212 OUT-OF-TOWN PLACES. 



As I have said, the advertisements are most 

 promising so also are the representations of the 

 real estate agents, (the most citified of citizens,) who 

 are loudest in their praises to a new comer of some 

 property, dull of sale, which has been a long time on 

 their books. 



And here, I wish to interpose, by way of paren- 

 thesis, a suggestion our need of a more intelligent 

 and trustful real estate agency (so far as relates to 

 country homes,) than now exists. It should be in 

 the hands of parties who have lived in the country, 

 who are familiar with the country, and with coun- 

 try resources, and country drawbacks, who by travel 

 and experience are competent to advise, and who 

 by large intercourse with landholders can put an 

 inquirer on the right trail. Still further, it is emi- 

 nently desirable that such party be able to furnish 

 leading hints for whatever changes may be requisite 

 the system of management that may be safely pur- 

 sued, and to forecast the home which is sought for. 

 I am by no means suggesting what is impracticable, 

 or impossible. Older countries have long seen the 

 advantages of such agency as I describe. A man of 

 business in London, who after a series of successes 

 conceives the idea of establishing a country home, 

 is able to put himself at once in communication with 

 certain well-known parties, who (though they may 



