86 Farmers^ Miscellany. [July, 



to derive much enjoyment from the recurrence of the seasons, and 

 their influence on plants; and much more knowledge of vegeta- 

 tion, botany, natural history, and the art of husbandry, to derive 

 the greatest amount of advantage which a farm and garden are 

 calculated to afford. 



The common idea associated with a residence in the country, 

 is that of profit; that an income should be realised from all ex- 

 penditures there made. But why, it may be asked, make this 

 distinction, so unfavorable in its effects, to the prosperity and im- 

 provement of the country? Are the splendid edifices, costly fur- 

 niture, and luxurious indulgences in cities, sources of income? 

 Are they not rather intended to administer to the comfort and 

 gratify the taste of the proprietors, without any regard to the cost, 

 or any expectation of revenue? Why, then, should it be urged, 

 that such investments should yield an income, because the loca- 

 tion is on the border of a river, in the midst of a forest, or em- 

 bowered in some secluded vale? The answer is difficult. Yet 

 on the other hand it can be shown that a less extravagant ex- 

 penditure in the country will produce infinitely more interesting 

 and imposing results. It is not in buildings that money should 

 be expended. The more simple and neat their structure, the bet- 

 ter will they comport with our laws of distribution of property, 

 the genius of our government, and the habits of the people, 

 Here architectural taste should be guided by economy. It is the 

 improvement of the grounds which surround the establishment 

 that is so much required, to render the country desirable as a 

 place of residence. Here it is that wealth, and intelligence and 

 taste can do much, can produce such striking effects, and contri- 

 bute, more to the enjoyment of life, than it is possible to accom- 

 plish in the midst of a city, even by the most lavish expenditure. 



Is not a garden, entensive grounds, umbrageous walks, verdant 

 lawns, and sparkling cascades, quite as interesting objects as the 

 massive walls of brick and stone, which are wedged in continu- 

 ous ranges, in the thronged and dusty streets of a city ? Is not 

 the distant landscape, whether radiant in the rich and various 

 tints of vernal luxuriance, or clad in the gorgeous draperies of 



