"I'd believe anything if this darned gadget were found in a populated district," said Jim. "But we know that the desert was here when the Martians were here, and that it was just as arid as it is now. They wouldn't try farming in a place where iron oxide abounds."
"Spinach?"
"You don't know a lot about farming, do you?" asked Jim.
"I saw a cow once."
"That does not qualify you as an expert on farming."
"I know one about the farmer's daughter, and—"
"Not even an expert on dirt farming," continued Jim. "Nope, Barney, we aren't even close."
Barney checked the book once more and scratched his nose.
"How about that eighty-four cycle supply," asked Jim.