The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-06-26
Making the Farm Attractive.
Philadelphia Press.

Tniiduclpuld
That ornament does not pay is a common
notion among farmers, and it is a correct one if
the result is measured by immediate return in
dollars and cents. If a man regards an increase
in the value of his real estate as profit. however,
there are few OUTLAWS which will bring such
returns as Judicious ornamenting. 1t is fully as
important to put the best side out" in transfers
of real estate as in transfers of horses or fruits.
Establishment is worth more in rendering a
farm attractive than is a fine harness 10 showing
off a horse, from the fact that the establishment
is part and parcel of the farm itself. Every one
has observed the superior readiness with which
Hastily ornamented farms sell. The differences
in market value between such farms and similar
ones which possess no ornaments, often amount
to Is Or even so per cent Of what may be termed
the intrinsic values. Even if one never expects
to sell his farm, judicious establishment is a
source of profit as an advertisement of the
owner and his crops. Many of the most sue
cessful fruit and stockmen understand
this fact. Advertising Is as profitable in farm
ing as in other pursuits. and farmers ought to
know it. A beautiful place at once attracts no
tice; people become interested in it. Fruit from
such a place is usually more priced than from
~shiftless farms. The idea that the simple plant
ing of trees and shrubs comprises the whole of
rural establishment is another common fallacy.
The effective planting of home grounds requires
a higher art than simple good taste. Landscape
gardening is as truly a fine art as is painting or
architecture. Few people have a genius for this
WORK, ana IL is not 10 De expected tnat every
farmer will lay out his grounds in the best taste.
But he should realize the fact that planting re-
quires thought and study, and he should know
that the haphazard planting of trees in his door
yard is not necessarily ornamental or useful. To
give full instruction on this point would be to
write a treatise on landscape art. 1t will suffice
to name some common errors.
Building too near the road is the first and
worst. There is too much of a disposition to
''save land" for corn and potatoes. This econ
my is often short-sighted. 1t is like storing the
cob and throwing away the corn. A farmhouse
cannot present a good appearance unless it
stands four or FIVE rods or more back from the
road. Such a situation is also a matter of great
convenience in escaping dust. and noise, and
publicity.
The disposition to make everything straight is
almost universal Straight walks and drives
and straight rows of trees are never seen in
nature. and they are entirely out of place in the
farmers yard. This formal, or geometric style,
demands close attention to all its details. The
walks, drives, lawns, trees and buildings must
always be in the most perfect order, A
neglected corner, or ill-shaped tree, at once
jars with all it's surroundings. In the natural
or informal style, however, irregularities often
heighten the effect. Much less labor and ex-
pense are required to keep all it's parts in har-
mDnv.