CITIZENS RETIRING TO THE COUNTRY. 137 



the more elaborate details 'be developed, if at all, only when we 

 have learned how much country life costs, and how far the expendi- 

 ture is a wise one. Fortunately, it is art, and not nature, which 

 costs money in the country, and therefore the beauty of lovely 

 scenery and fine landscapes (the right to enjoy miles of which may 

 often be had for a trifle), in connection with a very modest and 

 simple place, will give more lasting satisfaction than gardens and 

 pleasure-grounds innumerable. Persons of moderate means should, 

 for this reason, always secure, in their fee simple, as much as possi- 

 ble of natural beauty, and undertake the elaborate improvement of 

 only small places, which will not become a burden to them. Million- 

 naires, of course, we leave out of the question. They may do what 

 they like. But most Americans, buying a country place, may take 

 it for their creed, that 



Man wants but little land below, 

 Nor wants that little dear. 



