That very afternoon Mr. Jones, with his sharp steel plow, began to turn over clean, deep, even furrows; for we had selected the plot in view of the fact that it was not stony, as was the case with other portions of our little farm.
When at last the ground was plowed, he said: "I wouldn't harrow the part meant for corn till you are ready to plant it, say about the tenth of next month. We'd better get the pertater ground ready and the rows furrowed out right off. Early plantin' is the best. How much will ye give to 'em?"
"Half the plot," I said.
"Why, Mr. Durham, that's a big plantin' for pertaters."
"Well, I've a plan, and would like your opinion. If I put Early Rose potatoes right in, when can I harvest them?"
"Say the last of July or early August, accordin' to the season."
"If we keep the ground clean and well worked the sod will then be decayed, won't it?"
"Yes, nigh enough. Ye want to grow turnips or fodder corn, I s'pose?"
"No, I want to set out strawberries. I've read more about this fruit than any other, and, if the books are right, I can set strong plants on enriched ground early in August and get a good crop next June. Won't this pay better than planting next spring and waiting over two years from this time for a crop?"
"Of course it will, if you're right. I ain't up on strawberries."