AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST 
For the Farm, Garden, and Household. 
“AGRICULTURE IS THE MOST HEALTHFUL, MOST USEFUL, AND MOST NOBLE EMPLOYMENT OF MAN."— WASHINGTON, 
Volume XL.—No. 3. 
NEW YORK, MARCH, 1881. 
New Series—No. 410. 
THE PEDDLER’S VISIT TO 
A 
FAMILY IN THE COUNTRY . —Drawn and Engraved for the American Agriculturist. 
In the quiet of country life a call from a 
vender of trinkets and small wares is an 
event that has its pleasant side, and is long 
remembered by the children. Very likely 
the younger members of the family have 
never been to a city, and the display of new 
goods spread out before them is a rare treat 
to their sight-loving eyes. To the grown 
people the peddler is often not so welcome a 
caller, and his coming into the yard is not 
pleasant. There is, of course, a great dif¬ 
ference in peddlers. Some are gentle in their 
ways, and fair in their dealings, and, above 
all, thankful for all the “trade” they get. 
Such are usually welcome, and in many cases 
do a thriving business, making regular visits 
upon their customers—coming around once 
a month, or two or three times a year, de¬ 
pending upon the circuit. It is the sour, de¬ 
ceitful peddler that is the dread of the com¬ 
munity. Eveiy one is glad when he goes out 
of sight, and hopes he may never come again. 
A peddler of this sort does not consider a 
good name as capital in the business, and 
seldom goes over the same route the second 
time. Even the dog knows him, and is 
anxious to keep him out of the house, and 
when in the street, will aid him on his way 
with a sharp bark or savage growl. 
In the engraving the artist has given us a 
scene with a peddler of the more agreeable 
sort. All the household is interested in the 
display. The little ones are delighted—the 
younger the child, the better it is for the 
agreeable peddler, who has a good stock of 
whistles, tops, and other small and attractive 
toys. The lace and bright ribbons almost 
make the mother forget her work and leave 
the hot iron motionless upon the bosom of 
the husband’s best shirt. The mending of 
the harness is delayed, and the workman 
and father looks and listens with some degree 
of pleasure. Tire lad is so absorbed in the 
exhibition before him that he is forgetful of 
his nearness to the stove, and even the dog 
is filled with wonder, but keeps at a proper 
distance, and retains his self-respect. It is 
reasonable to conclude that some ribbon, 
lace, buttons, thread, or little plaything for 
the children, will be purchased, and the 
peddler will go on his way feeling that his 
visits are not entirely without their reward 
to both buyer and seller. The children may 
perhaps follow him with pleasure to the gate. 
CnpYRiflHT. 1881. by Op.angk Judd Company. 
Entered at the Post Office at New York. N. Y.. as Second Class Matter. 
