How
the earth tempers and flavors the apples! It draws out all the
acrid, unripe qualities, and infuses into them a subtile,
refreshing taste of the soil.
As the supply in the bins and barrels gets low, and spring
approaches, the buried treasures in the garden are remembered.
With spade and ax we go out, and penetrate through the snow and
frozen earth till the inner dressing of straw is laid bare. It is
not quite as clear and bright as when we placed it there last
fall, but the fruit beneath, which the hand soon exposes, is just
as bright and far more luscious.
Then, as day after day you resort to the hole, and removing the
straw and earth from the opening, thrust your arm into the
fragrant pit, you have a better chance than ever before to become
acquainted with your favorites by the sense of touch. How you
feel for them reaching to the right and left.
When you were a schoolboy you stowed them away in your pockets,
and ate them along the road and at recess, and again at noon
time; and they, in a measure, corrected the effects of the cake
and pie with which your mother filled your lunch basket.
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