
A practical yet warmly written guide, this work walks newcomers through the essentials of turning a modest plot of land into a productive haven. It blends straightforward instructions on planting, drainage, manuring, and pruning with candid reflections on the costs and rewards of amateur farming. Readers will find clear calculations of expenses versus income, making the decision to purchase or improve a rural property feel both confident and attainable.
Beyond the numbers, the author paints vivid pictures of the countryside’s charm—fresh air, thriving gardens, and the gentle rhythm that steadies a life once dominated by city hustle. He highlights several reachable locales near New York, describing their unique qualities and why they appeal to those seeking a balance of natural beauty and accessibility. The tone remains honest and encouraging, offering both inspiration and the nuts‑and‑bolts knowledge needed to begin a rewarding venture in the fields.
Full title
Five Acres Too Much A truthful elucidation of the attractions of the country, and a careful consideration of the question of profit and loss as involved in amateur farming, with much valuable advice and instruction to those about purchasing large or small places in the rural districts
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (353K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images available at The Internet Archive)
Release date
2017-07-29
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1829–1906
A lively 19th-century outdoorsman and reform-minded public figure, he moved easily between politics, journalism, and writing about the natural world. Best known today as Theodore Roosevelt’s uncle, he also built a career of his own as a congressman, diplomat, and early advocate for fish conservation.
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