A VAGABOND GARDEN 31 



Our neighbour was something of a pessimist, 

 and a more inspiring companion in good times 

 than in bad. But he was unusually clever, and never 

 walked blindfold through experience. On that 

 occasion certainly his advice was sound and strong. 

 Also I might have been guided by the sight of his 

 own agricultural work, which, although limited in 

 extent through lack of capital, was excellent as far 

 as it went. But my position was too weak from 

 every point to dare that fallow year. The further 

 capital I depended on was but income drawn from 

 another source of business enterprise, and, sound 

 and remunerative as it was at that time, I knew 

 it would probably decrease during my prolonged 

 absence from England. My father plainly dis- 

 approved of the Canadian deal, in spite of the fact 

 that he had advanced the initial capital. He hadn't 

 sufficient agricultural knowledge to swallow my 

 glowing report of wheat with a grain of salt, and I 

 knew that to ask for more money to work and wait 

 with, as my neighbour advised, would mean a 

 complete loss of confidence. Family eye-witnesses 

 in the form of my brother and sister frankly shouted, 

 " Evil be thou our good and take us out of Canada ! " 

 I had already spent a good deal of money over the 

 equipment. I knew that in the long run I need not 

 fail, and had that initial capital been my own I 

 should not have hesitated a moment to follow my 

 neighbour's advice. As things were I didn't hesitate 

 to decide that it was impossible, and that since I 

 could not have the full loaf I must make the best 

 of the half. Lastly, but not least, I had always 

 believed in the gods, and I hadn't found out that 

 they won't perform agricultural miracles for you, 



