16.7
The fact is, I am reminded that fishermen, though their business is in the sea, and they neither stop the boat to take a look nor slow down, nevertheless, when they see the crops as they scud past the farms, do not hesitate to express an opinion about the land, which is the good and which is the bad sort, now condemning, now praising it. And, what is more, I notice that in their opinion about the good land they generally agree exactly with experienced farmers.
16.8
Then, Socrates, let me refresh your memory on the subject of agriculture; but where do you wish me to begin? For I am aware that I shall tell you very much that you know already about the right method of farming.
16.9
First, Ischomachus, I think I should be glad to learn, for this is the philosopher’s way, how I am to cultivate the land if I want to get the heaviest crops of wheat and barley out of it.
16.10
Well, you know, I take it, that fallow must be prepared for sowing? Yes, I know.
16.11
Suppose, then, we start ploughing in winter? Why, the land will be a bog! How about starting in summer? The land will be hard to plough up.
16.12
It seems that spring is the season for beginning this work. Yes, the land is likely to be more friable if it is broken up then. Yes, and the grass turned up is long enough at that season to serve as manure, but, not having shed seed, it will not grow.
16.13
You know also, I presume, that fallow land can’t be satisfactory unless it is clear of weeds and thoroughly baked in the sun? Yes, certainly; that is essential, I think.
16.14
Do you think that there is any better way of securing that than by turning the land over as often as possible in summer? Nay, I know for certain that if you want the weeds to lie on the surface and wither in the heat, and the land to be baked by the sun, the surest way is to plough it up at midday in midsummer.
