CHAPTER XVII 

 THE FARM HOME 



Farming is one of the few occupations in which the 

 business and the home are united. So close is this union 

 that the distinction between the business and the personal 

 and household matters is not often thought of. Of the 

 many things that have to do with the making of a com- 

 fortable farm home, we shall here consider only three 

 points, the arrangement of the grounds, the type of 

 buildings, and the modern conveniences. 



327. The Farmyard. The first essential for an attrac- 

 tive farmyard is neatness. After this, a little attention 

 to planting will accomplish the rest. Nothing is more 

 attractive than a good lawn, add to this a few trees and 

 shrubs and flowers, and nearly any farmyard will be attrac- 

 tive. The shrubs should be planted in groups in the corners, 

 around the house, and to serve as screens to shut off unde- 

 sirable views. Scattered, aimless planting is not effective. 

 Flower beds should also be placed at the sides and in cor- 

 ners, so as to keep the center of the lawn open. Such an 

 arrangement is not only attractive, but it also makes the 

 care of the lawn much easier. Compare Figs. 196 and 197 

 in this respect. At the same time, over-planting should be 

 avoided. The farmyard should not be a pattern of city 

 properties, unless it is the country home of some city man 

 who is able to hire a gardener to take care of it. The 

 farm home should be attractive, but not ostentatious. 



(389) 



