North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Jwlehman@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/20/2004 1:22:10 AM US Eastern Standard Time, wizard2468@juno.com writes:

>   I saw a program a few years ago that stated that Johnny Appleseed, who
> legend says spread apple seeds throughout a large area to supply food for
> people, was actually planting apple seeds so that hard cider could be
> produced. 


Hello all,

A few years back at one of the annual NAFEX meetings we had a Johnny Appleseed historian give a presentation. He said at that time one could get free land from the US Gov. with the only stipulation was you had to do something with it, not just hold it.  Also he went around the country helping people establish orchards and did custom grafting. 

Apparently in Chapman's travels he would get a patch of free land and plant apple seeds for trees. That way when asked by the Gov. what he was doing with this piece of ground or that he could honestly say planting apple trees. Yes, that is being a smart business man. 

Editorial: Even back then there were people who figured out how to take advantage of Gov. programs, legally. Little doubt in my mind some of the settlers made apple beer, but this presenter gave no hint of apple beer being a goal.  It was my opinion the main goal was building personal wealth by obtaining free land and selling his hort. services.   

Jerry

PS. There is a very fine apple beer made in England, imported and sold in the US, "Kingfisher."      Try it.