Rural Architecture

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RuralArchitecture
TheProjectGutenbergEBookofRuralArchitecture,byLewisFalleyAllen
ThiseBookisfortheuseofanyoneanywhereatnocostandwith
almostnorestrictionswhatsoever.Youmaycopyit,giveitawayor
reuseitunderthetermsoftheProjectGutenbergLicenseincluded
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Title:RuralArchitecture
BeingaCompleteDescriptionofFarmHouses,Cottages,andOutBuildings
Author:LewisFalleyAllen
Illustrator:JohnWilliamOrr
ReleaseDate:December3,2006[EBook#19998]
Language:English
Charactersetencoding:ISO88591
***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKRURALARCHITECTURE***
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RURALARCHITECTURE.
BEINGACOMPLETEDESCRIPTION
OF
FARMHOUSES,COTTAGES,
AND
OUTBUILDINGS,
COMPRISING
WOODHOUSES,WORKSHOPS,TOOLHOUSES,CARRIAGEANDWAGON
HOUSES,STABLES,SMOKEANDASHHOUSES,ICEHOUSES,APIARYOR
BEEHOUSE,POULTRYHOUSES,RABBITRY,DOVECOTE,PIGGERY,
BARNSANDSHEDSFORCATTLE,&c.,&c.,&c.
TOGETHERWITH
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LAWNS,PLEASUREGROUNDSANDPARKSTHEFLOWER,FRUITAND
VEGETABLEGARDEN.ALSO,USEFULANDORNAMENTALDOMESTIC
ANIMALSFORTHECOUNTRYRESIDENT,&c.,&c.,&c.
ALSO,
THEBESTMETHODOF
CONDUCTINGWATERINTOCATTLEYARDSANDHOUSES.
BYLEWISF.ALLEN.
BEAUTIFULLYILLUSTRATED.
NEWYORK:
C.M.SAXTON,
AGRICULTURALBOOKPUBLISHER.
1852.
EnteredaccordingtoActofCongress,intheyear1852.
BYLEWIS F.ALLEN,
IntheClerk'sOfficeoftheDistrictCourtoftheUnitedStates
fortheSouthernDistrictofNewYork.
Stereotypedby
JEWETT,THOMASANDCO.
Buffalo,N.Y.
iii
ADVERTISEMENT.
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Thewriterofthesepagesought,perhaps,toapologizeforattemptingaworkona
subject,ofwhichheisnotaprofessionalmaster,eitherindesignorexecution.Inthe
scienceofFarmbuildingsheclaimsnobetterknowledgethanalongpractical
observationhasgivenhim.Thethoughtshereinsubmittedfortheconsiderationof
thoseinterestedinthesubjectofFarmbuildingsaretheresultofthatobservation,
addedtohisexperienceintheuseofsuchbuildings,andaconvictionofthe
inconveniencesattendingmanyofthosealreadyplannedanderected.
Norisitintended,intheproductionofthiswork,tointerferewiththelaborsofthe
professionalbuilder.Tosuchbuilderallwhomaybedisposedtoadoptanymodelor
suggestionherepresented,arereferred,forthevariousdetails,intheirspecifications,
andestimates,thatmayberequiredpresumingthatthedesignsanddescriptionsof
thisworkwillbesufficientfortheguidanceofanymasterbuilder,intheirerection
andcompletion.
Butforthesolicitationofthosewhobelievethattheundersignedcouldoffersome
improvementsintheconstructionofFarmbuildingsforthebenefitofourlandholders
andpracticalfarmers,thesepageswouldprobablyneverhaveappeared.Theyare
offeredinthehopethattheymaybeusefulinassistingtoformthetaste,andaddto
thecomfortofthosewhoarethemaininstrumentsinembellishingthefaceofour
countryinitsmostpleasingandagreeablefeaturestheAmericanFarmer.
iv
LEWISF.ALLEN.
BLACKROCK,N.Y.1851.
NOTE.ForthrowingtheDesignsembracedinthesepagesintotheirpresentartistic
form,thewriterisindebtedtoMessrs.Otis&Brown,architects,ofBuffalo,towhose
skillandexperiencehetakesapleasureinrecommendingsuchasmaywish
instructionintheplans,drawings,specifications,orestimatesrelatingtoeitherofthe
designsheresubmitted,orforothersofanykindthatmaybeadaptedtotheir
purposes.
L.F.A.
v
CONTENTS.
HeadingsintheTableofContentsareoftendifferentfromthebodytext.All
secondaryindentationswereaddedbythetranscriber,representingtext
sectionsthathavenodistinctheader.Linebreakswereaddedwhena
singleentryhastwodifferentlinks.
Thereisnoseparatelistofillustrations.
FullpageplateshavebeenplacedbeforethediscussionofeachDesign.
ThepagenumberintheprintedbookisretainedintheTableofContents
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andsomepicturecaptions,andinmarginalpagenumbersshownin
parentheses.Floorplansofcottagesandfarmbuildingshavegenerally
beenmovedtotheInteriorArrangementsectionstheywereoriginally
printedonthesamepageasthe"Elevation".
PREFATORY,
INTRODUCTORY,
GeneralSuggestions,
StyleofBuildingMiscellaneous,
PositionofFarmHouses,
HomeEmbellishments,
MaterialforFarmBuildings,
OutsideColorofHouses,
AShortChapteronTaste,
TheConstructionofCellars,
VentilationofHouses,
InteriorAccommodationofHouses,
ChimneyTops,
PreliminarytoourDesigns,
DESIGNI.AFarmHouse,
InteriorArrangement,
GroundPlan,
ChamberPlan,
Miscellaneous,
AsaTenantHouse,
DESIGNII.Description,
GroundandChamberPlans,
MiscellaneousDetails,
Page.
9
13
19
23
29
32
37
42
48
54
56
65
68
69
72
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76
77
80
81
84
89
90
95
PrintedContentsindents"MiscellaneousDetails,"asifasubchaptertoHouse
DesignII.
DESIGNIII.Description,
GroundandChamberPlans,
Miscellaneous,
DESIGNIV.Description,
GroundPlan,
ChamberPlan,
SurroundingPlantations,Shrubbery,Walks,&c.,
TreePlantingintheHighway,
101
105
106
111
114
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119
120
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129
vi
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PrintedContentsindents"TreePlanting,"asifasubchaptertoHouseDesignIV.
DESIGNV.Description,
GroundPlan,
ChamberPlan,
Construction,CostofBuilding,&c.,
Grounds,Plantations,andSurroundings,
DESIGNVI.ASouthern,orPlantationHouse,
ChamberPlan,
CarriageHouse,
Miscellaneous,
LawnandParkSurroundings,
AnAncientNewEnglandFamily,
AnAmericanHomesteadoftheLastCentury,
EstimateofCostofDesignVI,
DESIGNVII.APlantationHouse,
GroundPlan,
ChamberPlan,
Miscellaneous,
133
135
136
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147
149
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159
162
163
163
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169
172
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179
PrintedContentsshows"Miscellaneous"(above)asanewchapter,butindents
"Lawns..."(below).
LAWNS,GROUNDS,PARKS,ANDWOODS,
TheForestTreesofAmerica,
InfluenceofTreesandForestsontheCharacterofmen,
HillhouseandWalterScottasTreePlanters,
DoctorJohnson,noRuralTaste,
181
183
184
187
188
ThefollowingthreeheadingsFruitGarden,KitchenGarden,Flowersappearin
thebodytextasseparatechapters.
FruitGardenOrchard,
HowtolayoutaKitchenGarden,
Flowers,
WildFlowersofAmerica,
SuccessionofHomeFlowers,
FARMCOTTAGES,
DESIGNI,
andGroundPlan,
InteriorArrangement
DESIGNII,
andGroundPlan,
194
197
202
203
206
208
213
214
216
vii
216
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DESIGNIII,
andGroundPlan,
DESIGNIV,
andGroundPlan,
CottageOutsideDecoration,
CottagesontheSkirtsofEstates,
HouseandCottageFurniture,
APIARY,ORBEEHOUSE,
ViewofApiaryandGroundPlan,anddescription,
ModeofTakingtheHoney,
ANICEHOUSE,
ElevationandGroundPlan,
ANASHHOUSEANDSMOKEHOUSE,
ElevationandGroundPlan,
THEPOULTRYHOUSE,
Elevation
andGroundPlan,
THEDOVECOTE,
DifferentVarietiesofPigeons,
APIGGERY,
Elevation
andGroundPlan,
ConstructionofPiggeryCost,
FARMBARNS,
DESIGNI.Description,
andMainFloorPlan,
UndergroundPlan,andYard,
DESIGNII.Description,
FloorPlan,
BARNATTACHMENTS,
RABBITS,
Mr.Rotch'sDescriptionofhisRabbits,
RabbitsandHutch,
Dutch,andEnglishRabbits,
ModeofFeeding,
Mr.Rodman'sRabbitry,Elevation,andFloorPlan,
220
220
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249
252
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Explanations,
323
viii
"Explanations"notindentedinprintedContents.
LoftorGarret,
Explanation,
Cellarplan,
Explanation,
FrontandBackofHutches,
andExplanation,
DAIRYBUILDINGS,
CheeseDairyHouse,
ElevationofDairyHouse
andGroundPlan,
TheButterDairy,
324
325
326
330
330
331
333
335
"TheButterDairy"appearsinthebodytextasanewchapter.
