XXIV. 



FEUIT-TEEES THE APPLE. 



IF I were asked to say what single aspect of our 

 economic condition most strikingly and favorably 

 distinguished the people of our Northern States from 

 these of most if not all other countries which I 

 have traversed, I would point at once to the fruit- 

 trees which so generally diversify every little as 

 well as larger farm throughout these States, and are 

 quite commonly found even on the petty holdings of 

 the poorer mechanics and workmen in every village 

 and in the suburbs and outskirts of every city. I 

 can recall nothing like it abroad, save in two or three 

 of the least mountainous and most fertile districts of 

 northern Switzerland. Italy has some approach to it 

 in the venerable olive-trees which surround or flank 

 many, perhaps most, of her farm-houses, upholding 

 grape-vines as ancient and nearly as large as them- 

 selves ; but the average New-England or Middle 

 State homestead, with its ample Apple-orchard and 

 its cluster of Pear, Cherry and Plum-trees surround- 

 ing its house and dotting or belting its garden, has 

 an air of comfort and modest thrift which I have 



('39) 



