874 [Assembly*' 



the existing fcirming capacity of tlie region Is far inadequate to 

 the supply of its consumption. A great proportion of the food 

 of man and beasts, must still be imported. May it not reasonably 

 be presumed, under these circumstances, that the vast area of 

 rich and unoccupied territory, embraced in the limits of Essex 

 county, and in the fertile region lying beyond its western borders, 

 will soon be rendered subservient to the wants and industry of 

 man. 



FRUIT. 



The Champlain valley is pre-eminently adapted in soil and 

 climate, to the production of most varieties of the apple. The 

 list of apples cultivated in this district, is very numerous, and 

 the quality generally of the highest excellence. 



Many old orchards still exist, which were planted at the first 

 settlement of the country. The pioneer, usually, brought with 

 his household goods, the bag of apple seeds from his New-England , 

 home, and the young orchard was among the earliest evidences 

 of improvement and civilization. The perversion of this rich 

 bounty of Providence, for a period, created a prejudice which led 

 to the neglect of its culture. 



The increased facility of intercourse, which has brought the 

 Atlantic markets within a few hours of Lake Champlain, by a 

 cheap and easy access, has created a new demand for the apples 

 of that region, which cannot be exhausted. This fact has aroused 

 the attention of all classes, and the cultivation of the choicest 

 varieties of this fruit, is largely extending in Essex county. It 

 now promises to become one of the most extensive and lucrative 

 branches of husbandry. In the year 1852, five thousand en- 

 grafted trees were purchased from abroad, and transplanted in the 

 town of Crown Point alone. Other sections of the county per- 

 haps, not in an equal degree, are engaging with great energy in 

 the same occupation. It is found that a few acres, often ot rough 

 and untillable land, appropriated to this object, are more pro- 

 ductive than many entire farms. The price of the best qualities 

 of these apples, ranges from |1.50 to ^2.25 the barrel. 



