882 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



There is no danger of our girls getting too much education; provided, 

 "with all their getting they get understanding and the education of the 

 heart keeps pace with the education of the head". 



A well-trained mind and a true heart for every coming woman. "Give 

 her the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the 

 gates". 



HOW TO BEAUTIFY THE HOME. 



G. J. SCHAEFFEK, BEFORE WINNEBAGO FARMERS' INSTITUTE. 



In driving through the country we find a variety of farm homes, 

 some quite improved while others seem to have been more less neglected, 

 but directly we come to a home which at once attracts our attention. 

 It is well kept, equal to those in town; buildings neatly painted, a beau- 

 tiful lawn with trees and shrubbery tastily set out, a fine orchard and 

 grove; all of which gives it a cosy and homelike appearance. Next we 

 come to a home where the house is modern but sadly in need of paint; 

 the yard is ungraded and neglected; stock running at large and enjoying 

 a feast in the front yard, destroying the few trees and shrubs which 

 have been set out; also fences and outbuildings are in need of repair; 

 giving everything a shiftless appearence. 



Now the contrast between these two homes is very striking, and 

 emphasizes the importance of giving more of our time and thought to 

 the environment of the home. Paint in harmonious colors, trees, shrubi? 

 and flowers can be purchased for a reasonable amount, and no one need 

 despair of having a beautiful home, and getting it cheaply, providing 

 we are willing to do the work mostly ourselves. Get material needed, 

 and then repair and paint the buildings; next build a fence and keep 

 stock from house and front yard; then grade up around the house for 

 front lawn, and seed into grass. Now plant trees and shrubs, also arrange 

 for a garden, orchard and grove. After the improvements are completed 

 and planting done, not much time is required, only a half hour now 

 and then in keeping things up seeing to the trimming and cutting the 

 lawn; and you will have a home admired by everyone, a great satisfaction 

 to yourself and family. 



When we begin to plan a location for our buildings, we should con- 

 sider it from three different standpoints; healthfulness, convenience and 

 attractiveness. Care should be taken to drain well the site on which we 

 mean to buiid. No matter how attractive the home may be if it is located 

 before a noisome cesspool everything is spoiled besides a breeder of 

 disease. The draining of this land would cost less than would the doctor 

 bills. A rising ground, sloping every way, gives your home the most 

 attractive appearance. Also consider the convenience of the site to the 

 barn and other outbuildings, its nearness to them and it nearness to the 

 road. About a quarter of an acre, or perhaps a little more, should be set 

 apart for flowers and lawn. Do not fill the center of the lawn with any- 

 thing to obstruct the view from the house, nor follow straight lines in 