THEWATERRAM,
FigureandDescription,
GRANARYRatproof,
IMPROVEDDOMESTICANIMALS,
ShortHornBull,
ShortHornCow,
DevonCowandBull,
SouthdownRamandEwe,
LongwooledRamandEwe,
CommonSheep,
Remarks,
WATERFOWLS,
TheAfricanGoose,
ChinaGoose,
BremenGoose,
AWORDABOUTDOGS,
SmoothTerrier,
ShepherdDog,
337
338
343
345
349
352
355
359
362
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381
AdvertisingSection,
{1}
ix
PREFATORY.
Thisworkowesitsappearancetotheabsenceofanycheapandpopularbookonthe
subjectofRuralArchitecture,exclusivelyintendedforthefarmingoragricultural
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interestoftheUnitedStates.Whyitis,thatnothingofthekindhasbeenheretofore
attemptedforthechiefbenefitofsolargeandimportantaclassofourcommunityas
ourfarmerscomprise,isnoteasytosay,unlessitbethattheythemselveshave
indicatedbutlittlewishforinstructioninabranchofdomesticeconomywhichis,in
reality,oneofgreatimportance,notonlytotheirdomesticenjoyment,buttheir
pecuniarywelfare.Itis,too,perhaps,amongthecategoryofneglects,andinthelack
offidelitytotheirowninterestswhichpervadestheagriculturalcommunityofthis
country,beyondthoseofanyotherprofessionforweinsistthatagriculture,inits
trueandextendedsense,isasmuchaprofessionasanyotherpursuitwhatever.Tothe
realityofsuchneglectstheyhavebutoflateawaked,andindeedarenowfartoo
slowlywheelingintolineformoreactiveprogressintheknowledgepertainingto
theirownadvancement.Asanaccessorytotheirlaborsinsuchadvancement,the
presentworkisintended.
Itisanopinionfartooprevalentamongthoseengagedinthemoreactiveoccupations
ofourpeople,fortifiedindeedinsuchopinion,bythetoofrequentexampleofthe
farmerhimselfthateverythingconnectedwithagricultureandagriculturallifeisof
arusticanduncouthcharacterthatitisaprofessioninwhichignorance,asthey
understandtheterm,isentirelyconsistent,andonewithwhichnoaspirationsofa
highoranelevatedcharactershould,oratleastneedbeconnected.Itisareflection
upontheintegrityofthegreatagriculturalinterestofthecountry,thatanysuch
opinionshouldprevailanddiscreditabletothatinterest,thatitsconditionorexample
shouldforamomentjustify,oreventolerateit.
Withoutgoingintoanyextendedcourseofremark,weshallfindamplereasonforthe
indifferencewhichhasprevailedamongourruralpopulation,onthesubjectoftheir
owndomesticarchitecture,intheabsenceoffamiliarandpracticalworksonthe
subject,bysuchashavegivenanyconsiderabledegreeofthoughttoitand,what
littlethoughthasbeendevotedtothisbranchofbuilding,hasbeenincidentallyrather
thandirectlythrownoffbythoseprofessionallyengagedinthefinerarchitectural
studiesappertainingtoluxuryandtaste,insteadoftheeverydaywantsofastrictly
agriculturalpopulation,and,ofconsequence,understandingbutimperfectlythewants
andconveniencesofthefarmhouseinitsconnectionwiththeeverydaylaborsand
necessitiesoffarmlife.
Itisnotintended,intheseremarks,todepreciatetheeffortsofthosewhohave
attemptedtoinstructourfarmersinthisinterestingbranchofagriculturaleconomy.
Weowethemadebtofgratitudeforwhattheyhaveaccomplishedintheintroduction
oftheirdesignstoournoticeandwhenitisremarkedthattheyareinsufficientforthe
purposesintended,itmaybealsotakenasanadmissionofourownneglect,thatwe
havesofardisregardedthesubjectourselves,astoforceuponothersthedutyof
essayingtoinstructusinaworkofwhichweourselvesshouldlongagohavebeenthe
masters.
xi
Whyshouldafarmer,becauseheisafarmer,onlyoccupyanuncouth,outlandish
house,anymorethanaprofessionalman,amerchant,oramechanic?Isitbecausehe
himselfissouncouthandoutlandishinhisthoughtsandmanners,thathedeservesno
better?Isitbecausehisoccupationisdegrading,hisintellectignorant,hispositionin
lifelow,andhisassociationsdebasing?Surelynot.Yet,inmanyoftheplansand
designsgotupforhisaccommodation,inthebooksandpublicationsoftheday,all
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dueconvenience,tosaynothingoftherespectabilityortheeleganceofdomesticlife,
isasentirelydisregardedasifsuchqualitieshadnoconnectionwiththefarmerorhis
occupation.Wehold,thatalthoughmanyofthepracticaloperationsofthefarmmay
berough,laborious,anduntidy,yettheyarenot,andneednotbeinconsistentwiththe
knowledgeandpracticeofneatness,order,andeveneleganceandrefinementwithin
doorsand,thatthedueaccommodationofthevariousthingsappertainingtofarm
stock,farmlabor,andfarmlife,shouldhaveatendencytoelevatethesocialposition,
theassociations,thoughts,andentireconditionofthefarmer.Asthemanhimselfno
matterwhathisoccupationbelodgedandfed,soinfluenced,inadegree,willbehis
practiceinthedailydutiesofhislife.Asqualid,miserabletenement,withwhichthey
whoinhabititarecontent,canleadtonoelevationofcharacter,noimprovementin
condition,eithersocialormoral,ofitsoccupants.But,thefamilycomfortablyand
tidily,althoughhumblyprovidedintheirhabitationanddomesticarrangements,have
usuallyacorrespondingcharacterintheirpersonalrelations.Alogcabin,even,and
IspeakofthisprimitiveAmericanstructurewithprofoundaffectionandregard,asthe
shelterfromwhichwehaveachievedthemostofourprodigiousandrapidagricultural
conquests,maybesoconstructedastospeakanairofneatness,intelligence,and
evenrefinementinthosewhoinhabitit.
Admitting,then,withoutfurtherargument,thatwellconditionedhousehold
accommodationsareasimportanttothefarmer,eventotheindulgenceofluxury
itself,whenitcanbeafforded,asforthosewhooccupyotherandmoreactive
pursuits,itisquiteimportantthathebeequallywellinstructedintheartofplanning
andarrangingtheseaccommodations,andindesigning,also,thevariousother
structureswhicharenecessarytohiswantsintheirfullestextent.Asaquestionof
economy,bothinsavingandaccumulating,goodandsufficientbuildingsareofthe
firstconsequence,inapecuniarylight,andwhentothisareaddedother
considerationstouchingoursocialenjoyment,ouradvancementintemporalcondition,
ourassociations,ourpositionandinfluenceinlife,and,notleast,thedecideditemof
nationalgoodtastewhichtheintroductionofgoodbuildingsthroughoutourextended
agriculturalcountrywillgive,wefindabundantcauseforeffortinimprovement.
xii
xiii
ItisnotintendedinourremarkstoconveytheimpressionthatweAmericans,asa
people,aredestituteofcomfortable,and,inmanycases,quiteconvenienthousehold
andfarmarrangements.NumerousfarmeriesineverysectionoftheUnitedStates,
particularlyintheolderones,demonstratemostfully,thatwhereourfarmershave
takenthetroubletothinkonthesubject,theiringenuityhasbeenequal,intheitemsof
convenientandeconomicalarrangementoftheirdwellingsandoutbuildings,totheir
demands.But,weareforcedtosay,thatsuchbuildingshavebeenexecuted,inmost
cases,withgreatneglectofarchitecturalsystem,taste,oreffectand,inmany
instances,totheutterviolationofallproprietyinappearance,orcharacter,as
appertainingtotheusesforwhichtheyareapplied.
Thecharacterofthefarmshouldbecarriedoutsoastoexpressitselfineverything
whichitcontains.Allshouldbearaconsistentrelationwitheachother.Theformer
himselfisaplainman.Hisfamilyareplainpeople,althoughnonethelessworthy,
useful,orexalted,onthataccount.Hisstructures,ofeverykind,shouldbeplain,also,
yetsubstantial,wheresubstanceisrequired.Allthesedetractnothingfromhis
respectabilityorhisinfluenceintheneighborhood,thetown,thecounty,orthestate.
Afarmerhasquiteasmuchbusinessinthefield,orabouthisordinaryoccupations,
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withraggedgarments,outatelbows,andacrownlesshat,ashehastooccupyaleaky,
windbroken,anddilapidatedhouse.Neitherisheanynearerthemark,witharuffled
shirt,afancydress,orglovedhands,whenfollowinghisploughbehindapairoffancy
horses,thaninlivinginafinical,pretendinghouse,suchasweseestuckupin
conspicuousplacesinmanypartsofthecountry.Alltheseareoutofplaceineach
extreme,andtheoneisasabsurd,sofarastrueproprietyisconcerned,astheother.
