he could not secure good crops after the preparation that has been
suggested, he had better either turn it into a brick-yard or emigrate.

_Sandy Ground._--Suppose that, in contrast, our soil is a light sand.
In this case the question of cultivation is greatly simplified, but
the problem of obtaining a heavy crop is correspondingly difficult.
The plow and the cultivator run readily enough, and much less labor is
required to keep the weeds in subjection, but as a rule, light land
yields little fruit; and yet under favorable circumstances I have seen
magnificent crops of certain varieties growing on sand. If sufficient
moisture and fertility can be maintained, many of our best varieties
will thrive and produce abundantly; but to do this is the very pith of
our difficulty. Too often a sandy soil will not retain moisture and
manure. Such light land is generally very deficient in vegetable
matter; and therefore, whenever it is possible, I would turn under
green crops. If the soil could be made sufficiently fertile to
produce a heavy crop of clover, and this were plowed under in June,
and then buckwheat harrowed in and its rank growth turned under in
August, strawberries could be planted as soon as the heat of decay was
over, with excellent prospects of fine crops for the three succeeding
years. Did I propose to keep the land in strawberries, I would then
give it another year of clover and buckwheat, adding bone-dust,
potash, and a very little lime in some form. The green crop, when
decayed, is lighter than clay, and renders its tenacious texture more
friable and porous; it also benefits the sandy soil by supplying the
absent humus, or vegetable mould, which is essential to all plant
life. This mould is also cool and humid in its nature, and aids in
retaining moisture.

With the exception of the constant effort to place green vegetable