandy
land will be benefited and conserved by the use of crops whether
weeds, grass or otherwise. It is even necessary and profitable
at times to bring in litter from outside to serve as a soil cover
as well as to increase the moisture holding capacity of the soil
for the main cash crop. This is particularly true in a warm
humid climate such as Florida, where the conditions are favor-
able for the soil organisms to render plant food available during
the entire year. In such areas weeds or grass are often a
blessing in disguse to the soil. Under Florida conditions the
natural forces have tended to equalize soil losses and we have
a number of very profitable volunteer crops such as beggar weed,
native grasses, and other crops that grow after the cultivation
of the cash crops have been discontinued. This is nature's way
of replenishing her land and should be encouraged wherever
possible. The value of this farm practice has been observed
by many farmers.
 One of the most serious problems involved in the management
of organic soils, such as peat and muck, is the fact that they
shrink and burn readily when dried. Since organic soils con-
sist very largely of plant materials, bacteria and fungi decom-
pose them readily when once exposed to atmospheric conditions.
Moreover, when dry, they will burn rather freely. So the prob-
lem confronting the Florida Everglades is that of moisture con-
trol. By moisture control is meant sufficient moisture through
drainage and canal systems to prevent fires and excessive de-
composition process and at the same time to drain the excessive
water so that crops may be grown. It is just as important to
consider this as a soil conservation measure as erosion control.
 Where land for any reason (sand, gullies, or what not) is
not suited for cultivated crops, it should be planted to tree crops
or grazing crops, both of which are soil conserving. Such a