THE RURAL LIBRARY SERIES. 



eFc/i^'tili^e'^^ cinb S'^t^u^it. 



fvom ff ertfU.ser Bag to 3f ruit Basftet. 



fN the following pages I wish to present the record of a trip among 

 the fruit growers whose vineyards and orchards are found on 

 the hills that line the Hudson Kiver. As viewed from the river 

 this section presents anything but a favorable outlooJs for farm- 

 ing. Steep and rugged hills rise tier after tier, their slopes apparently 

 offering sUght foothold even to a cow. A stranger from the West 

 would surely put these down as among the "abandoned farms " he has 

 read so much about. Not only are these hill-sides steep, but they are 

 " exhausted fields," for over them tramped and camped Washington's 

 soldiers over a century ago— before the great, fertile West was more 

 than a dream. 



That is the theory. The hard fact is that this hiUy region contains 

 some of the most prosperous farmers. One would search for many a 

 day before finding a section where there is less general complaint 

 about hard times even in this year of low prices and uncertain credit. 

 Those who look at the natural disadvantages of this section should 

 also consider its natural advantages. These steep hill-sides may not 

 be profitable for grain or potatoes, but they face directly to the sun 

 and are just suited for fruit. The river not only tempers the air and 

 holds off the late and early frosts, but it presents a cheap and rapid 

 means of communication with the great city — the finest market in 

 the land. 



"That may aU be," says the stranger, "but how about the feeding 

 of these great vineyards and orchards ? ' ' These lands have been farmed 

 for many years and are no longer naturally fertile. The soil must be 



