ORNAMENTING HOME GROUNDS.* 



W. M. Munson. 



A constantly recurring problem in New England, is. How 

 shall we keep the boys on the farm? The answer is not easy, 

 but more people are driven from the farm by its isolation, ione- 

 liness and lack of tasteful surroundings than bv anv other 

 cause. If the boys and girls go away to the academy for a time 

 and get a taste of village or city life, the contrast when they 

 return to the old farm is often too strong. For this reason any 

 effort towards improving the surroundings of the home is labor 

 well expended. 



LOCATION. 



In building a new house, consider well its location. Don't 

 build where the old one was simply because the barns are 

 there, — though of course, other things being equal, the barns 

 should be near the house. Healthfulness is of the first 

 importance, so be sure that the location of the residence is such 

 that perfect drainage is secured. Other things being equal, a 

 southern or southeastern aspect is most desirable. 



If possible, make use of natural groves or scattering trees and 

 of shelter-belts or windbreaks, and place your buildings near 

 them. Nothing you can plant will be so satisfactory as the 

 native forest trees. If there is not a natural shelter of trees, 

 by all means provide one. 



Better results may be obtained and much needless waste of 

 time and expense may- be avoided, if a definite plan of the place 

 be made before commencing the work of improvement, though 

 "paper gardening" is often ridiculed by so-called practical men. 



The house, both because of its importance and for sanitary 

 reasons, should, if possible, be on a slight elevation and should 

 be so situated as to secure the best views both of your own 

 grounds and of the surrounding landscape. 



*This paper in an abridged form was published as Bulletin 42 of this Station. 



