The land,
also, can be more evenly and deeply plowed before obstructions are
placed upon it, and roots, pestiferous weeds, and stones removed
with greatest economy. Moreover, the good initial enriching is
capital, hoarded in the soil, to start with. On many new places I
have seen trees and plants beginning a feeble and uncertain life,
barely existing rather than growing, because their roots found the
soil like a table with dishes but without food. If the fertilizer
is plowed under in the autumn, again mixed with the soil by a
second plowing in the spring, it will be decomposed and ready for
immediate use by every rootlet in contact with it. Now, as farmers
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 generous reception of plants and
trees the following spring.
Possibly at the time of purchase the acre may be covered with
coarse grass, weeds, or undergrowth of some kind. In this case,
after the initial plowing, 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.
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