ADVICE FOR LACKLAND 



experience, that the ravages of this insect are 

 much more decided and constant upon cedar 

 cut in the winter, than upon such as has been 

 cut in the growing season of the year. The 

 fact, however, may be accidental, and I must 

 confess utter ignorance of the habits and 

 tastes of this disagreeable grub. 



The virtue of all such rustic work as I have 

 commented upon, lies in its exceeding sim- 

 plicity, joined to great serviceableness. Home 

 repairs do not tell badly on it; the joints need 

 not be arranged with mathematical precision; 

 the materials are near at hand and inexpen- 

 sive ; the creeping vines cling to it lovingly ; it 

 wears age with a veteran sturdiness. 



I am by no means prepared to say that my 

 friend Lackland will adopt my views on this 

 head. I suspect that his country or city 

 joiner, when confronted with the hints I have 

 thrown out in these gate sketches, (they are 

 really intended for nothing more than hints), 

 will shake his head doubtfully, and lay before 

 my friend some stupendous affair of carpen- 

 try, with an infinitude of mouldings, which, to 

 his eye, is vastly finer. And I shall expect 

 Lackland to yield to the charm of the rec- 

 tangular elevations that are set before him ; or, 

 if he absolutely insists upon the working up 



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