Afitnessofthings,oracorrespondenceofonethingwithanother,shouldalwaysbe
preserveduponthefarm,aselsewhereandthereisnotasinglereasonwhypropriety
andgoodkeepingshouldnotaswelldistinguishit.Noristhereanygoodcausewhy
thefarmerhimselfshouldnotbeamanoftaste,inthearrangementandarchitectureof
everybuildingonhisplace,aswellasothermen.Itisonlynecessarythathedevotea
littletimetostudy,inordertogivehismindarightdirectioninallthatappertainsto
thisdepartment.Or,ifheprefertoemploytheingenuityofotherstodohisplanning,
which,bytheway,is,inmostcases,themorenaturalandbettercourse,he
certainlyshouldpossesssufficientjudgmenttoseethatsuchplansbecorrectandwill
answerhispurposes.
Theplansanddirectionssubmittedinthisworkareintendedtobeofthemost
practicalkindplain,substantial,andapplicable,throughout,tothepurposesintended,
andsuchasarewithinthereacheachintheirkindofeveryfarmerinourcountry.
Theseplansarechieflyoriginalthatis,theyarenotcopiedfromanyinthebooks,or
fromanystructureswithwhichthewriterisfamiliar.Yettheywilldoubtless,on
examination,befoundinseveralcasestoresemblebuildings,bothinoutward
appearanceandinteriorarrangement,withwhichnumerousreadersmaybe
acquainted.Theobject,inadditiontoourowndesigns,hasbeentoapplypractical
hints,gatheredfromotherstructuresinuse,whichhaveseemedappropriatefora
workofthelimitedextenthereoffered,andthatmayservetoimprovethetasteofall
suchas,inbuildingusefulstructures,desiretoembellishtheirfarmsandestatesinan
agreeablestyleofhomearchitecture,atoncepleasanttotheeye,andconvenientin
theirarrangement.
xiv
xv
13
INTRODUCTORY.
Theloverofcountrylifewholooksuponruralobjectsinthetruespirit,and,forthe
firsttimesurveysthecultivatedportionsoftheUnitedStates,willbestruckwiththe
incongruousappearanceandstyleofourfarmhousesandtheircontiguousbuildings
and,although,onexamination,hewillfindmany,thatintheirinterior
accommodation,andperhapsrelativearrangementtoeachother,aretolerablysuited
tothebusinessandconvenienceofthehusbandman,still,thefeelingwillprevailthat
thereisanabsenceofmethod,congruity,andcorrecttasteinthearchitectural
structureofhisbuildingsgenerally,bytheAmericanfarmer.
Wemay,intruth,besaidtohavenoarchitectureatall,asexhibitedinouragricultural
districts,sofarasanycorrectsystem,orplanisconcerned,asthebettertastein
building,whichafewyearspasthasintroducedamongus,hasbeenchieflyconfined
toourcitiesandtownsofrapidgrowth.Eveninthecomparativelyfewbuildingsin
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themodernstyletobeseeninourfarmingdistricts,fromthevariousrequirementsof
thosebuildingsbeingpartiallyunknowntothearchitectandbuilder,whohadtheir
planninganduponwhom,owingtotheirowninexperienceinsuchmatters,their
employershavereliedamajorityofsuchdwellingshaveturnedout,ifnotabsolute
failures,certainlynotwhatthenecessitiesofthefarmerhasdemanded.Consequently,
saveinthemereitemofoutwardappearanceandthat,notalwaysthefarmerand
cottagerhavegainednothing,owingtotheabsurdityinstyleorarrangement,and
wantoffitnesstocircumstancesadoptedfortheoccasion.
Wehavestatedthatourprevailingruralarchitectureisdiscordantinappearanceit
maybeadded,thatitisalsouncouth,outofkeepingwithcorrectrules,and,ofttimes
offensivetotheeyeofanyloverofruralharmony.Whyitisso,nomatter,beyondthe
apologyalreadygiventhatofanabsenceofcultivation,andthoughtuponthe
subject.Itmaybeasked,ofwhatconsequenceisitthatthefarmerorsmallproperty
holdershouldconformtogivenrules,ormode,inthestyleandarrangementofhis
dwelling,oroutbuildings,sothattheybereasonablyconvenient,andanswerhis
purposes?Forthesamereasonthatherequiressymmetry,excellenceofformorstyle,
inhishorses,hiscattle,orotherfarmstock,householdfurniture,orpersonaldress.It
isanarrangementofartificialobjects,inharmonywithnaturalobjectsacultivation
ofthesympathieswhicheveryrationalbeingshouldhave,moreorless,withtrue
tastethatcostslittleornothingintheattainment,and,whenattained,isasourceof
gratificationthroughlife.Everyhumanbeingisbound,underordinarycircumstances,
toleavetheworldsomewhatbetter,sofarashisownactsorexertionsareconcerned,
thanhefoundit,intheexerciseofsuchfacultiesashavebeengivenhim.Suchduty,
amongthinkingmen,isconceded,sofarasthemoralworldisconcernedandwhy
notintheartificial?Sofarastheinfluenceforgoodgoes,inallpracticaluse,fromthe
buildingofatemple,totheknockingtogetherofapigstyealaborofyears,orthe
workofadaytheexerciseofacorrecttasteisimportant,inadegree.
14
15
Intheavailablephysicalfeaturesofacountry,nolanduponearthexceedsNorth
America.Fromscenerythemostsublime,throughtheseveralgradationsof
magnificenceandgrandeur,downtothesimplypicturesqueandbeautiful,inall
varietyandshadeincompassvast,orinarealimited,wehaveanendlessvariety,and,
withapouringoutofGod'sharmoniesinthecreation,withoutaparallel,inviting
everyintelligentmindtostudytheirfeaturesandcharacter,inadaptingthemtohis
ownuses,and,insodoing,toevenembellishifsuchathingbepossiblesuch
exquisiteobjectswithhisownmostingenioushandiwork.Indeed,itisaprofanation
todootherwiseandwhensotoimprovethemrequiresnoextraordinaryapplication
ofskill,oranyextravagantoutlayinexpense,nottoplanandtobuildinconformity
withgoodtaste,isanabsolutebarbarism,inexcusableinalandlikeours,andamonga
populationclaimingtheintelligencewedo,ormakingbutashareofthegeneral
progresswhichweexhibit.
Itistheideaofsome,thatahouseorbuildingwhichthefarmerorplanteroccupies,
should,inshape,style,andcharacter,belikesomeofthestoredupcommoditiesof
hisfarmorplantation.Wecannotsubscribetothissuggestion.Weknowofnogood
reasonwhythewallsofafarmhouseshouldappearlikeahayrick,oritsrooflikethe
thatchedcoveringtohiswheatstacks,becausesucharetheshapesbestadaptedto
preservehiscrops,anymorethanthegrocer'shabitationshouldbemadetoimitatea
teachest,ortheshippingmerchant'sarumpuncheon,orcottonbale.Wehaveanidea
16
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thatthefarmer,ortheplanter,accordingtohismeansandrequirements,shouldbeas
wellhousedandaccommodated,andinasagreeablestyle,too,asanyotherclassof
communitynotinlikecharacter,inallthings,tobesure,butinhisownproperway
andmanner.Nordoweknowwhyafarmhouseshouldassumeapeculiarlyprimitive
oruncultivatedstyleofarchitecture,fromothersensiblehouses.Thatitbeafarm
house,issufficientlyapparentfromitslocalityuponthefarmitselfthatitsinterior
arrangementbefortheconvenienceoftheindoorfarmwork,andtheproper
accommodationofthefarmer'sfamily,shouldbequiteasapparentbut,thatitshould
assumeanuncouthorclownishaspect,isasunnecessaryasthatthefarmerhimself
shouldbeaboorinhismanners,oradoltinhisintellect.
Thefarm,initspropercultivation,isthefoundationofallhumanprosperity,andfrom
itisderivedthemainwealthofthecommunity.Fromthefarmchieflyspringsthat
energeticclassofmen,whoreplacetheenervatedandphysicallydecayingmultitude
continuallythrownoffinthewasteweirofourgreatcommercialandmanufacturing
citiesandtowns,whosepopulation,withouttheinfusionandthatcontinuallyof
thestrong,substantial,andvigorouslifebloodofthecountry,wouldsoondwindle
intoinsignificanceanddecrepitude.Whythenshouldnotthisfirst,primitive,health
enjoyingandlifesustainingclassofourpeoplebeequallyaccommodatedinallthat
givestosocialandsubstantiallife,itsduedevelopment?Itisabsurdtodenythemby
others,orthattheydenythemselves,theleastofsuchadvantages,orthatanymarkof
castebeattemptedtoseparatethemfromanyotherclassorprofessionofequal
wealth,means,ornecessity.Itisquiteaswelltosaythatthefarmershouldworship
ontheSabbathinameetinghouse,builtafterthefashionofhisbarn,orthathis
districtschoolhouseshouldlooklikeastable,asthathisdwellingshouldnotexhibit
allthatcheerfulnessandrespectabilityinformandfeaturewhichbelongstothe
housesofanyclassofourpopulationwhatever.Notthatthefarmhouseshouldbelike
thetownorthevillagehouse,incharacter,style,orarchitecture,butthatitshould,in
itsownpropercharacter,expressallthecomfort,repose,andquietudewhichbelong
totheretiredandthoughtfuloccupationofhimwhoinhabitsit.Shelteredinitsown
secluded,yetindependentdomain,withacheerful,intelligentexterior,itshould
exhibitallthepainstakinginhomeembellishmentandruraldecorationthatbecomes
itsposition,andwhichwouldmakeitanobjectofattractionandregard.
