AGRICULTURAL  POLICY IN IOWA IN 1937 (EXCERPT)

As leader of the soil analysis group #123, we headed north to Dundee and Strawbery Farm. Backbone park was located in the middle of this area. There were 15 of us and I (“Thud” Thunder) was leader. It was dusk and we were directly in the middle of the woods. We slept in a tent or nearby the jeep.

After a good long conversation, all of these graduate students talked about  their future plans. It got really dark and the fire turned to embers. I had tried to avoid Emmanuelle because if what we did got out I would lose the grant, my job and the research. Further, it was fobidden!

 Our dependent variable  in the study was the quality of the soil to grow crops in sparse areas of the woods. Our findings so far had been encouraging.

Then there was a rustle in the woods. We were absolutely quiet when this 8 foot hairy monster started heading our way. It became clear from the smell. It was Yeti man of Big Foot. Nearly all were paralyzed. Finally, I stood up and faced Big Foot. It was now or never. I jumped in front of him and he took a swing at me. I said ST0P! He lunged for me. I quickly removed my 38 from my holster and fired into the sky. I followed with “I am ‘Thud’ Thunder, leader of Section #123. Get the hell out of here. This is government property!”

 He turned tail and headed back into the wooded area.

A cheer rang out for me from the group. They were yelling “Thud” “Thud” “Thud” I fell into bed and off to sleep. We had important work to do in the morning.