78 THE NEW AGRICULTURE. 



and tender all the way through. As to the foliage, I can only say 

 that I never saw anything like it. I measured a leaf that was five 

 and one-half inches across, and I plucked a broader one, with Mr. 

 Cole's consent, and brought it home. 



" I must say that the changes wrought in the soil and its pro- 

 ducts constituted a great surprise. 



" As to the soil, I could judge by comparison with land that 

 must have been originally of the same character. It now lies 

 hard and compact adjoining the renovated earth, that under Mr. 

 Cole's treatment has certainly become very fertile, whether with 

 manure in abundant supply, or not, I am not prepared to say. 

 The soil under treatment has the appearance of being thoroughly 

 enriched with manure ; then there is the water supply for the 

 roots to reach and use, obviating drought apparently ; and besides, 

 there is entire freedom from washing. Heavy showers had fallen 

 in the week before our arrival, but there was not the slightest ap- 

 pearance of washing, and Mr. Cole informed iis that all danger 

 from washing was obviated ; a statement which I can accept as 

 true, for he has provided reservoirs into 'which all surplus of water 

 must pass, and if there is too much the overflow runs from one to 

 another reservoir. Besides all this the earth worked to fine tilth 

 fifteen inches deep serves as a sponge to take in a great deal of 

 moisture and retain it for the use of plants. Ten days before our 

 visit there was a rainfall of three inches, as reported, and no ap- 

 pearance of washing. 



" Of course I can not give you such description as will inform 

 you fully, because one must see what has been done and its results 

 to have complete understanding of the system. I believe there is 

 a great deal of advantage in Mr. Cole's plan, althoiigh I may not 

 with my one opportunity for inspection have such full faith as he 

 possesses, for I cannot have such full knowledge as he has obtained 



