THE COUNTRY HOME [chapter 



the corn fields or the hop fields stand in rich allu- 

 vial, and where orchards divide the clover fields, 

 while there are still some bits of original forest in 

 sight — maple, beech, and ash, nearly always flank- 

 ed with butternut, chestnut, or walnut. Do you 

 see anything anywhere that you would like to call 

 your own ? I do not doubt but that in half an 

 hour's ride you will have craved a dozen spots, and 

 you will hardly know which one you like the best. 



The right sort of location ought to please on 

 sight. You will recognize something of yourself 

 when you see the place where you ought to estab- 

 lish your home. The fact is, every one of us has 

 already grown a good many tastes, opinions, emo- 

 tions; and probably some whims, that we shall 

 have to outgrow; and these must be gratified, in 

 selecting a location, or they will make trouble here- 

 after. 



Those who go to distant states, where climate and 

 soil and trees are all novel, are homesick for old 

 scenes and old conditions. Do not go into the coun- 

 try unless you can find some place that recognizes 

 you and will make itself familiar with you — that 

 is, appear homelike. I have friends who feel that 

 there is nothing like a broad, flat, level meadow for 



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