In considering this subject there are two methods that I take to convey my impressions. One is that of a neighbor who is the most inveterate plower of wet land that I ever knew. His practice is most objectionable to me. He will break land when the water flows in the furrows after the plow Another neighbor was saying to me a few days ago that this gentleman stopped plowing for some days, first when the ground was in favorable plowing condition, and renewed it when it was entirely too wet. That sounds very odd. Turning over land too wet "kills" it for that season, and if the following winter be not severe, with heavy freezes, the land will still feel the bad effects. If the earth wears a shiny appearance when plowed or spaded up, stop work, for it will almost inevitably bake and remain cloddy throughout the season. Nothing is gained by it, but much lost. The other person I have in view rather errs on the other side. He once injured a piece of land so seriously by breaking it up wet that he was led to wait and wait before plowing, longer than absolutely necessary, perhaps. Now, must we only break land when dry as powder? I think this entirely unnecessary. My view is that the "happy medium" is the correct thing.

Farmers, generally, hold that where soil compacts into a ball when pressed in the hand, it should not be plowed or stirred. This is hardly accurate, I opine. In the spring of the year land often becomes "weather hardened," and needs exposing to air and sunlight for amelioration. It can be safely upturned even when somewhat wet. Soon it will soften and crumble, and can be easily and advantageously worked. I would not be misunderstood. It requires nice judgment to determine the safe point. This year I began my vegetable garden when some might have thought the ground too heavy. But the genial effects of air, light and sun were very noticeable. By not waiting so long until breaking up land you gain valuable time, a very important element in gardening. Should a late frost threaten the young plants, mulch them, and you are safe. The early bird catches the worm. Since writing the above I have been examining Peter Henderson's garden manual, and am glad to quote him as substantiating my position to a certain extent.

He says: "One of the most important things is the condition of the soil, which should be as thoroughly broken up and pulverized by plowing and harrowing, digging or raking, as its nature will admit, care being taken that it is worked when in that state, that is neither too dry nor too wet. If too dry, particularly if the soil is of a clayey nature, it cannot well be got in the proper friable condition without an unusual amount of labor; and, on the other hand, if too wet, it clogs and bakes, and becomes so hard that the air cannot penetrate, leaving it in a condition from which good results cannot be obtained." Let the gardener exercise great caution. There is much in a right start.