380 CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



my land. Every thing was new at the time of settlement. 

 Since then thousands of acres have been broken up all around 

 me. As I came from New York, I had climatic changes to 

 undergo, and was subject to the same general climatic influences 

 as others, with this result : While a large number of our people 

 have been troubled with chills and fevers at different times, 

 worrying over doctors' bills and buying quack medicines, myself 

 and family have never had any of these ailments, and no doctor 

 has ever entered our house, professionally, since our residence 

 here, though my wife at the same time was never robust. 

 I do not consider our immunity from disease as a special 

 interposition in our behalf, but rather the observance of a 

 few common sense ideas. 



CONVENIENCE AND TASTE REGARDED. 



While looking after the sanitary arrangements, we should 

 also keep in full view convenience and taste. To the north of 

 my house, acting as a wind-break, are the orchards of peach 

 and appl^. I would always place them there if possible. To 

 the wes]b is an artificial grove. Thus we are protected from the 

 severe, piercing winds of Winter. 



The lawn surrounding the house is set with shade trees, 

 which serve the double purpose of ornament and partial shade, 

 obscuring the rough appearance inseparable from farm yards, 

 such as stacks, cribs, pens, stables, etc., which are across the 

 road. 



We can not be too careful in guarding our homes from 

 noxious smells and vapors. And a little regard for the laws of 

 health in planning and building, will as surely save us from 

 many unnecessary doctors' bills, as a total neglect of them will 

 sap the strongest constitution and banish contentment and 

 happiness from the family circle. 