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GENERALSUGGESTIONS.
Inascertainingwhatisdesirabletotheconveniences,orthenecessitiesinour
householdarrangement,itmaybenotunprofitabletolookaboutus,andconsider
somewhat,theexistingconditionofthestructurestoomanyofusnowinhabit,and
which,inthelightoftruefitnessfortheobjectsdesigned,areinconvenient,absurd,
andoutofallharmonyofpurposeyet,undertheguidanceofabetterskill,anda
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moderateoutlay,mightbewelladapted,inmostcases,toourconvenienceand
comfort,andquitewell,toareasonablestandardoftasteinarchitecturalappearance.
Atthethresholdnotofthehouse,butofthistreatiseitmaybewelltoremarkthat
itisnothereassumedthattherehasbeenneitherskill,ingenuity,noroccasionalgood
tasteexhibited,formanygenerationsback,intheUnitedStates,intheconstructionof
farmandcountryhouses.Onthecontrary,therearefoundintheolderstatesmany
farmandcountryhousesthatarealmostmodels,intheirway,forconvenienceinthe
mainpurposesrequiredofstructuresoftheirkind,andsuchascanhardlybealtered
forthebetter.Such,however,formtheexception,nottheruleyetinsteadofstanding
asobjectsforimitation,theyhavebeenruledoutasantiquated,andunfitformodern
builderstoconsult,whohaveintheintroductionofsomerealimprovements,alsoleft
out,ordiscardedmuchthatisvaluable,and,wheretruecomfortisconcerned,
indispensabletoperfecthousekeeping.Alterationisnotalwaysimprovement,andin
therageforinnovationofallkinds,amongmuchthatisvaluable,agreatdealin
housebuildinghasbeenintroducedthatisabsolutelypernicious.Take,forinstance,
someofourancientlookingcountryhousesofthelastcentury,which,inAmerica,we
callold.Seetheirampledimensionstheirheavy,massivewallstheirlow,
comfortableceilingstheirhighgablessharproofsdeepporches,andspreading
eaves,andcontrastthemwiththeambitious,tall,proportionless,andcardsidedthings
ofamoderndate,anddrawthecomparisonintruecomfort,whichtheancient
mansionreallyaffords,bythesideoftheother.Batingitshugechimneys,itswide
fireplaces,itsheavybeamsdroppingbelowtheceilingoverhead,andthelackof
somemodernconveniences,which,tobeadded,wouldgiveallthatisdesired,and
everymanpossessedofaproperjudgmentwillconcedethesuperioritytothehouseof
thelastcentury.
ThatAmericanhousebuildingofthelastfiftyyearsisoutofjoint,requiresnobetter
proofthanthatthemainimprovementswhichhavebeenappliedtoourrural
architecture,areintheEnglishstyleoffarmandcountryhousesoftwoorthree
centuriesagoso,inthatparticular,weacknowledgethebettertasteandjudgmentof
ourancestors.True,modernluxury,andinsomeparticulars,modernimprovementhas
madeobsolete,ifnotabsurd,manythingsconsideredindispensableinaruderage.
Thewide,ramblinghallsandroomsthehuge,deepfireplacesinthechimneysthe
proximityofoutbuildings,andthecontiguityofstables,ricks,andcattleyardsall
thesearewiselycontracted,dispensedwith,orthrownofftoaproperdistancebut
insteadofsuchstylebeingabandonedaltogether,ashastoooftenbeendone,the
houseitselfmightbetterhavebeenpartiallyreformed,andtheinteriorarrangement
adaptedtomodernconvenience.Suchchangeshaveinsomeinstancesbeenmadeand
whenso,howoftendoestheoldmansion,withoutwardfeaturesingoodpreservation,
outspeak,inalltheexpressionofhomebredcomforts,theflashy,gimcrackneighbor,
whichinitsplenitudeofmodernpretensionlookssoflauntinglydownuponit!
Wecannot,intheUnitedStates,consistentlyadoptthedomesticarchitectureofany
othercountry,throughout,toouruse.Wearedifferentinourinstitutions,ourhabits,
ouragriculture,ourclimates.Utilityisourchiefobject,andcoupledwiththat,the
indulgenceofanagreeabletastemaybepermittedtoeveryonewhocreatesahome
forhimself,orfoundsoneforhisfamily.Thefrequentchangesofestatesincidentto
ourlaws,andthemanyinducementsheldouttoourpeopletochangetheirlocalityor
residence,inthehopeofbetteringtheircondition,isastronghindrancetothe
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adoptionofauniversallycorrectsystemintheconstructionofourbuildings
deadening,astheeffectofsuchchanges,thathomefeelingwhichshouldbea
prominenttraitofagriculturalcharacter.Anattachmenttolocalityisnota
conspicuoustraitofAmericancharacterandiftherebeapeopleonearthboastinga
highcivilizationandintelligence,whoareatthesametimearovingrace,the
Americansarethatpeopleandweacknowledgeitablemishinourdomesticand
socialconstitution.
Suchremarkisnotdroppedinvidiously,butasareasonwhywehavethusfarmadeso
littleprogressintheartsofhomeembellishment,andinclusteringaboutour
habitationsthoseinnumerableattractionswhichwinustothemsufficientlytorepel
thetemptationsooftenpresentedtoourenterprise,ourambition,orloveofgainand
thesenotalwayssuccessfulinseekingotheranddistantplacesofabode.If,then,
thistendencytochangeawantofattachmenttoanyonespotisareasonwhywe
havebeensoindifferenttodomesticarchitectureandifthestudyandpracticeofa
bettersystemofbuildingtendstocultivateahomefeeling,whyshoulditnotbe
encouraged?Homeattachmentisavirtue.Thereforeletthatvirtuebecherished.And
ifanyonestudytendtoexaltourtaste,andpromoteourenjoyment,letuscultivate
thatstudytothehighestextentwithinourreach.
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STYLEOFBUILDING.MISCELLANEOUS.
Diversifiedasarethefeaturesofourcountryinclimate,soil,surface,andposition,no
onestyleofruralarchitectureisproperlyadaptedtothewholeanditisagratifying
incidenttotheindulgenceinavarietyoftaste,thatwepossesstheopportunitywhich
wedesireinitsdisplaytoalmostanyextentinmodeandeffect.TheSwisschletmay
hanginthemountainpassthepointedGothicmayshootupamongtheevergreensof
theruggedhillsidetheItalianroof,withitsoverlookingcampanile,maycommand
thewoodedslopeortheopenplainorthequaintandshadowystyleoftheoldEnglish
mansion,embosomedinitsvinesandshrubbery,maynestleinthequiet,shaded
valley,allsuitedtotheirrespectivepositions,andeachinharmonywiththenatural
featuresbywhichitissurrounded.Nordoestheeffectwhichsuchstructuresgiveto
thelandscapeinanornamentalpointofview,requirethattheybemoreimposingin
characterthanthenecessitiesoftheoccasionmaydemand.Trueeconomydemandsa
structuresufficientlyspacioustoaccommodateitsoccupantsinthebestmanner,sofar
asconvenienceandcomfortareconcernedinadwellinganditsconformitytojust
rulesinarchitectureneednotbeadditionallyexpensiveortroublesome.Hewho
buildsatall,ifitbeanythingbeyondarudeortemporaryshelter,mayaseasilyand
cheaplybuildinaccordancewithcorrectrulesofarchitecture,asagainstsuchrules
anditnomorerequiresanextravaganceincostorawastefuloccupationofroomto
produceagiveneffectinahousesuitedtohumblemeans,thaninoneofprofuse
accommodation.Magnificence,ortheattemptatmagnificenceinbuilding,isthegreat
faultwithAmericanswhoaimtobuildoutofthecommonlineandtheconsequence
ofsuchattemptistoooftenafailure,apparent,always,ataglance,andofcoursea
perfectcondemnationinitselfofthejudgmentaswellastasteofhimwho
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undertakesit.
Holdingourtenuresaswedo,withnoprivilegeofentailtoourposterity,aneyetohis
owninterest,ortothatofhisfamilywhoistosucceedtohisestate,shouldadmonish
thebuilderofahousetotheadoptionofaplanwhichwill,incaseofthesaleofthe
estate,involvenoseriousloss.Heshouldbuildsuchahouseaswillbenodetriment,
initsexpense,tothesellingvalueofthelandonwhichitstands,andalwaysfittedfor
thespotitoccupies.Hence,animitationofthehigh,extended,castellatedmansionsof
England,ortheContinent,althoughinminiature,arealtogetherunsuitedtothe
Americanfarmerorplanter,whoselands,insteadofincreasinginhisfamily,are
continuallysubjecttodivision,ortosaleinmass,onhisowndemiseandwhenthe
estateisencumberedwithunnecessarilylargeandexpensivebuildings,theybecome
anabsolutedrawbacktoitsvalueineitherevent.Anexpensivehouserequiresa
correspondingexpensetomaintainit,otherwiseitseffectislost,andmanyaworthy
ownerofacostlymansionhasbeendriventosellandabandonhisestatealtogether,
fromhisunwillingnessorinabilitytosupport"theestablishment"whichitentailed
when,ifthedwellingwereonlysuchastheestaterequiredandcouldreasonably
maintain,acontentedandhappyhomewouldhaveremainedtohimselfandfamily.It
behooves,therefore,theAmericanbuildertoexaminewellhispremises,toascertain
theactualrequirementsofhisfarmorplantation,inconvenienceandaccommodation,
andbuildonlytosuchextent,andatsuchcostasshallnotimpoverishhismeans,nor
causehimfuturedisquietude.
