Ten Acres is Enough

Ten Acres is Enough by Edmund Morris is a timeless memoir that chronicles the author’s audacious journey from bustling city life to the serene but demanding world of small-scale farming in the mid-19th century. Bidding farewell to his business in the city, Morris sets out to cultivate a modest ten-acre farm, a decision driven by the desire for a more self-sufficient and fulfilling life. Despite lacking extensive agricultural experience, Morris’s story is one of perseverance and ingenuity, wherein he overcomes numerous challenges to create a thriving homestead. The narrative is not just an autobiographical account; it gently unfolds lessons in sustainability and the art of making a living from a small patch of land.

This book paints a vivid picture of rural life during the era, combining insightful commentary with practical agricultural advice. Through engaging anecdotes and detailed observations, Morris demonstrates how small farming can be both profitable and rewarding, a venture that appeals to the heart as much as the mind. He explores various aspects of farming, including planting techniques, livestock management, crop selection, and the economic variables of the time, providing a window into the ingenuity and resourcefulness required for success.

The appeal of Ten Acres is Enough lies in its universality and timelessness. Morris's experiences and insights remain remarkably relevant, resonating with today’s readers seeking to reconnect with nature or contemplating a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle. The book’s wisdom serves as guidance not only for aspiring farmers but also for anyone who dreams of living off the land.

This meticulously written narrative transcends time, offering encouragement and practical knowledge to those who dare to follow Morris’s lead. Whether you're an experienced grower or a city dweller yearning for greener pastures, this inspiring book provides the courage and inspiration needed to turn visions of rural life into reality.

Reviews

"This book may be old but it's one of the best I have read concerning starting a small farm. Definitely a book any small farmer who does things the right way can appreciate."

"I rated this book with 5 stars because I enjoyed it a lot. Even though it describes farming processes about 150 years old, the information it offers is applicable to today's small truck farmer. I loved reading how he cleverly learned techniques to increase his crop's quantity and quality. Much of his advice could be adapted by just about any vegetable and fruit grower. It was also amusing and educational to see the costs and earnings then and realise how much our currency has depreciated."

"...excellent book. Amazed it was written almost 150 years ago. Farming principles in the book still apply to any small farm today."

"This book has been a great inspiration for me. It is a demonstration of a philosophy worked out in a highly productive manner. I recommend this book to friends and think of it often as I work in my garden."

Though originally published in 1867, Ten Acres is Enough offers something for everyone—from small-scale farmers and home gardeners to city dwellers who dream of a better life in the country. The challenges faced by the author are timeless, as are his courage, commitment, and ingenuity. There are insights for anyone, farmer or not, in this book, making it a delightful read for those who dream of simpler, sustainable living.

Contents

1. City Experiences Moderate Expectations
2. Practical Views Safety of Investments in Land
3. Resolved to Go Escape from Business Choosing a Location
4. Buying a Farm A Long Search Anxiety to Sell Forced to Quit
5. Making a Purchase First Impressions
6. Planting a Peach Orchard How to Preserve Peach Trees
7. Planting Raspberries and Strawberries Tricks of the Nursery
8. Blackberries A Remarkable Coincidence
9. The Garden Female Management Comforts and Profits
10. Cheated in a Cow A Good and a Bad One The Saint of the Barnyard
11. A Cloud of Weeds Great Sales of Plants
12. Pigs and Poultry Luck and Ill Luck
13. City and Country Life Contrasted
14. Two Acres in Truck Revolution in Agriculture
15. Birds and the Services they Render
16. Close of my First Year Its Loss and Gain
17. My Second Year Trenching the Garden Strawberry Profits
18. Raspberries The Lawtons
19. Liquid Manures An Illustration
20. My Third Year Liquid Manure Three Years' Results
21. A Barnyard Manufactory Land Enough Faith in Manure
22. Profits of Fruit-Growing The Trade in Berries
23. Gentleman Farming Establishing a Home
24. Unsuccessful Men Rebellion not Ruinous to Northern Agriculture
25. Where to Locate - East or West