2IO 



The Canadian Horticulturis 



The Approach from the Hichwav. — Do not stint nor narrow down the 

 approach to your dwelling from the public high way. We like to see one of 

 ample dimensions when we drive up to a farmhouse — one that is hard and 

 smooth and free from loose stones and rubbish — one that betokens the careful, 

 orderly hand. A border of shade trees on each side of the way adds much to 

 the attractiveness of the homestead. A custom which prevails in Holland and 

 some other parts of Europe, and copied in the Sandy Spring neighborhood of 

 Montgomery County, Md., of affixing the name of the farm and that of its owner 

 at the outer gate of the approach, ought to meet with favor and be generally 

 adopted by farmers in this country. The custom, if general, would result in 

 good influences to neighborhoods. 1 1 would stimulate every farmer to greater 

 exertions and more care to have all the appointments about his premises in pre- 

 sentable shape for the eye of criticism. John Careless after a while would 

 become ashamed of having his wreck of a barn or his unhinged gates and falling 

 fences conspicuously labeled with his name, and so would go to work to fixing 

 up things in emulation of the worthy examples of I'eter Progress, Joseph Thrifty 

 and many others of his acquaintances on the highway, who were not ashamed to 

 let it be known to the passer, who owned and managed their sightly premises. 

 A well-improved farm, then, with an ample driveway to it from the public high- 

 way, and your name set up at the entrance so that everybody may know where 

 you are living and who is making the improvements. — Americaii Farmer. 



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Fio. 51 



A Wire Stretcher. — Having occasion to build a piece 

 of wire fence with no one to help, the handy boy of the 

 family constructed a stretcher, which did its duty excellently. 

 It is simply a roller, 3 ft. long and about 3 in. in diameter. 

 A stout handle 2 ft long is inserted in an augur hole, about 

 2 or 3 in. from the top. A wooden pin is firmly fastened 

 about 8 in. from the bottom. It should project 2 in. 

 at least. It stands at right angles with the handle and is 

 marked P on the figure. The wire is twisted around the 

 pin and then wound on the roller, which is pressed 

 against a post, and turned by means of the handle until 

 the slack wire is made taut. One person can do it easily. 



Barhed \Vike Discarded. — Our best farmers in making new fences are dis- 

 carding the dangerous barbed wire, which has .uined so many horses and colts. 

 If used at all it is only in combination with some other material. Woven wire 

 is being largely used and seems to meet the requirements of a popular fence. It 

 is neat and comparatively cheap. A single strand of barbed wire may be used 

 on toj) if desired. Kences are an expensive necessity, but safety to stock and 

 durability should first be considered. — Farm and Home. 



