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 Now 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 [Illustration: Map of North America with Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. _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.