Anotherdifficultywithusis,thatweoftenerbuildtogratifytheeyesofthepublic
thanourown,andfitupourdwellingstoaccommodate"company"orvisitors,rather
thanourownfamiliesandintheindulgenceofthisfalsenotion,subjectourselvesto
perpetualinconvenienceforthegratificationofoccasionalhospitalityorostentation.
Thisisallwrong.Ahouseshouldbeplannedandconstructedfortheuseofthe
household,withincidentalaccommodationforourimmediatefriendsorguests
whichcanalwaysbedonewithoutsacrificetothecomfortorconvenienceofthe
regularinmates.Inthisremark,astintedandparsimoniousspiritisnotsuggested.
Aliberalappropriationofroomsineverydepartmentasparechamberortwo,oran
additionalroomonthegroundfloor,lookingtoapossibleincreaseoffamily,andthe
indulgenceofaneasyhospitality,shouldalwaysgoverntheresidentofthecountryin
erectinghisdwelling.Theenjoymentsofsocietyandtheintercourseoffriends,
sharingforthetime,ourowntableandfireside,isacrowningpleasureofcountrylife
andallthismaybedonewithoutextraordinaryexpense,inawiseconstructionofthe
dwelling.
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Thefarmhousetoo,shouldcomportincharacterandareawiththeextentandcapacity
ofthefarmitself,andthemaindesignforwhichitiserected.Tothefarmerproper
hewholivesfromtheincomewhichthefarmproducesitisimportanttoknowthe
extentofaccommodationrequiredfortheeconomicalmanagementofhisestate,and
thentobuildinaccordancewithit,aswellastosuithisownpositioninlife,andthe
stationwhichheandhisfamilyholdinsociety.Theownerofahundredacrefarm,
livingupontheincomehereceivesfromit,willrequirelesshouseroomthanhewho
tillsequallywellhisfarmofthree,six,ortenhundredacres.Yetthenumbersintheir
respectivefamilies,therelativepositionofeachinsociety,ortheirtasteforsocial
intercoursemaydemandalargerorsmallerhouseholdarrangement,regardlessofthe
sizeoftheirestatesstill,thedwellingsoneachshouldbear,inextentandexpense,
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aconsistentrelationtothelanditself,andthemeansofitsowner.Forinstance:afarm
ofonehundredacresmaysafelyandeconomicallyerectandmaintainahousecosting
eighthundredtotwothousanddollars,whileoneoffivehundredtoathousandacres
mayrangeinanexpenditureoftwentyfivehundredtofivethousanddollarsinits
dwelling,andallbeconsistentwithapropereconomyinfarmmanagement.
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Letitbeunderstood,thattheabovesumsarenamedassimplycomportingwitha
financialviewofthesubject,andsuchastheeconomicalmanagementoftheestate
maywarrant.Toonewhohasnoregardtosuchconsideration,thisruleofexpenditure
willnotapply.Hemayinvestanyamounthesochoosesinbuildingbeyond,ifhe
onlybecontenttopocketthelosswhichhecanneverexpecttobereturnedinan
increasedvaluetotheproperty,overandabovethepriceofcheaperbuildings.Onthe
otherhand,hewoulddowelltoconsiderthatafarmisfrequentlyworthlesstoan
ordinarypurchaser,withanextravaganthouseuponit,thanwithaneconomicalone,
andinmanycaseswillbringevenlessinmarket,inproportionasthedwellingis
expensive.Fancypurchasersarefew,andfastidious,whilehewhobuysonlyfora
homeandanoccupation,isgovernedsolelybytheprofitablereturnstheestatewill
afforduponthecapitalinvested.
Thereisagainagranderrorwhichmanyfallintoinbuilding,lookingastheydoonly
attheextentofwoodandtimberorstoneandmortarinthestructure,andpayingno
attentiontothesurroundings,whichinmostcasescontributemoretotheeffectofthe
establishmentthanthestructureitself,andwhich,ifuncultivatedorneglected,any
amountofexpenditureinbuildingwillfailtogivethatcompletenessandperfectionof
characterwhicheveryhomesteadshouldcommand.Thusthetawdryerectionsin
imitationofacastofffeudalisminEurope,oracopyingofthemassivepilesofmore
recentdateabroad,althoughinminiature,bothinextentandcost,isthesheerest
affectation,inwhichnosensiblemanshouldeverindulge.Itisoutofallkeeping,or
proprietywithotherthings,asweinthiscountryhavethem,andtheindulgenceofall
suchfanciesissoonerorlaterregretted.Substance,convenience,purpose,harmony
all,perhaps,bettersummedupinthetermEXPRESSIONthesearetheobjectswhich
shouldgoverntheconstructionofourdwellingsandoutbuildings,andintheir
observancewecanhardlyerrintheacquisitionofwhatwillpromotethehighest
enjoymentwhichadwellingcanbestow.
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POSITION.
Thesiteofadwellingshouldbeanimportantstudywitheverycountrybuilderforon
thisdependsmuchofitsutility,andinadditiontothat,alargeshareoftheenjoyment
whichitsoccupationwillafford.Custom,inmanypartsoftheUnitedStates,inthe
locationofthefarmbuildings,givesadvantageswhicharedeniedinothers.Inthe
south,andintheslavestatesgenerally,theplanterbuilds,regardlessofroads,onthe
mostconvenientsitehisplantationpresentsthefarmerofGermandescent,in
Pennsylvaniaandsomeotherstates,doesthesame:whiletheYankee,behesettled
wherehewill,eitherintheeast,north,orwest,inexorablyhuddleshimself
immediatelyuponthehighway,whetherhispossessionsembracebothsidesofitor
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not,disregardingthefacilitiesofaccesstohisfields,theconvenienceoftillinghis
crops,orthecharacterofthegroundwhichhisbuildingsmayoccupy,seemingto
havenootherobjectthanproximitytotheroadasifhischiefbusinesswasupon
that,insteadofitsbeingsimplyaconveniencetohisoccupation.Tothelast,butlittle
choiceisleftandsolongasacloseconnectionwiththethoroughfareistocontrol,he
isobligedtoconformtoaccidentinwhatshouldbeamatterofdeliberatechoiceand
judgment.Still,therearerightandwrongpositionsforahouse,whichitisnecessary
todiscuss,regardlessofconventionalrules,andtheyshouldbeconsideredinthelight
ofproprietyalone.
Afitnesstothepurposesforwhichthedwellingisconstructedshould,
unquestionably,bethegoverningpointindeterminingitsposition.Thesiteshouldbe
dry,andslightlydeclining,ifpossible,oneverysidebutifthesurfacebelevel,or
wherewateroccasionallyflowsfromcontiguousgrounds,oronasoilnaturallydamp,
itshouldbethoroughlydrainedofallsuperfluousmoisture.Thatisindispensableto
thepreservationofthehouseitself,andthehealthofitsinmates.Thehouseshouldso
standastopresentanagreeableaspectfromthemainpointsatwhichitisseen,orthe
thoroughfaresbywhichitisapproached.Itshouldbesoarrangedastoafford
protectionfromwindandstorm,tothatpartmostusuallyoccupied,aswellasbeeasy
ofaccesstotheoutbuildingsappendedtoit.Itshouldhaveanunmistakablefront,
sides,andrearandtheusestowhichitsvariouspartsareapplied,shoulddistinctly
appearinitsoutwardcharacter.Itshouldcombinealltheadvantagesofsoil,
cultivation,water,shade,andshelter,whichthemostliberalgratification,consistent
withthecircumstancesoftheowner,maydemand.Ifasiteontheestatecommanda
prospectofsingularbeauty,otherthingsequal,thedwellingshouldembraceitifthe
luxuryofastream,orasheetofwaterinrepose,presentitself,itshould,ifpossible,
beenjoyediftheshadeandprotectionofagrovebenear,itsbenefitsshouldbe
includedinfine,anyobjectinitselfdesirable,andnotembarrassingtothemain
purposesofthedwellinganditsappendages,shouldbeturnedtothebestaccount,and
appropriatedinsuchmannerastocombineallthatisdesirablebothinbeautyand
effect,aswellasinutility,tomakeupaperfectwholeinthefamilyresidence.
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31
Attachedtothebuildingsiteshouldbeconsideredthequalityofthesoil,asaffording
cultivationandgrowthtoshrubberyandtrees,atoncetheornamentmosteffective
toalldomesticbuildings,gratefultotheeyealways,asobjectsofadmirationand
beautydelightfulinthereposetheyofferinhoursoflassitudeorwearinessandto
them,thatindispensablefeatureinaperfectarrangement,thegarden,bothfruitand
vegetable,shouldbeadded.HappilyfortheAmerican,oursoilsaresouniversally
adaptedtothegrowthofvegetationinallitsvarieties,thathardlyafarmof
considerablesizecanbefoundwhichdoesnotaffordtolerablefacilitiesforthe
exerciseofallthetastewhichonemayindulgeinthecultivationofthegardenaswell
asintheplantingandgrowthoftreesandshrubberyandadueappropriationofthese
toanagreeableresidenceisequalinimportancetothestyleandarrangementofthe
houseitself.
