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to the plow; and if extensive, and really forest-like, resemble those 

 woody districts in Germany where "cultivation smiles in the glades and 

 recesses of eternal forests." 



Fbnces. — Of all kinds of fences, the common rail or zig-zag fence 

 presents to the eye of strangers the most uncoiith appearance, as well as 

 that of a prodigal waste of the "raw material." Perhaps they may be, 

 in many instances, the most economical, as regards cheapness of con- 

 struction, strength and durability ; but where facilities exist for sawing 

 timber, these qualities might be made to combine with a more agreeable 

 form, and a tithe of the amount of material. The improved state of the 

 manufacture of iron, affords new and desirable accommodations in the 

 way of light, cheap and durable fences, desiderata of no small impor- 

 tance in districts, where wood is not abundant. 



Planting. — When a necessity exists for planting young trees, either 

 near or remote from the house, as a general rule, a selection from those 

 found in the neigborhood would be best ; as they will not only better 

 harmonize with those around, but grow and thrive with more certainty 

 than others, transferred from a different soil and climate. As to the 

 best kinds for planting on the rich, black soil of our prairies, I have had 

 no opportunity of forming an opinion ; but I should expect that most of 

 the soft-wooded, rapid-growing kinds would succeed. As fencing must 

 be a comparatively expensive undertaking on extensive prairie lands, it 

 would be well for settlers thereon to provide themselves at the outset, 

 with seeds of such plants or shrubs as will most rapidly or permanently 

 afford them live fences or hedges. Of these may be mentioned the 

 Osage Orange, Locust, Buckthorn, Hawthorn, Beech, <fec. It is affirmed 

 by those who have had experience, that the Osage Orange will form a 

 hedge fence in five years from the time of sowing, capable of resisting 

 all sorts of cattle, and at the same time so compact as to produce a com- 

 plete barrier, even to rabbits and other small vermin. That this rapid 

 growing tree will survive the wii ters of this latitude, has been proved 

 beyond a doubt within the State, and in several instances. One fine, 

 thrifty tree may be seen in this city, in the garden of Lewis Potter, Esq., 

 which has stood the test of over ten winters. 



The Vegetable Garden. — This necessary appendage to a family 

 mansion, should, when circumstances permit, be formed convenient to 

 the rear of the building, out of the view from the principal rooms, and 



