The object of this study was to find out what pattern juvenile delinquency follows in small towns and rural areas.

Following Hawley's point of view regarding the definition and inclusiveness of human ecology, ecological data must include both a population and its characteristics and some measurements of the environment of this population. Following Hawley, an ecological investigation must select from available data and examine at least some of the relationships that may exist among these measurable population and environmental characteristics, in an effort to find and isolate the causes of mental disorders, particularly of those now called "functional."

"The purpose of this thesis is to examine the age structure of the population of Texas as it existed in 1960, and insofar as possible to trace important changes and trends in the older group from 1900 to 1960. The qualification derives from the fact that at this time not all of the data from the 1960 census are available, and hence many trends can be described only through 1950. Where appropriate, the structure and trends characteristic of the total population will be described, usually for comparative purposes."-- leaf 1.