Preparation of Manures. 261 



work was required, and constant looking after the men and children em- 

 ployed. Each year, our pear-trees had been growing larger and older; and 

 we could reasonably expect, in a few years more, some income from them. 

 We will not weary the patience of our readers with further details of oui 

 operations on our small farm. We had found it a profitable business. Not 

 that every thing we had planted had proved profitable every year. Droughts 

 and floods will come, one to parch, the other to drown, the crop ; yet enough 

 will be spared. We are fully convinced, after years of experience, that, for 

 the capital invested, fruit-growing pays very much better than ordinary 

 farming, and quite as well as the average of investments in the various 

 branches of trade and business. Of the strawberry-crop, we have no doubt 

 it will pay a better profit than almost any other. There is no limit to the 

 demand, and that, too, at such prices as will reward the grower. The results 

 we have described may be attained by anybody who has sufficient capital 

 and a fair share of energy. The raspberry, though not so sure nor so 

 profitable as the strawberry, is a good fruit to raise for market, and paid us 

 well. We cannot say as much of the blackberry from our experience. The 

 currant-crop is a good one ; for the fruit will always sell, if good, at fair prices. 

 In planting for market, we should select the largest and best sorts : size 

 will attract, even though the fruit may not be of the very highest qualit}\ To 

 those who are asking questions as regards the cultivation of fruit near the 

 cities, we will say, in conclusion. Select a good location not too far from a 

 market, plant judiciously, and you will be sure to reap a substantial reward. 

 The success that has attended the labors of those now engaged in fruit- 

 growing should encourage others to take hold of the good work. 



PREPARATION OF MANURES. 



The intelligent horticulturist or farmer will be careful not to use ma- 

 nure until it has been thrown over and well pulverized. It is far better for 

 many purposes about the garden that the manure should be two or more 

 years old and well rotted. It cannot be too fine ; for, the finer it is, the more 

 quickly and fully will one get the benefit of it. 



