From the back:

This classic title was developed from a series of smaller artcilces on Farm Blacksmithing. The author J.M. Drew, added his expertise and knowledge from firsthand experiences teaching farm boys at the Minnesota School of Agriculture in the late 1800s. A bonus chapter is included on Saw Filing, written by William Boss, instructor in carpentry at the same school. 

This book is designed to aid those who are beginning to learn the cradt of blackmithing. Subjects include: how to set up a blacksmith shop, selecting materials and tools, and practice projects such as hooks, staples, chains, rings and tools. It continues by providing a set of basic techniques any good blacksmith must master - from welding to tempering tools. Specific to early farming skills it includes sections on plow work and shoeing farm horses. Additional instruction is given on splicing rope, files and filing, and sharpening saws. Valuable reference charts on Tap Drills, circumferences, Iron Weights, and Decimals are located in the back of this practical book. With dozens of illistrations throughout, it cpatures the essence of one of American's most highly valued trades - blacksmithing and metalworking.