Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[applee]

Can someone tell me the meaning of the following sentence? "Horse-drawn sledges are the connecting links between ocean commerce and New England farms.

Thank you very much.

[Philo Kevetch]

At a time when the few existing roads were unpaved, sledges (sleighs) could move heavy loads (cargo) over snow or ice to and from ships and inland communities.

Imagine tryin to pull a heavy load in a wagon over muddy /rutted roads.
It was much easier to "slide" them.

So, "ocean commerce" = ships in ports/harbors (harbours)....point A

"New England farms" = inland (away) from ports.....point B

"horse drawn sledges" = the way to connect points A and B