338 HOW TO MAKE A COUNTRY PLACE 



Opportunities still exist for those who search, though rarely with 

 such large profits. Let one devote the necessary time at odd hours 

 to thoroughly scouring the out-lying country, map in hand, assuming 

 it to be near some thriving centre such as New York City. When 

 what appears a suitable site has been found, question closely several 

 disinterested "natives," who are usually authorities on local matters, 

 though absolutely purblind, as a rule, to speculative values. If 

 financial help is required, one or two friends can be let in "on the 

 ground floor." 



Selecting the Site. 



In determining on a site, there are a few "must bes" which 

 schedule somewhat as follows: High land, extended views long 

 road frontage is a great advantage and fertile soil is desirable but not 

 an absolute essential trees, as little swamp as possible, and good 

 water. With trolley possibilities within five years, no near nuisance 

 nor prospect of any, such as sanatoriums, poor farms, slaughter houses 

 and objectionable factories, and with property, say not over one and 

 one-half hours, preferably one hour from the city, and not over two 

 or three miles from railroad station, the success of the project is 

 assured. If, in addition, there are a deep ravine, a fine stream, with 

 water power possibilities, fruit trees, good roads, desirable neighbors 

 and it is within a mile of a station, assets will bear marking up. 



In selecting as well as planting land, remember that the light 

 sandy soil on your farm suits crops that mature early, before drought 

 days begin and that heavy soil is for crops that require the entire 

 summer to mature. 



The fact that all of your future customers may not keep devil 

 wagons and that plodding dobbin and shanks' mare will surely 

 lengthen the distance, should have a bearing on your selection of a 

 farm for country homes ; at the same time beware of the nearness of 

 a railroad track with its accompanying smirching smoke, screech and 

 jangle, and other bedlam noises, intensified when moisture-laden south 

 and east winds blow toward your Mecca. Your idyl must be a real 

 idyl, antipodal to the man-made town. 



Even if inspection of the proposed purchase reveals a rotting 

 sill, a leaking roof, and decaying window frames, remember you are 

 buying but a makeshift house. It is building sites that you want. 

 If land, location, and possibilities are satisfactory, brace up the sills, 

 as well as your courage, and with great care slip bits of tin under the 

 shingles that leak, (even walking on an old roof loosens enough 

 shingles to necessitate a new one), and let the rest go until you 

 can build the new house. Spend what is essential in purifying the 

 cellar, removing old wall papers and sterilizing walls, floors, and 

 surroundings in general; clean up all refuse, calk all crevices, and 

 put the rest of your spare change and energy into the building of a few 

 absolutely necessary roads and' extensive plantings. 



