ADORNING THE FARMSTEAD AND SCHOOL GROUNDS. 447 



In many states there are state foresters or forestry com- 

 missions, who may be able to advise and aid the schools. You 

 may be able to secure seedlings from your state experiment sta- 

 tion. Some of the stations are offering such help to schools. 

 You can also make application direct to the Forest Service of the 

 U. S. Dept. of Ag., Washington, D. C. They will put schools 

 desiring to exchange supplies of tree seeds into communication 

 with each other. 



Planning and Adorning the Farmstead. 



The Farmstead is the general area occupied by the farm 

 buildings, the yards, lawns and walks ; the entrances and drive- 

 ways ; the trees, vines and flowers, and shrubs. 



As the farmstead is the center of activity on the farm and 

 the place where the farmer must spend the best part of his life, 

 the consideration of this subject ought to be full of interest and 

 concern. 



Home-making should be carried into effect systematically in 

 conformity to some well-defined plan, looking not only to the 

 present but also to future needs and comforts. This is an im- 

 portant agricultural problem, because: 



1. It will help in the appearance and value of the farm. 



2. It will add to the comfort and happiness of the occupants. 



3. It will facilitate changes and improvements/ 



4. It will help to keep people on the farms. 



In making plans for new buildings, there is no general plan 

 suited to all localities; in readjusting arrangements where there 

 has been want of definite plans ; and in the location and group- 

 ing of buildings, each farm presents its own peculiar conditions 

 and difficulties. 



There are a few general rules that apply to certain conditions. 

 Some of these rules are given here to assist the young farmer, 

 in selecting a site and making plans: 



1. Select a site with the best possible drainage. 



2. Give the house the greatest prominence. 



3. A dwelling on a south or east slope is better than on a north 

 slope. 



