farmers' institutes. 693 



Good judgment is required to select a suitable site for the home, and 

 lurther, in determiuiny the number, size and location of the necessary 

 buildings. All this should be done Avith an eye to the general appearance 

 after the worlv is completed. The dwelling should stand out prominently 

 as tlie best thing on the farm. Outbuildings, orchards and feed lots can 

 be so located as to not offend good taste, and yet serve every needful 

 purpose. 



A spacious dooryard or lawn affords opportunities for displaying good 

 taste, and it is there tluit tlie best showing can be made at the least ex* 

 pense. The tirst impressions of a home and its inmates are made by the 

 outside appearances. If, then, we would like to be counted as neat, in- 

 dustrious, or cultured, we must use care and good taste in the dooryard 

 arrangement. Let the front lawn be in size proportioned to the size of 

 the dwelling, but ahvays ample. A few rods of ground given to this pur- 

 pose is not lost or wasted. This plat should be carefully graded and 

 seeded to grass. P'or a country lawn, nothing is better than our native 

 bluegrass. A neat fence should enclose this precious spot; the best, if it 

 can be afforded, but a well-built board fence, neatly whitewashed, shows 

 up well and is not expensive. Don't be afraid or ashamed to use white- 

 wash; it may offend aesthetic taste, but remember that we are mixing 

 utility with our economy, and whitewash goes farther than paint, and 

 laelps the loolis of the coimtry place wonderfully. 



Plant a variety of our native forest trees on the lawn. Don't plant 

 too many, and don't make the mistake of planting fruit trees there. 

 Fruit trees should be planted where they can be cultivated; besides, they 

 make very poor lawn trees. While the trees are grooving, and whenever 

 there is not too much shade, shrubs, vines and flowers can well find a 

 place. There are many varieties that are inexpensive, easy to get, and 

 require but little attention. These can be arranged so as to add much to 

 the beauty of the grounds. A few rustic seats, flower stands and vine 

 ti-ellises are easily made, and cost but a trifle, while their returns in pleas- 

 ure are inestimable. Provide a good lawn mower, and keep it in good con- 

 dition. It is no ti'ouble to get some one to use a good mower, and its 

 timely use brings good results. Lastly, keep all things in good condition, 

 ready for inspection at any time. 



And now the farmer asks. Who is to do all this, and where can one find 

 time to do if;' Let each memljer of the family have an interest in it. 

 The men and boys the heaviest work, while mother and the girls will 

 promote health and strength Ijy the outdoor exercise. Let the desire be 

 formed, and time will be found sufficient for the required labor. Will it 

 pay? Yes, a thousand times over, in happy hours, home pride, content- 

 ment, a love for order and neatness, and the consciousness of having 

 helped to make God's earth more beautiful. 



