58 Tlie Farmstead 



Having discussed the subject from four lead- 

 ing standpoints, those of less importance may 

 be taken up. It is usually not wise to purchase 

 a farm, however well it may fulfil the require- 

 ments of healthfulness, desirable environment 

 and productivity, if the lands by which it is 

 surrounded are poor, since man, in one respect, 

 is like the tree toad, which partakes largely of 

 the color of the thing to which it adheres. The 

 French have a proverb which runs in this wise: 

 " Tell me where you live, and I will tell you 

 your name." Translated into modern thought, it 

 would read : " Tell me your environment, and I 

 will tell you your character." 



Beauty of natural scenery may not be entirely 

 ignored, although utility, the dollar, must be 

 kept prominently in view. One can afford to 

 economize in the living expenses in many ways 

 not dreamed of by those who load the farm 

 table with a superabundance of good things, if 

 it be necessary to do so, to secure beautiful 

 surroundings. It may be only a question of 

 choice between a moderate subsistence and a 

 reposeful environment, or an overloaded table 

 with uninspiring surroundings. Natural as well 

 as artificial beauty and pleasurable environment 

 have their values. A certain lot on one street 

 sells for $1,000, another one on the same street 

 for $500. They are both within easy reach of 



