30 THE SMALL COUNTRY PLACE 



"early in the game," or we may have to look about for 

 weeks or months. One would hardly expect to find every- 

 thing desired ready-made for him. The land may be just 

 to our ideas but the buildings in a decayed or unsatisfac- 

 tory condition; or the buildings may be just what we 

 want but the land not quite right as to exposure or soil, 

 with too many large rocks or boulders upon it, or it may 

 be in an exhausted condition from neglect. As it is the 

 land from which we are to obtain our income, those who 

 are dependent upon it wholly for support must give this 

 the closest attention. If the land is simply run down 

 from neglect, but of naturally good quality, we may 

 renovate it at small expense. If very uneven or full of 

 large rocks it will require much expense to take out the 

 rocks and put it in good condition to cultivate profitably. 

 Small farms of from five to ten acres may often be found 

 in desirable locations at from $1,000 to $3,000, in many 

 cases for less than the value of building at the present 

 prices of lumber and labor. Fig. i (Frontispiece) shows 

 a place valued at $3,500, Fig. 2 one at $1,200, and Fig. 

 3 one valued at $800. 



Farm property located not too far from railroads is 

 considered good for investments and if one has not much 

 capital a good place may be mortgaged for one-half to 

 two-thirds value. 



