Mr. Robbins' farm lay in what appeared to be an ancient valley,
several miles in width, although only a small stream now winds
through it to the sea seven miles away.

"So you are from Illinois," said Mr. Robbins, after Percy had
introduced himself and explained the nature of his visit. "The
papers have a good deal to say about the corn you grow in Illinois;
but have you noticed that the Government reports show our average
yield of corn in New England is higher than yours in Illinois?"

"Yes, Sir," Percy replied, "I have noticed that and I have come to
Rhode Island to learn how to raise more corn per acre. I have
noticed, however, that New England corn does not occupy a large
acreage."

Well, now, we count corn as one of our big crops, next to hay.
You'll see plenty of corn fields right here in Rhode Island."

"Would you believe that we actually raise more corn on one farm in
Illinois than the total corn crop of Rhode Island?"

"You don't tell!"

"Yes," said Percy, "the Isaac Funk farm in McLean County grows more
corn on seven thousand acres a year, with an average yield certainly
above fifty bushels per acre, and surely making a total above
350,000 bushels; while the State of Rhode Island grows corn on
nearly ten thousand acres with an average yield of thirty-two
bushels, making a total yield of about 320,000 bushels."