voyage. A country home makes even the weather interesting; and the
rise and fall of the mercury is watched with scarcely less
solicitude than the mutations of the market.

In this chapter and in those which may ensue I merely hope to make
some useful suggestions and give practical advice--the result of
experience, my own and others'--which the reader may carry out and
modify according to his judgment.

We will suppose that an acre has been bought; that it is
comparatively level, with nothing of especial value upon it--in
brief, that the home and its surroundings are still to be created.

It is not within my design to treat of the dwelling, its
architecture, etc., but we shall have something to say further on
in regard to its location. Before purchasing, the most careful
investigations should be made as to the healthfulness of the
region and the opportunities for thorough drainage. Having bought
the acre, the question of removing all undue accumulations of
water on or beneath the surface should be attended to at first.
The dry appearance of the soil during much of the year may be
misleading. It should be remembered that there are equinoctial
storms and melting snows. Superabundant moisture at every period
should have channels of immediate escape, for moisture in excess
is an injury to plant as well as to family life; while thoroughly
and quickly drained land endures drought far better than that
which is rendered heavy and sour by water stagnating beneath the
surface. Tile-drains are usually the cheapest and most effective;
but if there are stones and rocks upon the place, they can be
utilized and disposed of at the same time by their burial in