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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The Nearings claimed that they were planning not a business, but a __________.
(a) Useful vegetable garden.
(b) Functioning homestead.
(c) Working farm.
(d) Vacation home.

2. How did the Nearings describe the stone wall when it was finished?
(a) Like the unveiling of an art work.
(b) Like a picture perfect post card.
(c) Like the green meadow, dotted with wildflowers.
(d) Like a beautiful sunset.

3. What, according to the Nearings, is the food furthest removed from the soil?
(a) Cooked caracasses of beasts, birds, and fish.
(b) The farmer's market produce.
(c) The produce in your grocery store.
(d) Fresh dairy from a neighbor.

4. How much did the Nearings save by building with the stone system they used?
(a) 99 percent of the cost.
(b) 1/3 of the cost.
(c) 3/4 of the cost.
(d) 1/2 of the cost.

5. What does healthy soil teem with?
(a) Organic life.
(b) Wood.
(c) A terrible stench.
(d) Food.

6. In the breakdown of the Nearing's diet, how was the intake of vegetables broken down?
(a) 1/2 yellow and the rest juicy.
(b) 1/2 green and the rest juicy.
(c) Juicy only.
(d) 1/3 yellow, 1/2 green and leafy, and 1/3 juicy.

7. In the breakdown of the Nearing's diet, how much of percentage was their intake of fruit?
(a) 30 percent.
(b) 10 percent.
(c) 20 percent.
(d) 50 percent.

8. What did the Nearings eat from?
(a) Plastic plates.
(b) China.
(c) Wooden bowls.
(d) Plates.

9. How was each work day divided up?
(a) 4 hours of inside work and 4 hours of outside work.
(b) 4 morning hours and 4 afternnoon hours.
(c) 8 hours days with a lunch and two breaks.
(d) 4 hours of work and 4 hours of discussion.

10. When the Nearings started their first garden in Vermont, what caused a quagmire and nearly ruined the garden?
(a) A sinkhole the size of a large truck.
(b) The threat of fire.
(c) A spring on the high side of the garden.
(d) Deer that kept eating the apples.

11. Who could "smell a frost coming?"
(a) Jack Lightfoot.
(b) Floyd Hurd.
(c) Helen.
(d) Scott.

12. Where did one enter the Nearing home in Vermont?
(a) Through a double front door.
(b) Through a side door from the garage.
(c) Through the door in the kitchen.
(d) Through the cellar.

13. What political persuasion were most Vermonters?
(a) Republican.
(b) Independents.
(c) Democrat.
(d) Communist.

14. What did some people think of the Nearings when they visited them in Vermont?
(a) That they were uncordial.
(b) That they were sloppy.
(c) That they were too old to be working on a farm.
(d) That they would go hungry if they stayed.

15. What kind of events were held on Saturday nights in the small Vermont town?
(a) Swap meets.
(b) Square dances.
(c) Movies.
(d) Bar dances.

Short Answer Questions

1. What direction do the rows in a garden need to be planted to assure maximum sun to the roots?

2. What did the Nearings have to do to pick their sweet peas?

3. What is the definition of disease, according to the Nearings?

4. How long had Jacklight foot lived in the valley?

5. Who attended the party when the mail route was restored in Vermont?

(see the answer keys)

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