V 



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more rapid gains, seduce them from the farm ; and, in the set- 

 tlement of the estate among several heirs, the homestead, with 

 a view to the division of the property, is sold and passes into 

 other hands. There is therefore much less inducement to build 

 permanent and durable structures, that may last for centuries 

 and go down to a distant posterity, than prevails in older 

 countries. 



XXIV. Wood and Fuel. — The price of hard-wood fuel in 

 the county, if bought and delivered at the door, varies from one 

 dollar seventy-five cents to two dollars fifty cents, and in some 

 cases three dollars, per cord. Wood is the only fuel used. Of 

 peat there are few deposits, and none which have been ever 

 opened for fael, and mineral coal can be had only at a heavy ex- 

 pense. It is the opinion of an observing farmer in Conway that 

 there is as much wood now growing in that town as there was 

 twenty years since. I cannot think however that such a re- 

 mark is applicable to many towns in the county. Since the in- 

 troduction of stoves, much greater economy prevails in the con- 

 sumption of fuel than when it was burnt in fire-places capable 

 of admitting sticks of four feet in length, and at the same time 

 of accommodating a small — perhaps I should say the small — por- 

 tion of the family in the corner in a cold winter night. The 

 increase of his wood ought to be a subject of much care and 

 consideration with every farmer who has a Christian feeling for 

 those who shall come after him. Plantations of the rock maple 

 and locust, both of which flourish well in this climate and soil, 

 might be made to very great advantage and ultimate profit. — 

 The former would supply both sugar and fuel ; and the latter 

 would furnish most valuable timber for fencing, posts, ships' 

 knees and treenails, — and is of rapid growth. 



XXV. Orchards. — Fruit is cultivated in the county at large 

 to a comparatively small extent ; and since the progress of the 

 temperance reformation throughout the country, cider has fallen 

 into almost entire disuse ; apple orchards are neglected, and 



