Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1890-09-06
Making AN Attractive Homo.
Ionntrv Gentleman

81 hhhAhs an aAtracllNo homo.
u Country Gentleman
n A farmer whose years have scarce
~ reached middle life, and who own
4 farm of moderate value, asks for
Y statement of the attractions Of a use.
full character which he may connect
with his home, which will make il a
real home for his growing children
and without mourning heavy expense.
He proposes to effect his object by
planning, planting, and pleasing cul-
tivation, and indoor alluremcnts.
A proper answer 10 this request
would ill az least one volume. But
we may briefly allude to few points
Of the outdoor attractions. and among
the best, are the elements which con-
stitute a neat, well managed farm
neat fences, good crops, absence ::of
weeds, and general success. Young
persons have quick eyes, and they
draw ready conclusions, and they ut
once appreciate the difference be-
tween pleasing success and slip
shod failure. Those who see dis
order around them through the
year, and from year to year, will rare
ly find pleasure in the business that
pervades the premises. On the other
hand, neatness and skill, in connection
with the growth Of handsome crops,
fruit-bearing orchards, and a few lux
uriant shade trees, will present strong
attractions. A well-selected, we'll
planted, and properly cultivated fruit
garden should be connected with every
country residence. Hardy and pro-
ductive varieties, which can be relied
on to give fine fruit throughout the
entire year-the small berries in early
summer, followed by late summer and
early autumn stone fruit, and the
abundant throng of the many larger
ones in autumn, lasting through win
ter and into spring-conslitute all To-
yether some of the strong charms of
living in the country.
Among the ornamental attractions :
ire the well kept lawn and shrubs
which more Immediately surround the
lwelling. While adding much to the /
,eauty of the place, they need cost but !
title. The selection of shrubs may
axe in those only which are vigorous
nd hardy, and which will require but
title care after planting, except an &C.
asional training into proper shape.
he hand mower will give the lawn \
he beauty of green carpet. The
Utilization Of flowers in a few circular
eds cut in the turf will depend on 4
he taste and preference of the occu-
ANTS. Some young people will have
strong prediction for botany-for a 1
election ofnative plants-and when .
rer this is the case, every facility
lould be afforded. Many native
ants possess surprising beauty,
I'd have strong attractions to the =
ere florist. Others will be drawn to n
70 culture of early bulbs, some of II
hich will bloom annually year after
'ar with little or no care, such as the
ocus, snowdrop, Siberian squill, and o
rly tulips.
All these paintings may be used at
lall expense to render country homes
aud by properly grouping
together, the residence which 9TH
wise might he very plain home,
ight be converted into a gem of
atness. -
A large opportunity for pleasure and
light is 10 be derived from domestic
imals-horses and cattle among the %
ger ones, and those not less interest Il
3 to many persons in the various
aller animals, chickens and doves, CT
naries and song birds generally.
Another point of great importance
the cultivation of the sciences and
connected with them. a
here young people are growing up,
" should be provided with room
cially for this purpose, which might IN
termed a museum or library, for H
'ks, study, and reading; for draw k EH
and skctChing by those who desire s ss,r..I
minerals and plants, and specimens sss
entomology for young naturalists; 1 Liii
apparatus In chemistry and physics -
II of which woald be infinitely bet In
than frequenting vapid parties.
ere is no difficulty In accomplishing d.
these, if the owner himself has a IN,
@ for them, and the expense will be Io0