land, a fallow must be clean and
clear of undergrowth and weeds, [15] and baked as much as possible by
exposure to the sun. [16]

[13] "Herbage," whether grass or other plants, "grass," "clover," etc;
Theophr. "Hist. Pl." i. 3. 1; Holden, "green crops."

[14] Lit. "and not as yet have shed their seed so as to spring into
blade."

[15] Or, "quitch."

[16] Holden cf. Virg. "Georg." i. 65, coquat; ii. 260, excoquere. So
Lucr. vi. 962.

Soc. Yes, that is quite a proper state of things, I should imagine.

Isch. And to bring about this proper state of things, do you maintain
there can be any other better system than that of turning the soil over
as many times as possible in summer?

Soc. On the contrary, I know precisely that for either object, whether
to bring the weeds and quitch grass to the surface and to wither them by
scorching heat, or to expose the earth itself to the sun's baking rays,
there can be nothing better than to plough the soil up with a pair of
oxen during mid-day in midsummer.

Isch. And if a gang of men set to, to break and make this fallow with
the mattock, it is transparent that their business is to separate the
quitch grass from the soil and keep them parted?

Soc. Just so!--to throw the quitch grass down to wither on the surface,
and to turn the soil up, so that the crude earth may have its turn of
baking.

XVII

You see, Socrates (he said, continuing the conversation), we hold the
same opinion, both of us, concerning fallow.

Why, so it seems (I said)--the same opinion.

Isch. But when it comes to sowing, what is your opinion? Can you suggest
a better time for sowing than that which the long experience of former
generations, combined with that of men now living, recognises as
the best? See, so soon as autumn time has come, the faces of all men
everywhere turn with a wistful gaze towards high heaven. "When will God
moisten the earth," they ask, "and suffer men to sow their seed?" [1]

[1] See Dr. Holden's interesting note at this point: "According to
Virgil ('Georg.' i. 215), spring is the time," etc.

Yes, Ischomachus (I answered), for all mankind must recognise the
precept: [2] "Sow not on dry soil" (if it can be avoided), being taught
wisdom doubtless by the heavy losses they must struggle with who sow
before God's bidding.

[2] Or, "it is a maxim held of all men."

Isch. It seems, then, you and I and all mankind hold one opinion on
these matters?