Page:Aristopia (1895).pdf/108

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the sassafras and cedar timber lie could cut oil his land and bring to the river's edge. Thus, while clearing his field he could be earning a living. If this should not he sufficient, he was to have some credit at the commonwealth store. This store was stocked by the governor as a gift to the commonwealth to begin with.

In the last cargo, no horses, but ten yoke of oxen had been brought over, oxen being better adapted for rough work in a new country than horses, as well as being cheaper in price and less expensive to feed. Six yoke were sold, one to each farmer who was able to buy, and the rest were kept to be hired to those who needed to use them, and for public use.

Half a dozen goats were brought over. It was not deemed advisable to try sheep-raising until larger clearings should be made, but the bold and active goats could avoid and beat off the wolves. Some young pigs and some geese and ducks were also brought on the last voyage.

As it was observed that crops did not grow at the extreme edge of a clearing, Morton persuaded the farmers to make their clearings four