CHAPTER XXXII. 



A FEW RULES AND MAXIMS. 



O UGGESTIVE experiences and the methods of successful 

 ^^ men are usually far more helpful than a system of rules. 

 Nevertheless, I have thought that some concise maxims and 

 formulas would be of use to those not yet well versed in the 

 labors of a fruit farm. Such rules, also, may be of service 

 to the unfortunates who are dependent on the "hired man," 

 since they can be copied and given to this minister of des- 

 tiny whose hands work out our weal or woe so largely. 

 There are two types of workmen that are incorrigible. The 

 one slashes away with his hap-hazard hoe, while he looks 

 and talks in another direction. His tongue, at least, is 

 rarely idle, and his curiosity awakes when he does. If any 

 one or anything goes by, he must watch it while in sight and 

 then comment and expectorate. He is not only versed in 

 all the coarse gossip concerning his neighbors, but also can 

 talk by the hour of the short-comings of even their horses 

 and dogs. The virtues of man or beast, however, make 

 but little impression on what answers in his organism for a 

 mind. That which is good, wholesome, and refined interests 

 him no more than strawberries would a buzzard. To the 

 degree that he is active, he usually makes havoc. The 

 weeds do not suffer seriously from his efforts, but if you have 

 a few choice plants, a single specimen or two of something 

 unpurchasable and rare, or a seedling that you dream may 

 have a future, the probabilities are that, unless watched and 



