BEFORE entering upon details as to the best methods of improvement, and as a fruitful source of awakening attention to the subject, it has seemed best to enumerate some of the more noticeable faults, most of which may be seen upon any street of half a mile in length in any but the most wealthy portions of our cities and villages, in the hope that the reader may the better analyze his premises, if already improved, or guard against these defects when about to make for himself a home in the future. Chief among these faults may be named the following -

Errors To Be Avoided

1. Houses too near the street.

2. Too many trees inside the yard.

3. Too much shade about the house.

4. The use of improper trees, considering the style of architecture employed, as well as the use of such trees as have the disagreeable habit of suckering, or sending up sprouts, or that produce unsightly blossoms, or food for "horrid worms." as ladies say.

5. The use of improper colors upon fences and buildings, - colors that do not harmonize with each other, nor with the things that nature furnishes in that locality.

6. The want of care necessary to keep a place tidy and neat.

7. The destruction of lawns by the use of too many and too great a variety of things in small places.

8 The use of too many styles of fence upon the same block, out of proportion as to parts, some having too small posts, some being too low, others too high, together with numberless other defects, which we shall mention in connection with each subject of which we shall speak hereafter.

How To Begin

But lest the want of space forbids our going sufficiently into details upon all these topics, it may not be amiss to remind the reader that imitation is one of the most fruitful sources of advancement. Look about you, and when you see a thing that looks pleasing and tasty and suited to your means, strive to copy it. Take notes and measurements in detail, for it is the minute features that produce the perfect whole. Do not allow yourself to guess at the size of a fence post or the height of the fence, the width of a walk, or the distance trees are planted apart, etc., etc., unless you know your taste is good in regard to such matters.

Many a man can appreciate good music, still he may not be able to utter a musical sound; and so in the adornment of In lines, most can admire, but few can create them independently, and hence must be governed by rules or samples.

Or, better still, if you are able, get some person skilled in such things to furnish a plan, or at least give some suggestions that you may profit by when improvements are commenced.

Things To Be Attained

The improvement of city or village lots that do not exceed a half-acre in extent is quite a simple, easy matter if you have carefully noted all the errors spoken of in the preceding pages, so that you are sure not to commit any of them, in which case, the work is already half done.