CHAPTER III. 



FARMERS' KITCHEN GARDEN. 



SELECTION OF LOCALITY AND ARRANGEMENT OF BEDS. 



"Well begun — half done." 



HE home garden in a majority of cases is a fixed 

 affair, and no choice is left as to the selection 

 of site. While the condition of soil, its fertility, 

 convenient lay and proper slope, are questions of 

 no mean import, they are almost always second- 

 ary to the point of nearness to the house. The 

 garden may be filled with good things of the 

 season, but if half a mile from the house, com- 

 pelling the over-worked and hurried house-wife to tramp such a 

 distance every time she wants a supply of vegetables fresh from 

 the garden, the cheering presence of young onions, radishes, 

 lettuce, tomatoes, egg plants, and other vegetables will be missed 

 by the family at many a meal that might have been more palatable 

 and more wholesome by the vegetable addition and by the 

 change otherwise. What good are the choicest things in our 

 possession if we cannot make ready use of them ? 



The condition of many a home garden seems sufficient 

 excuse for hiding it from sight. The best location for the garden 

 is in a prominent place where it will crowd itself upon constant 

 observation from the house. If well kept, it is one of the greatest 

 ornaments to the premises, and a source of everlasting admira- 

 tion ; if neglected and left to grow up in weeds, it will be a shame 

 to the owner, an ever present accuser — a sort of conscience — 

 and loudly calling for attention. A good garden is a sort of 

 summer resort, to which the owner can take his visitors, and 

 show them about with excusable pride ; an inducement for an 

 after-dinner or after-supper walk, affording opportunities for a few 

 touches of improvement, for pulling up some stray weeds, or for 

 the destruction of injurious insects, when thus encountered, 

 for watching with pleasurable interest the growth and develop- 

 ment of the things that are " new and curious." Nearness to 

 the house means nearness to your thoughts and affections ; better 

 care and closer attention ; more enjoyable and diversified meals ; 

 increased pleasure, health and happiness for the whole family. 

 Nearness to the house also increases the chances for convenient 

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