THREE] GROWING THE HOUSE 
cases they are either soon abandoned or they are 
receptacles of a lot of worthless stuff, not well 
cared for. I am writing for those who have not a 
mint to draw upon, and to whom rational economy 
is common sense. It will not do, when moving into 
the country, to undertake such an annual outlay 
as will destroy the charm of free life and the enjoy- 
ment of nature. I prefer to have bright spots about 
the different rooms of my home, and I like to see the 
sun laugh when it looks into a bedroom window 
and finds a begonia or a primrose. It at once 
shines its best, and works at the carbon gases until 
they are woven into leaves and flowers. 
A home shop is essential to every complete coun- 
try home. This is a matter of economy, and, in 
repairs alone, will be worth annually more than its 
cost, while in time saved it will prove to be even 
more valuable. When village repair shops are from 
one to five miles distant, it is no mean item of loss to 
be compelled to leave the plow or the hay field or the 
harvest, to secure an hour’s work at forge or lathe. 
My own shop is always called upon at least once a 
week. It is furnished with engine, lathe, forge, and 
all tools necessary for carpentry as well as for turn- 
ing. A screw can be turned or a bolt made at short 
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