For, without specifically setting out to do so, it demystifies the land-owning upper classes simply by showing them how to survive.

ECONOMIST: English snobbery

As Obama works to meet those high expectations and deal with mounting conservative criticism of his approach, Guynn is hoping his classes eventually land him a new career as a crime lab technician.

CNN: Recession comes late but hits hard in Peoria

One landowner offered up a large, unused plot of land for a garden and high school classes have come out to plant and harvest tomatoes, squash, potatoes and melons, Anderson said.

FORBES: Wisconsin Brings Farm Food to the Schools -- and Keeps the Dollars Local

It had cheap land, weak trade unions and enough space to make sure that the various classes and races could keep themselves to themselves.

ECONOMIST: Trouble in paradise

It benefits the upper and upper-middle classes, the argument goes, by the strict standards it imposes to protect the land: growth control, open space, maintained eco-systems and the preservation of town or village character.

ECONOMIST: Preserving farmland