Thesiteselectedforthedwelling,andthecharacterofthesceneryandobjects
immediatelysurroundingit,shouldhaveacontrollinginfluenceuponthestylein
whichthehouseistobeconstructed.Afitnessandharmonyinalltheseis
indispensabletobothexpressionandeffect.Andintheirdetermination,asingle
objectshouldnotcontrol,buttheentirepicture,ascompleted,shouldbeembracedin
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theviewandthatstyleofbuildingconstitutingthemostagreeablewhole,asfilling
theeyewiththemostgratefulsensations,shouldbetheoneselectedwithwhichtofill
upandcompletethedesign.
HOMEEMBELLISHMENTS.
Adiscussionoftheobjectsbywayofembellishment,whichmayberequiredtogive
characterandeffecttoacountryresidence,wouldembracearangetoowide,inallits
parts,forasimplypracticaltreatiselikethisandgeneralhintsonthesubjectareall
indeed,thatwillberequired,asnospecificrulesordirectionscanbegivenwhich
wouldbeapplicable,indiscriminately,toguidethebuilderintheexecutionofhis
work.Adwellinghouse,nomatterwhatthestyle,standingalone,eitheronhillor
plain,apartfromotherobjects,wouldhardlybeanattractivesight.Asamere
representationofaparticularstyleofarchitecture,orasamodelofimitation,itmight
exciteouradmiration,butitwouldnotbeanobjectonwhichtheeyeandthe
imaginationcouldreposewithsatisfaction.Itwouldbeincompleteunless
accompaniedbysuchassociatesastheeyeisaccustomedtoembraceinthefull
gratificationofthesensationstowhichthatorganistheconductor.Butassemble
aroundthatdwellingsubordinatestructures,trees,andshrubberyproperlydisposed,
anditbecomesanobjectofexceedinginterestandpleasureinthecontemplation.Itis
therefore,thattheparticularstyleoroutwardarrangementofthehouseisbutapartof
whatshouldconstitutethegeneraleffect,andsuchstyleistobeconsultedonlysofar
asitmayinitselfpleasethetaste,andgivebenefitorutilityinthepurposesforwhich
itisintended.Still,thearchitecturaldesignshouldbeinharmonywiththefeaturesof
thesurroundingscenery,andisthusimportantincompletingtheeffectsought,and
whichcannotbeaccomplishedwithoutit.
Afarmwithitsbuildings,orasimplecountryresidencewiththegroundswhich
encloseit,oracottagewithitsdooryardandgarden,shouldbefinishedsectionsof
thelandscapeofwhichitformsapart,orattractivepointswithinitandof
consequence,completeeachwithinitself,andnotdependentupondistantaccessories
tosupportitanimperiuminimperio,inclassicphrase.Atower,amonument,
asteeple,ortheindistinctoutlineofadistanttownmayformastrikingfeatureina
pictorialdesignandtheassociationsconnectedwiththem,or,thecharacterinwhich
theyarecontemplatedmayallowthemtostandnakedandunadornedbyotherobjects,
andstillpermitthemtofillupinperfectharmonythepicture.Thisideawillillustrate
theimportanceofembellishment,notonlyinthesubstitutionoftreesasnecessary
appendagestoacompleteruralestablishment,butintheerectionofallthebuildings
necessaryforoccupationinanymanner,informandposition,togiveeffectfromany
pointofviewinwhichthehomesteadmaybeseen.Generalappearanceshouldnotbe
confinedtoonequarteralone,butthehouseanditssurroundingsoneverysideshould
showcompletenessindesignandharmonyinexecutionandalthoughhumble,and
devotedtothemeanestpurposes,aportionoftheseerectionsmaybe,yetthecharacter
ofutilityornecessitywhichtheymaintain,givesthemanairofdignity,ifnotof
grace.Thus,ahouseandoutbuildingsflankedwithorchards,orawood,onwhich
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theyapparentlyfallbackforsupport,fillstheeyeatoncewithnotonlyabeautiful
group,inthemselvescombined,butassociatetheideaofrepose,ofcomfort,and
abundanceindispensablerequisitestoaperfectfarmresidence.Theyalsoseemto
connectthehouseandoutbuildingswiththefieldsbeyond,whichareofnecessity
nakedoftrees,andgraduallyspreadtheviewabroadoverthefarmuntilitmingles
with,orislostinthegenerallandscape.
Theseremarksmayseemtoorefined,andasoutofplacehere,andtrenchinguponthe
subjectofLandscapeGardening,whichisnotdesignedtobeapart,orbutan
incidentaloneofthepresentwork,yettheyareimportantinconnectionwiththe
subjectunderdiscussion.Theproperdispositionoftreesandshrubberyaround,orin
thevicinityofbuildingsisfartoolittleunderstood,althoughtreeplantingaboutour
dwellingsisapracticeprettygeneralthroughoutourcountry.Nothingismore
commonthantoseeamanbuildahouse,perhapsinmostelaborateandexpensive
style,andthenplantarowoftreescloseuponthefront,whichwhengrownwillshut
italmostentirelyoutofviewwhileheleavestherearasbaldandunprotectedasifit
wereabarnorahorseshedasifinutterignorance,asheprobablyis,thathishouse
ismoreeffectivelysetoffbyaflankingandbackgroundoftreeandshrubbery,thanin
front.Andthisiscalledgoodtaste!Letusexamineit.Treesnearadwellingare
desirableforshadesheltertheydonotaffordexceptinmasses,whichlastisalways
bettergiventothehouseitselfbyaveranda.Immediatelyadjoining,orwithin
touchingdistanceofahouse,treescreatedampness,moreorlesslitter,andfrequently
vermin.Theyinjurethewallsandroofsbytheircontinualshadeanddampness.They
excludetheraysofthesun,andpreventafreecirculationofair.Therefore,closeto
thehouse,treesareabsolutelypernicious,tosaynothingofexcludingallits
architecturaleffectfromobservationwhen,ifplantedatproperdistances,they
composeitsfinestornaments.
Ifitbenecessarytobuildingoodtasteatall,itisquiteasnecessarythatsuchgood
tastebekeptinviewthroughout.Acountrydwellingshouldalwaysbeaconspicuous
objectinitsfullcharacterandoutline,fromoneormoreprominentpointsof
observationconsequentlyallplantationsoftreeorshrubberyinitsimmediatevicinity
shouldbeconsideredasaidstoshowoffthehouseanditsappendages,insteadof
becomingtheprincipalobjectsofattractioninthemselves.Theirdispositionshouldbe
suchastocreateaperfectandagreeablewhole,whenseeninconnectionwiththe
houseitself.Theyshouldalsobesoplacedastoopenthesurroundinglandscapeto
viewinitsmostattractivefeatures,fromthevariouspartsofthedwelling.Muchin
theeffectivedispositionoftreesaroundthedwellingwillthusdependuponthe
characterofthecountryseenfromit,andwhichshouldcontroltoagreatextenttheir
position.Asingletree,ofgrandandstatelydimensions,willfrequentlygivegreater
effectthanthemoststudiedplantations.Aledgeofrock,inthecleftsofwhichwild
vinesmaynestle,oraroundwhichamassofshrubberymaycluster,willaddacharm
tothedwellingwhichanelaboratecultivationwouldfailtobestowandthemost
negligentapparelofnatureinathousandwaysmaygiveacharacterwhichwemight
striveinvaintoaccomplishbyourowninvention.Intheeffortstoembellishour
dwellingsorgrounds,thestrongnaturalobjectswithwhichtheyareassociatedshould
beconsulted,alwayskeepinginviewanexpressionofthechiefcharactertowhichthe
wholeisapplied.
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MATERIALFORFARMBUILDINGS.
Inacountrylikeours,containingwithinitssoilsanduponitssurfacesuchan
abundanceandvarietyofbuildingmaterial,thecompositionofourfarmerections
mustdependinmostcasesupontheabilityorthechoiceofthebuilderhimself.
Stoneisthemostdurable,inthelongrunthecheapest,andasaconsequence,thebest
materialwhichcanbefurnishedforthewallsofadwelling.Withotherfarmbuildings
circumstancesmaygoverndifferentlystill,inmanysectionsoftheUnitedStates,
evenstonecannotbeobtained,exceptatanexpenseandinconveniencealtogether
forbiddingitsuse.Yetitisahappyreliefthatwherestoneisdifficult,ornotatallto
beobtained,thebestofclayforbricks,isabundantandinalmostallpartsofour
country,evenwherebuildingtimberisscarce,itstransportationissocomparatively
light,andthefacilitiesofremovingitaresocheap,thatwoodisaccessibletoevery
one.Hencewemayindulgeinalmosteveryfittingstyleofarchitectureand
arrangement,towhicheitherkindofthesematerialsarebestadapted.Weshall
slightlydiscussthemasapplicabletoourpurposes.
