A young apple tree

A young apple tree

　One day, a farmer’s friend gave him a wonderful young apple tree and told him to take it home and plant it. The farmer was pleased with the gift, but when he got home he did not know where to plant it.

　He was afraid that if he planted the tree near the road, strangers would steal the fruit. If he planted the tree in his field, his neighbors would come at night and steal some of the apples. If he planted the tree near his house, his children would take the fruit.

　Finally he planted the tree in his wood where no one could see it. But without sunlight and good soil, the tree soon died.

　Later the friend asked the farmer why he had planted the tree in such a poor place. The farmer told him his concerns.

　“Yes,” said the friend, “but at least someone could have enjoyed the fruit. Now you not only have robbed everyone of the fruit, but also you have destroyed a good apple tree!”