This manual, developed by the Agency for International Development and used by the Peace Corps, explains how to build homes made of earth. Information came from reports, books, and articles from many countries, coupled with research by soil engineers at Texas A & M University. It is presented in the most nontechnical format possible. The manual describes broadly the kinds of soil that are found in various parts of the world and tells what can be expected of them. It then tells what is best to do with each of them, alone or in combination with others, to make them good enough to use or make them better with the use of stabilizers. Then it explains which of the three general kinds of earth construction is best for use with the kinds of soil available. It also describes simple tests anyone can perform that tell the builder how well he or she is succeeding in the construction. After chapters on picking out places to build, how to make a good foundation for any kind of house, and how to build a roof, the manual has separate chapters on adobe, rammed earth, and pressed block construction. The manual is illustrated with line drawings and photographs. A list of references, mathematical formulas, soil test procedures, and a glossary complete the manual. (KC)