210 UNION COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 



twelve by twelve and eighteen inches long. When packed in 

 the case, each melon can be plainly seen, which I think is in- 

 ducive to honest packing. 



By the end of August these crops are all marketed and the 

 land again plowed, covering all the vines and weeds preparatory 

 to the sowing of spinach about the middle of September. The 

 land now receives whatever barnyard manure I have collected 

 on the farm, as well as that which I have brought a distance of 

 forty miles by railroad. This manure is applied at the rate of 

 about twenty two-horse loads to the acre, and is plowed under, 

 the surface of the land being made mellow with the harrow ; 

 when it is ready for the seed. 



I then sow ten pounds of spinach seed broadcast over each 

 acre, and lightly harrow so as not to cover too deep. This crop 

 is so easily and extensively grown, and so uncertain in its 

 financial results, that little care is bestowed upon securing it 

 from frost by means of mulching. It is usually sent to market 

 by express, in March and April following, and the crop when 

 cut%rms a complete round of vegetable crops cultivated upon 

 my farm. 



I have been, and am still engaged in fruit raising, but will 

 only say that the gist or kernel of the business, is the dollar 

 that is in it. 



This section of the country is so overstocked with insects, 

 death dealing to trees and fruits, while expenses for expressage 

 or railroad freights and commissions are so great, that little, 

 and often nothing, is left of profit to fruit growers. 



