Miscellaneous. 381 



is, there is money in it in every direction." A grove of chestnuts is one 

 of the handsomest sights that a lawn can present. But it is also profitable. 

 Even a row of butternuts by the fence at the rear of the property pays 

 better than the garden in the middle. When such trees fail to yield a 

 harvest of nuts the timber will be valuable. Every plot of ten acres 

 should not only feed the occupants, but furnish wood for fuel. The an- 

 riual trimmings and decay will supply this if properly collected. These 

 handsome lawns mean that they are constantly under the owners' eye: 

 so carefully that decay is promptly removed, and vacancies promptly filled 

 with new trees. 



Now, if you follow the drives of this country homestead you will find 

 that they lead through vineyards and berry gardens. These are so planted 

 as to harmonize with the general plot and purpose. There is no reason 

 why any object in nature should lack esthetic value. A corn field is one 

 of the most beautiful sights in the country. Note the grace of these 

 rows of raspberries, ten rods long. Trellises of grapes constitute every 

 tenth row. The secret is to have an esthetic soul at work — then every- 

 tl'.ing is compelled to be beautiful. An educated mind is not only edu- 

 cated by nature, but educates nature. Blackberries and apple trees are as 

 plastic as roses to a fine will. But you must see these long lines of bushes 

 in blossom, and then in fruit. In blossom they invite the bees ; in fruit 

 the birds. No bird is allowed to be molested. They are held to be a 

 part of the family. Their nests are hid all about us in the bushes, and 

 they swing from the trees. "This," says the owner, "is not a matter of 

 sentiment, but of economy and profit. I cannot get on without both bees 

 and birds. The bees pollenize the fruit blossoms ; the birds destroy in- 

 injurious insects. 



Here we come upon a group of buildings that are highly ornamental ; 

 yet they cover all the purposes of the ordinary barns — yet more. The 

 owner declares that he would not undertake to run his place unless the 

 esthetic could be associated with barns as well as houses. In fact, noth- 

 ing is easier. Cattle enjoy the beautiful. Give them clean yards and they 

 ajjpreciate it — even growing cleanly in their habits. A cow will always lie 

 down facing a landscape, and at night facing a moon — providing her 

 quarters give her an opportunity. Nothing is more detestable than tlie 

 ordinary barn and its appurtenances — wretched buildings, a filthy yard, 

 brush, old lumber and stone heaps surround them. 



We are shown that order and system work revolution. But nothing 

 can be done by work alone ; there must also be study and amusement. So 

 we have a fine laboratory at one end of the barn buildings, fitted up in- 

 expensively, but thoroughly, for investigation in entomology, botany, 

 geology, chemistry. Here soils are studied, and manures. The col- 

 lection of insects made by the family would honor a university; and it 



