CHAPTER I

TREE-PLANTING


Land hunger is so general that it may be regarded as a natural
craving. Artificial modes of life, it is true, can destroy it, but
it is apt to reassert itself in later generations. To tens of
thousands of bread-winners in cities a country home is the dream
of the future, the crown and reward of their life-toil. Increasing
numbers are taking what would seem to be the wiser course, and are
combining rural pleasures and advantages with their business. As
the questions of rapid transit are solved, the welfare of children
will turn the scale more and more often against the conventional
city house or flat. A home CAN be created in rented dwellings and
apartments; but a home for which we have the deed, a cottage
surrounded by trees, flowers, lawn, and garden, is the refuge
which best satisfies the heart. By means of such a suburban nook
we can keep up our relations with Nature and all her varied and
health-giving life. The tired man returning from business finds
that his excited brain will not cease to act. He can enjoy
restoring rest in the complete diversion of his thoughts; he can
think of this tree or that plant, and how he can fill to advantage
unoccupied spaces with other trees, flowers, and vegetables. If
there is a Jersey cow to welcome him with her placid trust, a good
roadster to whinny for an airing, and a flock of chickens to
clamor about his feet for their supper, his jangling nerves will
be quieted, in spite of all the bulls and bears of Wall Street.