And it should not be so difficult to get the fencing and the lumber for
the few small buildings that would answer till he could get better, and,
once started, his condition would be a steady improvement, the interest
he now pays remaining on the premises where it is made. At present there
are the usual fences and buildings put up when the land is bought (part
down, the rest at 8 per cent.), and these are the only improvements,
outside of vine and tree growth, that can be made; the wear of time even
cannot be repaired, for the occupant has nothing to spare for repairs or
improvements, and even the necessaries of life are a tug, and as to
decent clothing for himself and wife and other dependants that is not to
be thought of while he is loaded down with that bane of modern life,
interest obligations.

The cost of moderately sized buildings would of course depend on
circumstances, but it should not exceed a few hundred dollars; and as it
would be a more profitable investment for a county to help a settler,
that is already on the ground, to get a start, than to spend the money
trying to get him there, as is the practice now, there can be no serious
reason why the voters should not authorize their local Government to
extend the necessary aid, and make it optional with the borrower whether
he shall pay in money or work; the length of time and other details to
be governed by circumstances, but no interest to be charged. If this
last causes some apparent loss, let it be charged to the old pumpkin
fund.

There are people of small means who have taken mortgages on land, and
these must be protected, as we have already done in the case of like
investors in paper-represented property. But if these small lenders are
already owners of one hundred and sixty acres they must make the best