have yet to learn of a system of rules that will teach us how to deal
with every man we meet. It is ever wise, however, to deal justly and
liberally. He that expects much from his land must give it much.

I have dwelt at length on the preparation and enrichment of the land,
since it is the cornerstone of all subsequent success. Let me close by
emphasizing again the principle which was made prominent at first.
Though we give our strawberry plants everything else they need, our
crop of fruit will yet be good or bad in the proportion that we are
able to maintain abundant moisture during the blossoming and fruiting
season. If provision can be made for irrigation, it may increase the
yield tenfold.




CHAPTER X

COMMERCIAL AND SPECIAL FERTILIZERS


In preparing and enriching the soil, and especially in subsequent
cultivation, concentrated fertilizers are very useful and often
essential. In dealing with this subject, however, I think we tread
upon uncertain ground. There is a great deal of apparent accuracy of
figures and analyses, carried carefully into decimals, but a wonderful
deal of vagueness, uncertainty, and contradiction in the experiences
and minds of cultivators.

It is well known that many commercial fertilizers are scandalously