STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 87 



THE HOME PLACE. 



By Prof. W. M. MuNSOX, State College, Orono. 



The home environraeut of our young people during the first 

 fifteen years of life exerts a powerful iuflaeuce on their future pros- 

 pects. Mere sentiment will not keep the boys and girls at home. 

 It is our duty as progressive men to proclaim in a practical manner 

 that home life may be made attractive on the farm. It is purposed 

 at this time to touch upon a few of the more salient points that 

 present themselves both in making a new home and in improving 

 the external conditions of the old. 



SELECTION OF SITE. 



Consider well the location of the house. Do not build a new 

 house where the old one was simply because the barns are there, 

 though, other things being equal, the barns should be near the 

 house, for convenience is an important factor in the value of a 

 farm. Healthfuluess is of the first importance. Hence be sure 

 that the location of the residence is such that perfect drainage, 

 both soil and atmospheric, is secured. Other things being equal a 

 southern or southeastern aspect is preferable Make use of nat- 

 ural groves or scattering trees. Nothing you can plant will ever 

 be so satisfactoi'}'^ as the natural forest trees. The protection of a 

 natural shelter or windbreak is also to be considered. It takes 

 many years to provide suitable shelter. 



"WALKS AND DRIVES. 



It is just as easy to drive in the same place every time, to have 

 olearly defined drives, as it is to go all over the yard. In general 

 place a walk or a drive wherever needed, but think twice before, 

 deciding. All walks and drives should be direct. The drive for 

 heavy teaming should lead directly to the barns and should not go 

 nearer the house than necessary. 



DRAINAGE. 



The importance of good drainage for sanitary purposes and in 

 the production of ordinary farm crops is fully recognized. But we 

 sometimes forget that trees and grass are similar to other 