Stoneisfoundeitheronthesurface,orinquarriesunderground.Onthesurfacethey
liechieflyasbowldersoflessorgreatersize,usuallyofhardanddurablekinds.Large
bowldersmaybeeitherblasted,orsplitwithwedgesintosufficientlyavailableshapes
tolayinwallswithmortarorifsmall,theymaywithalittleextralabor,befittedby
theaidofgoodmortarintoequallysubstantialwallasthelargermasses.Inquarries
theyarethrownout,eitherbyblastingorsplittinginlayers,soastoformregular
courseswhenlaidupandalltheirvarietiesmay,unhammered,excepttostrikeoff
projectingpointsorangles,belaidupwithasufficientlysmoothfacetogivefine
effecttoabuilding.Thus,wheneasilyobtained,asidefromthegreateradvantagesof
theirdurability,stoneisascheapinthefirstinstanceaslumber,exceptinginnew
districtsofcountrywheregoodbuildinglumberisthechiefarticleofproduction,and
cheaperthanbrickinanyevent.Stonerequiresnopaint.Itscolorisanatural,
thereforeanagreeableone,beitusuallywhatitmay,althoughsomeshadesaremore
gratefultotheeyethanothersyetitisalwaysinharmonywithnaturalobjects,and
particularlysoonthefarmwhereeverythingoughttowearthemostsubstantial
appearance.Theouterwallsofastonehouseshouldalwaysbefirredoffinsidefor
lathingandplastering,tokeepthemthoroughlydry.Withoutthat,theroomsareliable
todampness,whichwouldpenetratethroughthestoneintotheinsideplasteringunless
cutoffbyanopenspaceofairbetween.
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Bricks,wherestoneisnotfound,supplyitsplacetolerablywell.Whenmadeofgood
clay,rightlytemperedwithsand,andwellburned,theywillinawallremainfor
centuries,andasfarasmaterialisconcerned,answerallpurposes.Brickwallsmaybe
thinnerthanstonewalls,buttheyequallyrequire"firringoff"forinsideplastering,
andinaddition,theyneedtheaidofpaintquiteasoftenaswood,togivetheman
agreeablecolorbricksthemselvesnotusuallybeinginthecategoryofdesirable
colorsorshades.
39
Wood,whenabundantandeasilyobtained,isworkedwiththegreatestfacility,andon
manyaccounts,isthecheapestmaterial,forthetime,ofwhichabuildingcanbe
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constructed.Butitisperishable.Itrequireseveryfewyearsacoatofpaint,andis
alwaysassociatedwiththeideaofdecay.Yetwoodmaybemouldedintoaninfinite
varietyofformtopleasetheeye,intheindulgenceofanypeculiartasteorfancy.
Wecannot,intheconsiderationofmaterialforhousebuildingtherefore,urgeupon
thefarmertheadoptionofeitheroftheabovenamedmaterialstothepreferenceof
another,inanyparticularstructurehemayrequirebutleavehimtoconsulthisown
circumstancesinregardtothem,asbesthemay.Butthiswewillsay:Ifitbepossible,
neverlayacellarorundergroundwallofperishablematerial,suchaswoodorsoft
bricksnorbuildwithsoftorunburntbricksinawallexposedtotheweather
anywherenorwithstonewhichisliabletocrumbleordisintegratebytheactionof
frostorwateruponit.Weareawarethatunburntbrickshavebeenstrongly
recommendedforhousebuildinginAmericabutfromobservation,wearefully
persuadedthattheyareworthlessforanypermanentstructure,andifused,willinthe
endproveadeadlossintheirapplication.Cottages,outbuildings,andothercheap
erectionsonthefarm,fortheaccommodationoflaborers,stock,orcrops,maybe
madeofwood,wherewoodisthecheapestandmosteasilyobtainedand,eventaking
itsperishablenatureintoaccount,itmaybethemosteconomical.Intheir
construction,itmaybesimplyamatterofcalculationwithhimwhoneedsthem,to
calculatethefirstcostofanymaterialhehasathand,ormayobtain,andtothatadd
theinterestuponit,theannualwearandtear,theinsurance,andtheperioditmaylast,
todeterminethismattertohisentiresatisfactionalwaysprovidedhehavethemeans
athandtodoeither.ButotherconsiderationsgenerallycontroltheAmericanfarmer.
Hispocketisaptmoreoftentobepinched,thanhischoiceistobeatfaultandthis
weightyargumentcompelshimintothe"makeshift"system,whichperhapsinits
results,providedthemainchancebeattained,isquiteasadvantageoustohisinterests
astheother.
Asageneralremark,allbuildingsshouldshowforthemselves,whattheyarebuiltof.
Letstonebestonebricksshowontheirownaccountandofallthings,putno
counterfeitbywayofplaster,stucco,orotherfalsepretenceotherthanpaint,ora
durablewashuponwood:itisamiserableaffectationalways,andofnopossibleuse
whatever.Allcounterfeitofanykindaslittlebecomesthebuildingsofthefarmer,as
thegildedpinchbeckwatchwouldfitthefinishedattireofagentleman.
40
41
Beforesubmittingtheseveraldesignsproposedforthiswork,itmayberemarked,that
inaddressingthemtoaclimatestrictlyAmerican,wehaveineveryinstanceadopted
thewide,steeplypitchedroof,withbroadeaves,gablesandcornices,asgiving
protection,shade,andsheltertothewallsthuskeepingthemdryandingood
preservation,andgivingthatwellhoused,andcomfortableexpression,sodifferent
fromthestiff,pinched,andtuckeduplookinwhichsomanyofthehaberdasherbuilt
housesofthepresentdayexult.
Wegivesomeexamplesofthehippedroof,becausetheyareconvenientandcheapin
theirconstructionandwealsothrowintothedesignsalateraldirectiontotheroofsof
thewings,orconnectingpartsofthebuilding.Thisissometimesdoneforeffectin
architecturalappearance,andsometimesfortheeconomyandadvantageofthe
buildingitself.Whereroofsthusintersectorconnectwithasidewall,theconnecting
guttersshouldbemadeofcopper,zinc,lead,galvanizediron,ortin,intowhichthe
shingles,iftheybecoveredwiththatmaterial,shouldbelaidsoastoeffectually
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preventleakage.Theeaveguttersshouldbeofcopper,zinc,lead,galvanizedironor
tin,also,andplacedatleastonefootbackfromtheedgeoftheroof,andleadthe
waterintoconductorsdownthewallintothecisternorelsewhere,asmayberequired.
Ifthewaterbenotneeded,andtheroofbewideoverthewalls,thereisnoobjection
toletitpassoffnaturally,ifitbenoinconveniencetothegroundbelow,andcanrun
off,orbeabsorbedintothegroundwithoutdetrimenttothecellarwalls.Allthismust
besubjecttothejudgmentoftheproprietorhimself.
42
OUTSIDECOLOR.
Wearenotamongthosewhocastoff,andonasuddencondemn,asoutofallgood
taste,thetimehonoredwhitehousewithitsgreenblinds,oftensotastefullygleaming
outfrombeneaththeshadeofsummertreesnordowedoggedlyadheretoit,except
wheninkeeping,bycontrastorotherwise,witheverythingaroundit.Foracentury
pastwhitehasbeenthechiefcolorofourwoodenhouses,andoftensoofbrickones,
intheUnitedStates.Thiscolorhasbeensupposedtobestronganddurable,being
composedchieflyofwhiteleadandasitreflectedtheraysofthesuninsteadof
absorbingthem,assomeofthedarkercolorsdo,itwasthusconsideredabetter
preserveroftheweatherboardingfromthecrackswhichthefervidheatofthesunis
apttomakeuponit,thanthedarkercolors.White,consequently,hasalwaysbeen
considered,untilwithinafewyearspast,asafittingandtastefulcolorfordwellings,
bothintownandcountry.Anewschooloftasteincolorshasrisen,however,withina
fewyearspast,amongusaboutthesametime,too,thattherecentgingerbreadand
beadworkstyleofcountrybuildingwasintroduced.Andthesewereboth,asallnew
thingsareapttobe,carriedtoextremes.Insteadoftoningdowntheglareofthewhite
intosomequiet,neutralshade,asastrawcoloradrabofdifferenthuesalwaysan
agreeableandappropriatecolorforadwelling,particularlywhenthedoorand
windowcasingsaredressedwithadeeperorlightershade,asthoseshades
predominateinthemainbodyofthehouseoranaturalandsoftwoodcolor,which
alsomaybeofvariousshadesoreventhewarmrussethueofsomeofourrichstones
quiteappropriate,too,asappliedtowood,orbricksthefashionmustbefollowed
withouteitherrhymeorreason,andhundredsofourotherwiseprettyandimposing
countryhouseshavebeendaubedoverwiththedirtiest,gloomiestpigment
imaginable,makingeveryhabitationwhichittouchedlookmorelikeafuneral
appendagethanacheerful,lifeenjoyinghome.Wecandidlysaythatwehavenosort
ofaffectionforsuchsootydaubs.Thefashionwhichdictatesthemisabarbarous,
false,andarbitraryfashionvoidofallnaturaltasteinitsinceptionandtoonewho
hasacheerful,lifelovingspiritabouthim,suchcolorshavenomorefitnessonhis
dwellingoroutbuildings,thanatombwouldhaveinhislawnordooryard.
