64 TREES IN WINTER 



yillage improvement societies^ of whicli there are a great many, 

 are doing a splendid Avork by way of stimulating greater effort 

 among projDerty holders and municipal officials. Their influence, 

 however, is too often restricted to the limits of their own little 

 village and their attitude toward neighboring villages too often 

 savors of rivalry. If every organization of this sort should reach 

 out and co-operate with similar organizations in neighboring 

 villages the result would be almost beyond comprehension. The 

 influence of such organizations should also be felt on the surround- 

 ing farms, and farmers should be encouraged to take an active 

 part in the movement. Many of the more thickly populated 

 rural sections should have societies of their own. Since well- 

 kept farms contribute largely to the general appearance of the 

 country, prizes are sometimes offered either by the state or by 

 some agricultural association for the best kept farms. This 

 practice sometimes results in better farms, but the principle is 

 all wrong. When farmers get the proper spirit they will improve 

 their farms for the added pleasure and profit to be derived. 



The granges, farmers' clubs, women's clubs, and the various 

 organizations connected with the church, may all share in the 

 movement for better scenery in the country. Every section has its 

 own special scenery and it should be the business of some organi- 

 zation to protect it. If there is no organization in the community 

 that may be intrusted with the responsibility, one should be formed 

 for this express purpose. 



THE PROBLEM OP THE COUNTRY ROADS- 



The Location of Country Roads — The country road primarily 

 is for the purpose of communication and transportation. The 

 first consideration, therefore, should be efficiency. Many of the 

 country roads to reach their maximum of efficiency should not only 

 be rebuilt, but should be relocated. It is remarkable that in hilly 

 sections so many roads follow the shortest route, like the Indian 

 trails, rather than the natural contours of the land. Eoads that 

 follow the valleys and the streams are usually more efficient and 

 decidedly more picturesque. AVhere the streams are tortuous, of 

 course, it is possible to overdo such an undertaking. In flat 

 countries, on the other hand, there is much waste of time in 

 following the straight concession and crossroad routes. Some 



