IO THE HOME ACRE. 



In this chapter and in those which may ensue I 

 merely hope to make some useful suggestions and 

 give practical advice, the result of experience, 

 my own and others', which the reader may carry 

 out and modify according to his judgment. 



We will suppose that an acre has been bought ; 

 that it is comparatively level, with nothing of 

 especial value upon it, in brief, that the home 

 and its surroundings are still to be created. 



It is not within my design to treat of the dwell- 

 ing, its architecture, etc., but we shall have some- 

 thing to say farther on in regard to its location. 

 Before purchasing, the most careful investigations 

 should be made as to the healthfulness of the 

 region and the opportunities for thorough drain- 

 age. Having bought the acre, the question of 

 removing all undue accumulations of water on or 

 beneath the surface should be attended to at first. 

 The dry appearance of the soil during much of 

 the year may be misleading. It should be re- 

 membered that there are equinoctial storms and 

 melting snows. Superabundant moisture at every 

 period should have channels of immediate escape, 

 for moisture in excess is an injury to plant as well 

 as to family life; while thoroughly and quickly 

 drained land endures drought far better than that 

 which is rendered heavy and sour by water stag- 

 nating beneath the surface. Tile-drains are usually 



