180 FARM HOMES, IST-DOORS AXD OUT-DOORS. 



In the West, where land lines are drawn with geometric 

 precision, and the comparative newness of the country 

 makes the plan easily practicable, it is a wonder that farm- 

 neighborhoods have not sprung naturally into existence. 

 Four " forties," or four " eighties," or even larger farms, 

 touching each other at a central point, might have all 

 their houses, barns, and other buildings collected in a 

 social and picturesque little settlement at this center. 

 The cross-roads running through, might be set with shade 

 trees, and fenced with neat and thrifty hedges. It would 

 not be a great expense to make narrow gravel or flag 

 walks on either side of these streets, with pretty rustic 

 gateways leading into the grounds of each home. In the 

 center of the small square formed by the intersecting 

 roads, a well might be sunk, and a pump placed, shaded 

 by a light rustic roof, and provided with drmking-cup and 

 trough. Enough blessings, both from man and beast, 

 would descend upon such an effort, in even one hot and 

 dusty summer day, to pay the cost of it. One of these 

 corner homes might maintain a good croquet-ground ; 

 another, a capital swing large enough to send fathers 

 and mothers into the air, as well as their children. 

 Another could furnish a smooth and capacious stretch of 

 turf for foot-ball and other games ; while the ambition of 

 the remaining corner might perhaps unfold beautifully 

 in a comfortable and pleasant reading and club-room, 

 where, in long winter evenings, the little community might 

 gather sometimes for the reading and discussion of things 

 of interest. 



An attractivejiucleus like this once formed, a portion, at 

 least, of the sons and daughters growing up would be apt 

 to build homes near at hand, and so the growth and 

 beauty of the neighborhood would increase rather than 

 diminish under the touch of the swift years. 



Where four or five friendly families are gathered together, 

 it would be no great task for some one of the fathers to 



