what does the Van tassels' farm represent

Really it represents abundance. Van Tassels’ land, farm, animals, house, possessions, and food are all abundant. Whereas Katrina is described as youthful and pretty, each individual animal, each dish, is described in much more sensuous detail than she is. Thus resources become one of the most important features of the story, which goes along with Crayon’s belief that America’s advantages are in its natural resources and beautiful landscapes, while if one is looking for the best people and histories, Europe would be the better place to go.