“Because the pear will, in a few years, outgrow the thorn bush, and will break down just as it begins to bear. The pear and the thorn follow their own nature and habits of growth.”
“That is very singular, sir.”
“Yes, but so it is. Look at that apple tree just before us.”
The tree to which Mr. Welch referred had been grafted about two feet from the ground when it was little, and the graft jutted over the lower portions all around three or four inches.
“These trees,” said Mr. Welch, “are both apple trees, but the upper one is a larger growing variety; still there is not the difference there is between a thorn bush and a pear tree, so that one breaks the other down. It’s just like religion, Charlie; religion don’t alter a person’s color or size, or give him senses; but it gives him different tastes, turns sour to sweet, and leads him to a better improvement of what faculties he already has. Who runs out land down your way, Charlie?”
“Squire Eveleth, sir; but he’s getting quite old and feeble, and can’t go into the woods; and people often come for father to run land and measure timber.”
“Has your father got instruments?”
“He has calipers and a rule to measure timber; but he hires Squire Eveleth’s compass and chain when he runs land.”
“Would you like to learn surveying, Charlie?”
“O, yes, sir, I like to learn anything; but I would like to learn that uncommon well.”