GIVE THE FARM A NAME.

Otago Witness, Issue 3168, 2 December 1914, Page 14

GIVE THE FARM A NAME.

From time immemorial man has seen fit to give to his habitation, however humble, a name. In the States recently an Act was passed enabling a farm-owner, upon the payment of a dollar to the clerk of the county in which the said farmowner resided, to have the name of his farm duly recorded, etc. As the back-to-the-land movement became common with city folk, the convenience of some easy and accurate method of designating places was appreciated, and there was felt the need of some such legislation as that cited. Priority of claim and use was not always respected, and the most careful might not know that the name selected

for his own farm had not been previously chosen by another in the same county. It may be asked, What good will it do? Our homes—especially our freehold farms—are almost sacred spots, and are more to us than merely so many acres, especially if we or our fathers have lived long upon the same spot. In the taking up of unimproved country, the newly-married couple plant, and plan, and pay out, unconsciously but surely working into the place their own personalities, and it is natural that they should come to want to give it a name in order that it may mean still more to them, aud, as the years go by, to theirs. There are many reasons, sentimental and utilitarian, why the farm should have a name. The farm name promotes pride, appeals to sentiment, lends dignity, fosters individuality, is valuable as a means of identification, and is a real business asset. Men are slow to advertise their lack of thrift. Feeling no pride in the place, they neglect to give it a name. Not all good farms are named, but practically all named freehold farms are good. At least they are well kept; and it is the well-kept farm that keeps the boy and girl in the country. The farm name as a trade mark is a source of profit if it stands for a superior product of the farm. The selecting of a suitable name is worthy of thought. The name should fit the farm. It may be suggested by some distinct feature of the place, by the topography, view, or surroundings. Perhaps the most common mistake in choosing a name is in appropriating that of some famous farm, or of making use of a name just because “we like the way it sounds.” The important thing is to give your farm a fitting name. Such will add value to the farm and its products, and will cause you and yoUrs to share in the spirit of joy in the excellence of production.