It's lovely! It's almost as beautiful as I am, Ojo." "In this country," remarked the Shaggy Man, "people live wherever our Ruler tells them to.

It wouldn't do to have everyone live in the Emerald City, you know, for some must plow the land and raise grains and fruits and vegetables, while others chop wood in the forests, or fish in the rivers, or herd the sheep and the cattle." "Poor things!" said Scraps.
"I'm not sure they are not happier than the city people," replied the Shaggy Man.

"There's a freedom and independence in country life that not even the Emerald City can give one.

I know that lots of the city people would like to get back to the land.

The Scarecrow lives in the country, and so do the Tin Woodman and Jack Pumpkinhead; yet all three would be welcome to live in Ozma's palace if they cared to.