Los Angeles herald., 1906-04-29

EzSA 4 i the wilderness of Northern Maine
ES&&M some fifteen years ago, with wi1e
GzSza&S and two children, George, boy OF
two summers. and Sam, mere
baby in arms
"This 'ere's good soil,' he had said to his
wife, kicking up the rich mould with his foot
good 'nuff soil, Sally, and plenty on it, such
as tbs; but the tarnation on t is the gettln
at it."
But, with strong determination of get
ting at it,, he had gone to work, ak IN hand,
to hew for himself home in the forest Sal
ly, at times. would lay aside her pans, ana
take up the AK or hoe with her husband.
The small clearing of the first season had
been added to, year by year, until the farm
contained thirty acres of arabic land. with
twice as many more for pasture. -. o.,,.a
by, his neighbors (if those may be termed
neighbors who live five miles away, looked
with pride on these proofs of his persever-
ance and industry. The growing crops, the
and the sssd barn al bese e
him with pride; but. more than all else. ne
exulted in an orchard. :,
THAT ere orchard of 'Miahs is a # fools
notion" said his 6ve-mile neighbors; Ialn,t
no use a-tryin ter raise apples along with
these ere suddent cold snaps, and then the
Boobies would steal what the frosts dldn
kill iln n,., - :. g .h;f4,.s. n.o
w
forest known far and wide for their lazy
and vicious habits. Farmer Harden had as
much cause to fear trouble from this source
as from the severity of the weather, but he
feared neither.
Selecting piece of rich ground on the
southern slope of hill, well protected by
thick woods from northern blasts, he had set
out variety Of hardy trees Everything had
proved favorable and neither frost nor Boo
bies had troubled the venture.
As the trees and boys grew. in size togeth-
er, an intimate acquaintance had been form
ed between them. >,
"The boys needn't be afeared of work,
said their father.
Accordingly, George and Sam had to see
that the cattle were kept out of the, orchard,
lest the young trees should be pushed over
to loosen the soil, that the rain might be
absorbed more readily. and the sun penetrate
to warm the ground; and when caterpillars
came in June, they had to. climb among. the
branches to pick the wriggiing creatures from
IT wish dad had never got the old trees, ;"
exclaimed George, angrily.
"And I'd give my Sunday boots,' said Sam,
.eto have the lightning knock every one on
This was Sans biggest offer, for his Sun
day boots were his only foot-covering, and
they, as his bare toes evinced, were consid-
cred too good to be worn, except on special
But when autumn came. with its crops,
the boys forgot their former hardships. Ap.
Piles tasted good, whether eaten raw or in
the form of "apple-sump," which their moth
er knew so well how to make.
One fall, the crop was larger than usual
George" said his father, one morning
"you'n Sam had better go into the orchard
this afternoon, and pick the apples. Pick
'em--don't yer shake 'em of-and pile 'em
in a heap, and I'll come down fer 'em with
the.team. ID yer mind? And don't yer pick
any of them russets often the nor east trees
I'm goin' ter leave 'em till frost"
The boys did as they were bidden; but it
was late in the afternoon before the apples
had been gathered from all but the northeast
trees.
''Big pile said Sam. as he sat munching
rosy Baldwin.
"Yes,o replied George, between his bites
"But there's dad-looks as though he'd got
sheen in the bottom of the wagon
As he drew nearer they could see that three
dead sheep torn and mangled, lay in the cart
whats the matter with the sheep, dad?"
asked Sam.
Quinby Ridge. That makes seven gone outen
ley's lost twelve by 'em, though" And the
mans anger lessened as he realized that his
own loss had not been as severe as his neigh
boris. "But don't stand there a-gawkin' at
'em. Load in the apples"
That night the. boys did not. sleep, much
After creeping close together in bed, they
talked about bears and imaginary exploits
in catching them, until their eyes were prop
ped wide open.