superlative of praise.[9] Personally, I think highly of a man actively and diligently engaged in commerce, who seeks thereby to make his fortune, yet, as I have said, his career is full of risks and pitfalls.  But it is from the tillers of the soil that spring the best citizens, the stanchest soldiers; and theirs are the enduring rewards which are most grateful and least envied.  Such as devote themselves to that pursuit are least of all men given to evil counsels.

And now, to get to my subject, these observations will serve as preface to what I have promised to discuss.

Of buying a farm

(I)[10] When you have decided to purchase a farm, be careful not to buy rashly; do not spare your visits and be not content with a single tour of inspection.  The more you go, the more will the place please you, if it be worth your attention.  Give heed to the appearance of the neighbourhood,—­a flourishing country should show its prosperity.  “When you go in, look about, so that, when needs be, you can find your way out.”

Take care that you choose a good climate, not subject to destructive storms, and a soil that is naturally strong.  If possible, your farm should be at the foot of a mountain, looking to the South, in a healthy situation, where labour and cattle can be had, well watered, near a good sized town, and either on the sea or a navigable river, or else on a good and much frequented road.  Choose a place which has not often changed ownership, one which is sold unwillingly, that has buildings in good repair.

Beware that you do not rashly contemn the experience of others.  It is better to buy from a man who has farmed successfully and built well.[11]

When you inspect the farm, look to see how many wine presses and storage vats there are; where there are none of these you can judge what the harvest is.  On the other hand, it is not the number of farming implements, but what is done with them, that counts.  Where you find few tools, it is not an expensive farm to operate.  Know that with a farm, as with a man, however productive it may be, if it has the spending habit, not much will be left over.[12]

Of the duties of the owner.

(II) When you have arrived at your country house and have saluted your household, you should make the rounds of the farm the same day, if possible; if not, then certainly the next day.  When you have observed how the field work has progressed,[13] what things have been done, and what remains undone, you should summon your overseer the next day, and should call for a report of what work has been done in good season and why it has not been possible to complete the rest, and what wine and corn and other crops have been gathered.  When you are advised on these points you should make your own calculation of the time necessary for the work, if there does not appear to you to have been enough accomplished.  The overseer will report that he himself has worked diligently, but that some