CHAPTER II. 
Sie TILLAGE OF FRUIT LANDS 
THE study of the evolution of the ideas respect- 
ing the tillage of the soil opens one of the most 
interesting chapters in history. The subject is all 
the more suggestive because tillage is such a com- 
monplace and almost universal labor that no one 
thinks of it as having had a history. Yet the 
practice of the simple stirring of the soil has been 
slowly evolved, like all other methods and institutions, 
through a long period of time, and as the result of 
many forces which were unobserved or even unknown 
at the time. We think of tillage as a custom; and 
if one considers the condition of farming at the 
present moment, he would seem to be warranted 
in such an association, for a custom is a_ habit 
which is not suggested by reason and inquiry. Per- 
haps the only reason which most persons could give 
for the tillage of the land is that they are obliged 
to do it. It would seem to be the simplest and dull- 
est thing to till the soil. It is simply the driving of 
the animal and the holding of the plow, or taking 
care that the harrow scarifies the entire surface; or 
it may be only the stubborn wielding of the hoe or 
rake. This view of the matter is wholly correct 
(133) 
