136 TOM'’S EXPERIENCE 
two words—bad farming. I make it a point to 
have my work done in the best possible manner. It 
takes longer to do it sometimes, but it always pays.” 
“ That is certainly sound common sense,” he said;} 
“and still I have a dread of making the change lest I 
should not succeed. As I said at first if I was sure 
of the success that you have achieved I would not 
hesitate.” | 
“Tf your land is as good as miye—and mine is 
only about the average in quality—and you cultivate 
it as well as I do, can you give any reason why you 
should not have as good crops?” 
‘No, of course I can’t. But your house and sur- 
roundings look better than those of your neighbors. 
You must have spent considerable money in these 
improvements.” 
‘No, not a great deal. Of course that new house 
cost considerable.” 
‘“T did not mean that.” 
“ What, then?” 
‘Well, the—the—trees, and—anJ—-the—fence, 
and—the—lawn, and—and—” 
“Well, what else?” 
“Really, [ don’t see much else, but there seems to 
be a good deal more.” 
‘Well, the fence is the only thing you have 
named that cost me anything except a little work, 
and that you will notice is not at all expensive. The 
trees I planted the first summer I was here and have 
taken care of them since, giving to each tree about 
