inate (3 weeks), the surface could not be broken. It needed old light, friable black soil, such as we 

 should have had if forest fires had not robbed us. Too much care cannot be expended on a seed-bed, 

 and a seed-bed is one of a farm's most valuable adjuncts. 



Cultivation started on the fourth of May; peas and radishes being far enough advanced to have the 

 Planet Jr. hand cultivators run through them. The rows were rough, crooked and irregular, showing 

 plainly where the drill, running into a bunch of roots, had choked, and, being released farther on, dropped 

 the accumulated seed. Peas did not show this irregularity as much as radishes, but we were content 

 when we saw the seed coming along in the bare spaces a Uttle later, for we felt we would have a succession 

 just as good as a second planting. Our surmise proved true, for radishes continued maturing for one 

 month. 



The 5th was lost in a big sea fog, that great factor in Long Island's agricultural success. They 

 steal in during the night at frequent intervals, covering leaves and soil with a soft film of moisture, 

 giving a crispness and freshness to foliage which inland plants are denied. It is no wonder cauliflower 

 ia so happy on the Island. 



On the acres not needed for early planting the rye was allowed to grow as long as possible. It 

 ran up to 34 and 39 inches on some acres, with signs of early and full heading, which proved to our entire 

 satisfaction that a rye crop on newly developed land would be a paying one. 



On the 7th the dairy says: "Set out 100 Long Island Beauty Cauliflower between the rows of 

 Extra Early Peas. Asparagus up, potatoes up, red and orange carrots from North China up, artichoke, 

 and kohl-rabi and nectarine in bloom." 



John was working on the farm by this time, although his wife and family (consisting of one cat 

 and a few pet house plants) had not yet arrived. This made 3 three men on the 13 acres, not quite as 

 much help as one would expect "Pennsy" millions to employ. 



Canada wood ashes ^\'ith its 40% vegetable lime had arrived and we sowed them where we felt 

 they were most needed; about the house plot principally, for this section had received next to none of 

 the native ashes. Acre No. 3 in the dairy also received 200 pounds, for it was newly plowed in the spring 

 and had received no manure whatever. We knew the ashes could not make up for the manure humus, 

 but we wished to do the best we could for the poor thing. 



"I'm awfully sorry about that acre," the Senior Partner said. 



"But just think what a beautiful test of the soil's capabilities," I replied. "We'll see what she'll 

 do unaided and alone." 



About this time Mr. Peters made the farm a visit. One of his first exclamations was: 



"0, Mr. FuUerton, where are the nasturtiums for these roots? You're late, ours at home^have 

 broken ground." 



He was led to the cold-frame where mine in pots were making trellises of the tomato plants. 



"All right," he said. "You'll win." 



That night we moved out. The children, the cat, the faithful nurse and I. Our baggage was in 

 boxes made to roll under the beds, for the economy of space was to be a large feature. Put 4 people 

 to sleep in a room 12 x 12, 2 of them active, healthy children, and every inch of room must be utilized 

 to the best advantage. These boxes were on ball-bearing casters and had a good handle on the front 

 of each, they rolled out easily and held our simple country wardrobes to perfection. 



The next day being balmy, my first task was to set some pet plants of forget-me-nots from the home 

 acre in a bed to the east of the house; asters, pansies, coboeas and the nasturtiums were also planted, 

 giving us the nucleus hi a flower garden. 



Black beetle had attacked the tomatoes in full force; where these and all the rest of the pests known 

 to creation came from is a mystery . Everyone said we would at least be free from them, but we were 

 forearmed and had a quantity of "killers" on hand. 



A heavy sifting of fine coal ashes saved the tomatoes, but they simply ate every eggplant during 

 the night. They are about the meanest, peskiest little creatures alive. 



There was thunder on April 18th, and we decided it was about time for tomatoes to go'afield, 

 they had long outgrown the cold-frame and the "Earliest Pinks" were in bud. 



Some lettuce, Brussels sprouts, and flowering plants came from a big commercial grower in Mary- 

 land; they arrived in such bad condition that the sprouts were absolutely worthless, a few lettuce were 

 planted on "a chance," but soon gave up the ghost. The flower plants, a few geraniums, hollyhocks, 

 perennial phlox, and chrysanthemums were packed better and did well during the Summer. 



We were hearing tales of woe from our neighbors about the frost on the 11th. 



"Well, I suppose you lost everything the other night. Neighbor FuUerton?" they would say. 



"Why, no, I can't see that anything is harmed except the tips of the leaves of the corn and the 

 Moyashe Udo." 



"Corn ! You ain't got corn planted yet, have y'u, why we're just aplowin'?" 



"Yes, I went up on the tank tower yesterday and I see we're just about two weeks ahead of you," 

 he said. 



"But didn't you lose your beans?" the neighbors queried. 



"Beans, bless your hearts, no, my beans arn't up yet. What are you planting beans for in April? 

 Why don't you plant radishes and peas and cabbage and cauliflower and such things, that don't mind 

 frost?" 



"Well, we thought we'd beat you tarnal book farmers and have our beans up ahead of your'n, 

 but I guess you've got the best of it." And they disappeared utterly disgusted with our "book farmin'." 



"The trees are in leaf, it's time to plant squash and pumpkin and cucumbers," said I. 



So in they went, while caladium, gladiolus and oxalis were added to the house plot. Wild cucum- 

 bers, that rapid climber with its pretty feathery white blossom and queer prickly seed pod, were planted 

 wherever we could find a place for th em to chmb. 



Then the crows began to talk a nd we heard them deciding that we were now a portion of civiliza- 



29 



