The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-06-30
RURAL IMPROVEMENT.

It is remarkable that in the matter of
rural improvement more than III any other
direction Americans are slow to take action.
Bent on making money, and as much as pos
sible in the shortest space of time, Americans
neglect to heautify their surroundings as
they should, taking little or no account of
the aesthetics of life. Taking the State of In
diana for example, it has been settled long
enough now to begin to take on more home
like airs, to abandon the appearance
of only temporary occupancy, and
to be made to appear as
though Indianians and their descendants
expected to remain here indefinitely. In
many parts of the State we have what we
are pleased to call good roads, and they are
good roads in that they afford easy passage
for the farm wagons that must pass over
we need Those who have come from the
older portions of this country, and those who
once lived in or have visited Europe can
but feel desire that the rural districts of
beautiful and enjoyable as those of England,
France or Germany. 1t is no answer to say
that those countries have had centuries
in which to bring their country
roads to their present high state
Of beauty and excellence. In other respects
we are abreast of countries whose histories
run through centuries. Why not in this?
The pedestrian who does the rural districts
of England makes his way over hard, smooth
rcadways, between green hedges and under
the grateful shade of overhanging trees He
who, tired of towns, leaves them and takes
to the highways along the Disc or the Rhine,
finds unbroken rows of shade trees, clean
foot-path and frequent places to rest In
Alsace he will find a treble roadway-one
third for pedestrians-with
continuous row of trees dividing
each from the other America cannot vault
into such perfection at once, but by begin
ming now it may, in few years. have some
thing like the same. Tree-planting time in
the spring is fit for scarcely any other
work. The last seasons crops are generally
out of the way, and the ground is not yet in
condition to work for the oncoming seeding.
Here is a space of a week or ten days that
could be very profitably used in setting out
shade trees along the highways. To begin
with portion of the trees could be of Some
rapidly-growing kind, such as soft maple,
ash or poplar which in few years
would afford very grateful
shade, and. add wonderfully to the
beauty of the country and to the comfort and
enjoyment of every traveller As these
quick-growing and short-lived trees gave out,
their places could be supplied with others OF
slower growth, so that, by this means,
beautifully shaded road would be secured
almost from the first. The advantage of such
highway to adjacent farms need not be en-
larged upon. 1t certainly is apparent with
out argument,
To the stranger who passes over the roads
of Indiana-and the same is true of adjacent
States-it is matter of surprise that so
little improvement has been made
in and about the homes of the
farming population. Usually on a well-cul-
tivated farm is very large and fine barn, but
the house in which the owner lives is only
too frequently very old, out of repair, I'M
slightly and uncomfortable. Improvement,
like charity, should begin at home. If
farmer is content to live in a ramshackle
house it is his misfortune and that of his
family. Nobody can step across the fence
and insist on his doing better by himself and
those dependent upon him. But when it
comes to the highway that is open to all who
may choose to come and CO. there is opportu-
nifty afforded to invite him to cooperate. And
this is all that can be asked of him in the
matter Of improving country roads. 1t ought,
however, to be source of pride and pleasure
to better the surroundings of our farms. A
row of sturdy trees bordering farm would
be of great dyantage-increasing its value
in the market, serving as a wind-break and
affording very grateful shade 10 man and
beast. Laws could be made to do much to-
ward making this greatly desired improve
ment possible. Take off the burden of hay
ing to maintain the fences of Indiana and
double row of trees could be put along every
road in the State. 1t must come to this
some day. Hundreds of thousands OF dol
lars are literally thrown away on
fences. Remove this source of ex-
nse. and farmers will prosper more
dainty, and would cheerfully undertake
the highways Of Indiana as beauti-
,osof any country in the world,