334 THE FAT OF THE LAND 



more than 7000 bushels in my granary, I pur- 

 chased 5000 bushels of corn and as much oats 

 against a higher market. The corn cost 27 cents 

 a bushel and the oats 22, delivered at Exeter, 

 the 10,000 bushels amounting to 82450, to be 

 charged to the farm account. 



I was now prepared to face the food problem, 

 for I had more than 17,000 bushels of grain to 

 supplement the amount the farm would produce, 

 and to tide me along until cheap grain should 

 come again, or until my land should produce 

 enough for my needs. The supply in hand plus 

 that which I could reasonably expect to raise, 

 would certainly provide for three years to come, 

 and this is farther than the average farmer looks 

 into the future. But I claim to be more enter- 

 prising than an average farmer, and determined 

 to keep my eyes open and to take advantage of 

 any favorable opportunity to strengthen my 

 position. 



In the meantime it was necessary to force my 

 trees, and to secure more help for the farm 

 work. To push fruit trees to the limit of healthy 

 growth is practical and wise. They can accom- 

 plish as much in growth and development in 

 three years, when judiciously stimulated, as in 

 five or six years of the " lick-and-a-promise " kind 

 of care which they usually receive. 



A tree must be fed first for growth and after- 

 ward for fruit, just as a pig is managed, if one 

 wishes quick returns. To plant a tree and leave 



