its consist principally of acorns, some of which are
very sweet; nuts of different kinds, chestnuts, beechnuts, but not many
mulberries, plums, medlars, wild cherries, black currants, gooseberries,
hazel nuts in great quantities, small apples, abundant strawberries
throughout the country, with many other fruits and roots which the
savages use. There is also plenty of bilberries or blueberries, together
with ground-nuts and artichokes, which grow under ground. Almost the
whole land is full of vines, in the wild woods as well as on the maize
lands and flats; but they grow principally near to and upon the banks of
the brooks, streams and rivers, which are numerous, and run conveniently
and pleasantly everywhere, as if they were planted there. The grapes
comprise many varieties, some white, some very fleshy, and only fit to
make raisins of, others on the contrary juicy; some are very large and
others small. The juice is pleasant, and some of it as white as French
or Rhenish wine; some is a very deep red, like Tent,(1) and some is
paler. The vines run much on the trees, and are shaded by their leaves,
so that the grapes ripen late and are a little sour; but with the
intelligent assistance of man, as fine wines would undoubtedly be made
here as in any other country. In regard to other fruits, all those which
grow in the Netherlands also grow very well in New Netherland, without
requiring as much care to be bestowed upon them as is necessary there.
Garden fruits succeed very well, yet are drier, sweeter, and more
agreeable than in the Netherlands; for proof of which we may easily
instance musk-melons, citrons or watermelons,(2) which in New Netherland
grow right in the open fields, if the briars and weeds are kept from
them, while in the Netherlands they require the close care of amateurs,
or those who cultivate them for profit in gardens, and then they
are neither so perfect by far, nor so palatable, as they are in New
Netherland. In general all kinds of pumpkins and the like are also much
drier, sweeter and more delicious, which is caused by the temperateness
and amenity of the climate.

The tame cattle are in size and other respects about the same as in
the Netherlands, but the English cattle and swine thrive and grow best,
appearing to be better suited to the country than those from Holland.
They require, too, less trouble, expense and attention; for it is not
necessary in winter to look after such as are dry, or the swine,