16.15
And if men prepare the fallow by digging, is it not obvious that they too must separate the weeds from the soil? Yes, and they must throw the weeds on the surface to wither, and turn up the ground so that the lower spitLiterally, the crude land. may be baked.
17.1
You see, then, Socrates, that we agree about the fallow. It does seem so, to be sure. And now as to the time for sowing, Socrates. Is it not your opinion that the time to sow is that which has been invariably found to be the best by past experience, and is universally approved by present practice?
17.2
For as soon as autumn ends, all men, I suppose, look anxiously to God, to see when he will send rain on the earth and make them free to sow. Yes, Ischomachus, all men have made up their minds, of course, not to sow in dry ground if they can help it, those who sowed without waiting to be bidden by God having had to wrestle with many losses.
17.3
So far, then, said Ischomachus, all the world is of one mind. Yes, said I, where God is our teacher we all come to think alike. For example, all agree that it is better to wear warm clothes in winter, if they can, and all agree on the desirability of having a fire, if they have wood.
17.4
But, said Ischomachus, when we come to the question whether sowing is best done early or very late or at the mid-season, we find much difference of opinion, Socrates. And God, said I, does not regulate the year by fixed laws; but in one year it may be advantageous to sow early, in another very late, in another at mid-season.
17.5
Then do you think, Socrates, that it is better to select one of these times for sowing, whether you sow much or little, or to begin at the earliest moment and continue sowing to the latest?
