As spring comes once more to Canada and the forces of fertility assert themselves across the sun-warmed land, man the provider gives full attention to the most precious part of his world-the thin layer of life-giving soil spread sparingly atop the crustal rocks. Canada, more blessed with rich farming regions than most countries and looking ahead to a future when increased agricultural production will continually become more imperative, supports many of the finest agricultural research groups in the world. Among these, the Soil Research Institute of the federal department of agriculture, is the one that probes deep into the mysterious layers that lie at the very base of the pyramid of life itself. Through its detailed soil studies, which include the physico-chemical reactions, the constitutions and role of organic matter and minerals, and the changes brought about by microbiological activity, this institute uncovers many solutions to soil problems that affect both Canada and nations around the world. A fine instance of practical uses that stem from such an overall program of pure research is the institute's soil survey mapping project. From their great fund of basic knowledge the scientists are classifying Canada's 100,000,000 acres of agricultural land from Atlantic to Pacific. The result is a series of gaily-colored maps that are of immense value to farmers, planners, economists and other research workers. In addition, 13,000 special maps a year are produced to feed graphic agricultural data into electronic computers for later recall and assimilation with other information. This store of processed facts will provide answers to many of today's complex economic questions-and also probably answer many future questions which as yet are still unformulated. Canada's agricultural research is a vital national requirement and, for many millions across the sea, a promise of life to come.