LOCATION AND SOILS 



large pond, or unfailing brook, the privilege of 

 access to such a water supply would very greatly 

 increase the real value of the land for every sort 

 of cultivation. 



It should be noticed that some ground which in 

 its native condition is quite incapable of bearing 

 good crops has yet a superior natural capacity, 

 that may be developed by skilful handling and 

 liberal expenditure. This is especially true of 

 lands lying on a retentive subsoil, and such lands, 

 after some years of thorough draining and deep 

 tilth, will show admirable results. In treating 

 of drainage, we shall endeavour to make it clear 

 how such a course of culture operates to mellow 

 and warm the cold, barren soils, and bring them 

 into high condition. In fact having a good 

 exposure to begin with by drainage, deep tilth, 

 generous and judicious manuring and irrigation, 

 as required, the most barren spot on earth can be 

 made as highly productive as any other soil, even 

 the richest. It is only a question of time and 

 expense. Accordingly it has been said, not with- 

 out some truth, that after all the chief matter in 

 choosing a location is its convenience to markets of 

 sale and supply; because if the soil be never so 



