New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-18

association however had the benefit to start with
of the plan so successfully tried by Mayor II. 5.
Plngree OF Detroit last year 1t was not the idea
OF the association to transport a large body Of
people from the cities entirely ignorant OF farming.
into the country and, after supplying them with
seed letting them shift for themselves. Peopie
were not to be deprived Of working at their differ
ent trades callings. but merely 10 have an oppor-
tuny to till the soil when they had nothing else TO
do.
The first work the association did In carrying out
its scheme was to engage J. W Kjelgaard. a skilled
and practical agrculturist, to superintend the work
ing Of the land. An office was then opened In Long
Island City. where the applications for land were
received About hundred families. the most Of
whom live In this city. applied for plots. and 20
each family was allotted from one-quarter TO one
half Of The association ploughed the land
free Of charge and also supplied the seeds ana fer
tilzers. The amateur farmers were expected 10 pay
for the fertilizers II they could. Tools were also
furnished and the work begun. The scheme was
success from the start.
number OF nationalities were represented
among the workers. but the majority were Ger
and Irish Among those who took farms
five women. But all worked in perfect har-
mony and with much enthusiasm. Not only did
the miniature farms afford opportunities for money
making. but served as excursion grounds well.
Whole families could be seen working on the
farms and be seen yet. for that matter. al
though the majority OF the crops have been har-
vested well. advanced I'm growth as 10
need little care. When the heads of families had
work to do elsewhere. the women would 10
the farms. taking their children with them. The
elder children would help their mothers In the
wedding and cultivation OF the crops and the
smaller ones would make mud pies or engage in
other amusements dear TO the childish heart.
SPRAYING about on the earth certainly far more
healthful for these babes than sweltering in the
crowded tenements Of the city during the long
summer days.
RUDE SHELTER.
on many of the little farms small sheds were
made Of few boards or branches OF trees, and
used by the children playhouses and by
their parents as places of rest during the noon
hour and when sudden showers came up or
farmers. Many OF them underwent consderab Bile
hardship TO raise their crops Some OF the women
walked day after day many blocks to reach the
the other side the farms. carrying their ba bics
with them. The farmers had regular hours for
working. They came and went at all hours. Some
were al work At the break OF day and others
laboIed by the light OF the moon.
While the main crop grown the farms n
potatoes. amateur farmers restricted In
their choice of products All kinds OF vegetables
have been grown, including cabbagcs. sweet corn
The association was assisted In furnishing the
seeds by the Agricultural Department at Washing
ton which sent "A large quantity OF various seeds
early In the spring In this instance. at least the
made OF them, The time and manner OF planting
them was selected by the associa ton. and Tho
farmers did this work under the direct suner-
vision OF Mr.. kielgaard ana with the help Of his