MY FARM OF EDGEWOOD 



on taking occupancy, only by skirting a dan- 

 gerous-looking shed, and passing through two 

 dropsical gates that were heavy with a mass 

 of mouldy lumber. 



These gates opened upon a straggling cattle 

 yard, whose surface was so high and dense, 

 as to distribute a powerful flow of yellow 

 streamlets in very awkward directions after 

 every shower. One angle of this yard it was 

 necessary to traverse before reaching my door. 

 My clearance here was decisive and prompt. 

 The threatening shed came down upon the 

 run; the mouldering gates and fences were 

 splintered into kindling wood; the convexity 

 of the cattle yard was scooped into a dish, 

 with provision for possible overflow in safe 

 directions. A snug compact fence blinded it 

 all, and confined it within reasonable limits. 

 A broad, free, gravelly yard, with occasional 

 obtrusive stones, now lay open, through which 

 I ordered a loaded team to be driven by the 

 easiest track from the highway to the door, 

 and thence to make an easy and natural turn, 

 and pass on to the stable-court. This line of 

 transit marked out my road : what was easiest 

 for the cattle once, would be easiest always. 

 There is no better rule for laying down an 

 approach over rolling ground — none so sim- 



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