Once upon a time there lived a poor farmer called Smith. He didn't like to share things withothers. Smith had a friend who was famous for the wonderful apples he grew.
One day, his friend gave Smith a young apple tree and told him to take it home and planted.
The farmer was pleased with the gift, but when he got home, he did not know where to plantHe thought and thought. Finally at night he planted the tree in his wood where no one couldsee 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.
"What's the difference?" the farmer said angrily. "If I had planted it near the road, strangerswould have stolen the fruit. If I had planted it in one of my fields, my neighbors would have comeat night and stolen some of the apples. If I had planted it near my house, my own children wouldhave taken the fruit,"
"Yes," said the friend, "but at least someone could have enjoyed the fruit. Now you not onlyhave got nothing, but also you have destroyed a good apple tree."
Was Smith happy about the gift?     ______________________________
When did he plant the apple tree?    ______________________________
Where did Smith plant the apple tree in the end?   __________________
Why did the apple tree soon die?   _____________________________
What would probably happen if the farmer had planted the tree near his house? ______________