Second : — Another important advantage Is the natural advance 

 of property in value, as improvements are made and population 

 increases. Hundreds of instances might be pointed out, where 

 orchard lands were bought in a wild state for a few dollars an 

 acre, and improvements were made, and in a few years every 

 acre would sell for as many hundreds of dollars as it cost dollars, 

 meanwhile making the owner wealthy by the proceeds of his 

 fruit. 



Third : — The healthfulness of the occupation. It needs no 

 demonstration to prove that vigorous health is one of the most 

 precious forms of wealth, and greatest sources of enjoyment. 

 Light and cheerful exercise in the pure open air, constantly aided by 

 the most pleasing influences and impressions, almost insure the 

 continual health of body and mind. And this is not confined to 

 the husband ; the wife and children need not be urged to enjoy 

 the fresh air, and partake of healthful exercise ; their very sur- 

 roundings make it almost an impossibility to do otherwise, and 

 as the laws of health are absolute, health and buoyancy of spirit 

 invariably follow. The advantage of a hearty, vigorous family 

 over an invalid, nervous wife and weak, sickly children, no one 

 will dare to estimate by dollars and cents. In the one case life 

 '.is a bui'den and disaj^pointment, in the other it is filled with 

 pleasure and satisfaction. 



Fourth: — 'Another advantage is the availability of all kinds 

 of labor. Thousands of families are solely dependent on the la- 

 bor of the father, and, if deprived of that by sickness or accident, 

 destruction and suffering ensue. There may be several strong, 

 healthy children, but their labor will bring scarcely any compen- 

 sation, and they are a burden instead of an assistance. But in 

 fruit-growing, if necessity requires, the aid of the mother and chil- 

 dren may be invaluable, and every boy may become a source of 

 strength and profit to the family. The Value of industrious and 

 business habits thus acquired, is more than vast inheritances. 



Fifth ; — The leisure which is afforded for self improvement,. 

 Those who work for others ten or twelve hours a day, year after 

 year, have but little time or disposition for study and reflection,, 

 In fruit-growing, much time may be devoted to intellectual pur- 

 suits at certain seasons. 



When the small capital required, and the safety and healthfulness 

 of this pursuit considered, no business can be found to offer 

 greater attractions. Several hundred dollars profit per acre 

 yearly for well cultivated orchards, vineyards and gardens, is 

 only a usual return. Besides it affords an independent life, which 

 should be prized "above rubies." The following on this subject 

 is taken from an article in the N". Y. Independent of Jan. 21st, 

 1869, entitled " What shall we do?" 



There are thousands of men in the land to whom the above question Is one 

 of the most momentous importance. Thousands of young men just ready to 



