12 THE HOME ACRE. 



ploughed before obstructions are placed upon it, 

 and roots, pestiferous weeds, and stones removed 

 with greatest economy. Moreover, the good ini- 

 tial enriching is capital, hoarded in the soil, to 

 start with. On many new places I have seen 

 trees and plants beginning a feeble and uncer- 

 tain life, barely existing rather than growing, 

 because their roots found the soil like a table 

 with dishes but without food. If the fertilizer is 

 ploughed under in the autumn, again mixed with 

 the soil by a second ploughing in the spring, it 

 will be decomposed and ready for immediate use 

 by every rootlet in contact with it. Now, as far- 

 mers say, the " land is in good heart," and it will 

 cheer its owner's heart to see the growth promptly 

 made by whatever is properly planted. Instead 

 of losing time, he has gained years. Suppose 

 the acre to have been bought in September, and 

 treated as I have indicated, it is ready for a gen- 

 erous reception of plants and trees the following 

 spring. 



Possibly at the time of purchase the acre may 

 be covered with coarse grass, weeds, or under- 

 growth of some kind. In this case, after the ini- 

 tial ploughing, the cultivation for a season of some 

 such crop as corn or potatoes may be of great 

 advantage in clearing the land, and the proceeds 

 of the crop would partially meet expenses. If the 



