18 ^lY VINEYARD. 



piece of corn, weedy, but bearing a 1 ixuriant crop, part of 

 which had been harvested. 



About the whole place there was a pleasing appearance 

 of prospective contentment and enjoyment. The blue wa- 

 ters of the lake stretched away as far as the eye could 

 reach. A few sails Avere visible. The setting sun had 

 changed into gold the few clouds which were lingering on 

 the western horizon. Magnificent shadows were creeping 

 from the woods. Trees and fields yet bore the rich ver- 

 dure of summer. Only here and there the sassafras and 

 red maple had put on the rich colors of autumn. I had 

 found a home. 



It was but the work of a moment to take into mind 

 certain improvements which must be made. With some 

 repairs the house would do for the present. The hovel 

 must be reconstructed. The fences were to be rebuilt. 

 But I did not dwell long on future plans. 



" Do you raise much fruit around here ?" I inquired. 



"No, stranger; it don't pay." 



"Do peaches do well?" 



" Splendid ; just plant yer trees, and a right smart 

 chance of a crop comes every year." 



" Are there many apple orchards around here ?" 



" Scarcely none. They are so powerful slow in bring- 

 ing crops that people don't like to plant." 



" How much is land worth around here ?" 



" Different prices." 



