11. Years ago, attention was called to the fact that at certain elevations in the mountains there was no frost to be seen at any period of the year; and this immunity has been turned to valuable account by the fruit growers, and now great orchards are found in many parts of the westerns counties, and shipments of very fine apples show the cultivation given to them. 12. North Carolina is not only the original habitation of the Scuppernong grape, but also of the luscious Catawba. This latter fine fruit, which has proven so valuable to the nurseries of Cincinnati, is at home in this latitude. 13. Yadkin county was, before 1860, famous for the production of a stronger beverage, derived from rye and corn. Since the war many distilleries have been carried on in the State, in spite of the government regulations that carry so many men as culprits to the Federal prisons. The offenders, known as "Moonshiners," are those who make and sell whisky without paying the United States for a license in the trade. These transgressors of the law have for years been hunted like Italian bandits or ferocious wild beasts, and not unfrequently blood has been shed in defence of the hidden distilleries and quite as often in attacking them and their owners. 14. In February of this year the Secretary of State, Joseph A. Engelhard, died, after a brief illness. In the death of Major Engelhard, the State sustained a great loss. As a soldier he was faithful, capable and brave. At once made a conspicuous leader in the fierce struggles that followed the war by his control of a prominent journal, he proved ever courageous, far-seeing and of rare judgment. And to him, for the happy termination of those terrible struggles, the State owes a deep debt of gratitude that now, unhappily, she can repay only in honorable remembrance. QUESTIONS. 1. What is the subject of this lesson? What is said of the extension of the Raleigh & Gaston Railroad? Go to the map and point out this road. 2. What favorite trunk-line has long been desired? What road was specially important to the Confederate government? Point out this road on the map. 3. What roads are mentioned as having been recently completed? Point out these on the map. 4. What towns are now mentioned, and what is said of their growth? Locate them on the map. 5. What is said of the prosperity of the city of Charlotte? 6. What is said of the centennial celebration at Charlotte? When did it occur? 7. What mention is made of Fayetteville, Asheville and Statesville? Find these towns on the map. 8. What have been the causes of the rapid growth of the towns in the state? 9. What further prosperity is noticed? 10. What other industry is described? Can you tell anything of this valuable production? (Teacher will explain). 11. What is said of the western fruit growers? 12. What excellent varieties of grape are natives of North Carolina? What is said of the Catawba grape?