THREE] GROWING THE HOUSE 



cases they are either soon abandoned or they are 

 receptacles of a lot of worthless stuff, not well 

 cared for. I am writing for those who have not a 

 mint to draw upon, and to whom rational economy 

 is common sense. It will not do, when moving into 

 the country, to undertake such an annual outlay 

 as will destroy the charm of free life and the enjoy- 

 ment of nature. I prefer to have bright spots about 

 the different rooms of my home, and I like to see the 

 sun laugh when it looks into a bedroom window 

 and finds a begonia or a primrose. It at once 

 shines its best, and works at the carbon gases until 

 they are woven into leaves and flowers. 



A home shop is essential to every complete coun- 

 try home. This is a matter of economy, and, in 

 repairs alone, will be worth annually more than its 

 cost, while in time saved it will prove to be even 

 more valuable. When village repair shops are from 

 one to five miles distant, it is no mean item of loss to 

 be compelled to leave the plow or the hay field or the 

 harvest, to secure an hour's work at forge or lathe. 

 My own shop is always called upon at least once a 

 week. It is furnished with engine, lathe, forge, and 

 all tools necessary for carpentry as well as for turn- 

 ing. A screw can be turned or a bolt made at short 



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