A START IN LIFE.

A Journey Across America.

FRUIT FARMING IN CALIFORNIA.

BY

C.F. DOWSETT,

Author of "Striking Events in Irish History," etc., etc.

LONDON:
DOWSETT & Co., 3, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS.

PRICE ONE SHILLING.

A START IN LIFE.

Plans, Maps, Views, Books, Samples of Fruits, Soils, etc., etc., of Land at Merced, in California, may be seen at the Offices of

MESSRS. DOWSETT & CO.,
3, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London,

where also further particulars and introductions to the owners at Merced may be obtained.

CONTENTS.

A Suggestion to Persons Seeking a Start in Life
Special Advantages
Comparison and Warning
Across America—
London to Chicago
Chicago to San Francisco
San Francisco to New Orleans
New Orleans to London
Information About California
Currency
Merced
Price of Land
American Surveys
Special Instruction Provided
Various Estimates as to what could be done with Various Amounts of Capital
Price of Fruit Trees
When Fruit Trees Pay
Position of a Settler
Cost of Board and Lodging
Raisin Culture
Irrigation
Olive Culture
Special Openings
Potato Growing
Cost of Provisions, etc., at Merced
Cost of Journey by Sea and Land
Analysis of Merced Soils
Position of the Vendors

The dotted lines across America, indicate my journey, the Northern one going, the Southern one returning. C.F.D.

A Start in Life.

I have entitled this little book "A Start in Life," because it conveys information which would enable any person possessing a small capital, with some industry, patience, and steady habits, to make a start in life which, humanly speaking, could not fail of success.

The old countries of Europe contain a superabundant population; every branch of professional and commercial life is so overcrowded, that there exists a competition so keen, as to reduce the incomes of the largest, and, in many cases, to prevent the smallest workers, in whatever sphere, from getting a remunerative return for the activities of brain, muscle, and money.

To inform the public, therefore, how a young man may make a first start in life, or an older man a fresh start in life, is offering an advantage which, I doubt not, will be appreciated by many who read these pages.

I am prepared to hear the objection that, in the proposals set forth herein, I am seeking a personal advantage as Agent for the sale of the lands at Merced, in California, that I refer to, and I meet it with this statement: Let the objector consider his prospects of success in the place where he now is, and if they are reasonably good, let him stay there; if they are not, then let him intelligently consider what his capabilities are—whether he has any special or technical knowledge, and, if so, in what place he can expect the best return for a full use of his talents. If any opening appears probable in any of the old countries,