The Story of Vincland. 157 



Not many days ago, the writer visited Vineland. The place has an air 

 of newness ; but the vigor of youth is equally apparent. The streets and 

 avenues, of which a hundred and forty miles are now finished, are wide, 

 straight, and well hardened, and grassy to the carriage-line. They run 

 parallel, and cross each other at right angles. Some are nine miles in 

 length, and all have sidewalks. The shade-trees along the margins are 

 small, but frequent, and, with increased growth, must add greatly to the 

 attractions of a drive. The absence of fences particularly impresses a 

 stranger; not altogether agreeably, however. It seems a little shiftless, at 

 first glance ; but, on the other hand, an intimation of hospitality is con- 

 veyed, which more than compensates. The least costly of the houses are 

 neat and well constructed. There are many expensive and beautiful dwell- 

 ings : one or two are almost palatial. Standing back from the roadside 

 (no one is permitted to build within twenty feet), and with frequent flowers 

 and climbing vines around them, the homes look cheerful and inviting. 

 Churches, schools, parks, and public buildings, are numerous. The fiarms 

 are from five to twenty-five acres in extent, and the cultivation is every- 

 where excellent. The industry and thrift of the people are especially ob- 

 servable : every one appears to have occupation, and to enjoy it. Even 

 the women work in their gardens, and seem well enough entertained. 

 The character of the population has, necessarily, been materially influ- 

 enced and rendered select by the excellent policy which governs the 

 management. The advance in real estate has been quite marked : in 

 consequence, many of the pioneers have sold out, and moved away. 

 There are still numerous places in the market ; but prices are high. 

 Nevertheless, changes are frequent. Many arrive who want improvements, 

 and are willing to pay for them ; and hence it often happens that a man 

 who bought early is induced to part with his original purchase, and, with 

 the increased capital thus obtained, retreats to some remoter point on the 

 same tract, and begins again with more land, and ready money in his 

 pocket. The healthfulness of the place cannot be too highly commended. 

 The climate is mild, and especially agreeable to weak lungs. The same 

 may be said of most parts of South Jersey. The writer is acquainted with 

 several persons who were once severe sufferers from lung-diseases, but 

 who have been quite restored by a residence at Hammonton, Bricksburg, 