Locality,amplitudeofthebuildings,thepurposetowhichtheyareappliedevery
considerationconnectedwiththem,infact,shouldbeconsulted,astocolor.Stone
willgiveitsowncolorwhich,bytheway,someprodigiouslysmartfolkspaint
quiteasdecorousoressential,asto"paintthelily."Bricksometimesmustbepainted,
butitshouldbeofacolorinkeepingwithitscharacter,ofsubstanceanddignity
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notacounterfeitofstone,ortocheathimwholooksuponitintoabeliefthatitmay
bemarble,orotherunfoundedpretension.Awarmrussetismostappropriatefor
brickworkofanykindofcolorthecolorofarussetapple,orundressedleather
shadesthatcomportwithMilton'sbeautifulideaof
"Russetlawnsandfallowsgray."
Redandyellowarebothtooglaring,andslate,orleadcolorstoosomberandcold.It
is,infact,astrongargumentinfavorofbricksinbuilding,wheretheycanbehadas
cheapasstoneorwood,thatanycolorcanbegiventothemwhichthegoodtasteof
thebuildermayrequire,inadditiontotheirdurability,which,whenmadeofgood
material,andproperlyburned,isquiteequaltostone.Inawoodenstructureonemay
playwithhisfancyinthewayofcolor,mindingintheoperation,thathedoesnotplay
themountebank,andliketheclowninthecircus,makehistattooedtenementthe
derisionofmenofcorrecttaste,astheotherdoeshisburlesquevisagetheridiculeof
hisauditors.
Awoodencountryhouse,togetherwithitsoutbuildings,shouldalwaysbeofa
cheerfulandsoftlytonedcoloracolorgivingafeelingofwarmthandcomfort
nothingglaringorflashyaboutit.Andyet,suchbuildingsshouldnot,intheircolor,
anymorethanintheirarchitecture,appearasifimitatingeitherstoneorbrick.Wood,
ofitself,islight.Onecannotbuildaheavyhouseofwood,ascomparedwithbrickor
stone.Thereforeallimitationordevicewhichmayleadtoabeliefthatitmaybeother
thanwhatitreallyis,isnothinglessthanafraudnotcriminal,weadmit,butnone
thelessafraudupongoodtasteandarchitecturaltruth.
Itistruethatinthiscountrywecannotaffordtoplaceinstoneandbrickbuildings
thoseornatetrimmingsandappendageswhich,perhaps,ifeconomywerenottobe
consulted,mightbemoredurablyconstructedofstone,butatanexpensetoogreatto
bebornebythoseofmoderatemeans.Yetitisnotessentialthatsuchappendages
shouldbeofsoexpensivematerial.Theverypurposestowhichtheyareapplied,asa
parapet,arailing,abalustrade,aportico,piazza,orporchallthesemaybeofwood,
evenwhenthematerialofthehouseproperisofthemostdurablekindandbybeing
paintedinkeepingwiththebuildingitself,produceafineeffect,anddonoviolenceto
goodtasteorthemostfastidiouspropriety.Theymaybeevensandedtoacolor,and
grained,stained,orotherwisebroughttoanidentity,almost,withthematerialofthe
house,andbequiteproper,becausetheysimplyareappendagesofconvenience,
necessity,orluxury,tothebuildingitself,andmaybetakenawaywithoutinjuringor
withoutdefacingthemainstructure.Theyarenotamaterialpartofthebuildingitself,
butrearedforpurposeswhichmaybedispensedwith.Itisamatteroftasteor
preference,thattheywereeitherbuiltthere,orthattheyremainpermanently
afterward,andofconsequence,properthattheybeofwood.Yettheyshouldnot
imitatestoneorbrick.Theyshouldstillshowthattheyareofwood,butincolorand
outsidepreservationdenotethattheyareappendagestoastoneorbrickhouse,by
complyingwiththepropershadesincolorwhichpredominateinthebuildingitself,
andbecometheirownsubordinatecharacter.
45
46
Notbeingaprofessionalpainter,orcompounderofcolors,weshalloffernoreceipts
orspecificsforpaintingorwashingbuildings.Climateaffectsthecompositionofboth
paintsandwashes,andthosewhoarecompetentinthisline,aretheproperpersonsto
dictatetheirvariouscompositionsandwedobutcommonjusticetotheskilland
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intelligenceofournumerousmechanics,whenwerecommendtothosewho
contemplatebuilding,toapplyforthwithtosuchasaremastersoftheirtradeforall
theinformationtheyrequireonthevarioussubjectsconnectedwithit.Onewhosets
outtobehisownarchitect,builder,andpainter,isakintothelawyerintheproverb,
whohasafoolforhisclient,whenpleadinghisowncase,andquiteasapttohave
quackinthemall.Hints,generaloutlines,andoftentimesmattersofdetailininterior
convenience,andmanyotherminoraffairsmaybegivenbytheproprietor,whenheis
neitheraprofessionalarchitect,mechanic,orevenanamateurbutinallthings
affectingthesubstantialandimportantpartsofhisbuildings,heshouldconsultthose
whoareproficientandexperiencedinthedepartmentonwhichheconsultsthem.And
itmayperhapsbeaddedthatnoneprofessingtobesuch,arecompetent,unlesswell
instructed,andwhoselaborshavemettheapprobationofthosecompetenttojudge.
47
Thereisonekindofcolor,prevailingtoagreatextentinmanypartsofourcountry,
particularlythenorthernandeastern,which,initseffectuponanyonehavinganeye
toafitnessofthingsincountrybuildings,isamonstrousperversionofgoodtaste.
Thatistheglaringred,madeupofVenetianred,ochre,orSpanishbrown,withdoors
andwindowstouchedoffwithwhite.Theonlyapologywehaveeverheardgivenfor
suchabarbarismwas,thatitisagood,strong,andlastingcolor.Weshallnotgointo
anexaminationastothatfact,butsimplyanswer,thatifitbeso,thereareother
colors,notmoreexpensive,whichareequallystronganddurable,andinfinitelymore
tastefulandfitting.Therecanbenothinglesscomportingwiththesimplicityofrural
scenery,thanaglaringredcoloronabuilding.Itconnectswithnothingnaturalabout
ititneitherfadesintoanysurroundingshadeofsoilorvegetation,andmustof
necessity,standoutinitsownboldandunshroudedimpudence,aperfectIshmaelite
incolor,andaperversionofeverythingharmoniousinthedesign.Weeschewred,
therefore,fromeverythinginruralarchitecture.
48
ASHORTCHAPTERONTASTE.
Thecompoundwords,ortermsgoodtasteandbadtastehavebeenusedinthe
precedingpageswithout,perhaps,sufficientlyexplainingwhatismeantbytheword
taste,otherthanasgivingvagueandunsatisfactorytermstothereaderinmeasuring
thesubjectinhand.Tasteisatermuniversallyappliedincriticismofthefinearts,
suchaspainting,sculpture,architecture,&c.,&c.,ofwhichtherearemanyschools
oftaste,wemeansomeofthem,perhapsnatural,butchieflyconventional,andall
moreorlessarbitrary.Theproverb,"thereisnoaccountingfortaste,"isasoldasthe
aforesaidschoolsthemselves,anddefinesperfectlyourownestimateofthecommon
usageoftheterm.
Aswehaveintendedtouseit,Websterdefinesthewordtastetobe"thefacultyof
discerningbeauty,order,congruity,proportion,symmetry,orwhateverconstitutes
excellencestylemannerwithrespecttowhatispleasing."Withthisunderstanding,
thereforeafitnesstothepurposeforwhichathingisintendedgotupinamanner
agreeabletotheeyeandthemindpreservingalsoaharmonybetweenitsvarious
partsandusespleasingtotheeye,asaddressedtothesense,andsatisfactorytothe
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mind,asappropriatetotheobjectforwhichitisrequiredtheseconstitutegood
taste,asthetermishereunderstood.
Thetermstyle,also,is"themannerorformofathing."Whenwesay,"thatisa
stylishhouse,"itshouldmeanthatitisin,orapproachessomeparticularstyleof
buildingrecognizedbytheschools.Itmayormaynotbeinaccordancewithgood
taste,andis,consequently,subjecttothesamecapricioustestinitsgovernment.Yet
stylesaresubjecttoarrangement,andareclassifiedintheseveralschoolsof
architecture,eitherasdistinctspecimensofacknowledgedorders,astheDoric,the
Ionic,theCorinthian,inGrecianarchitecture,or,theTuscanandComposite,which
are,moredistinctly,stylesofRomanarchitecture.Tothesemaybeaddedthe
Egyptian,themostmassiveofallandeitherofthem,intheirpropercharacter,grand
andimposingwhenappliedtopublicbuildingsorextensivestructures,butaltogether
inapplicable,fromtheirwantoflightnessandconvenience,tocountryorevencity
dwellings.Otherstylesnotexactlyordersofarchitecture,suchastheItalian,the
Romanesque,theGothic,theSwiss,withtheirmodificationsallofwhichadmitofa
varietyofdeparturesfromfixedrules,notallowedinthemorerigidordersmaybe
adaptedinavarietyofways,tothemostagreeableandharmoniousarrangementin
architecturaleffect,fordwellingsandstructuresappurtenanttothem.
TheItalianstyleofarchitecture,modifiedsomewhatinpretensionandextent,is
admirablyadaptedtomostpartsoftheUnitedStates.Itsgenerallightness,openness,
andfreedomgivesawiderangeofchoiceanditswings,verandas,andterraces,
stretchingoffinanyandalmosteverydirectiondesired,fromthemainbuilding,make
itexceedinglyappropriateforgeneraluse.Themodern,orruralGothic,branchingoff
sometimesintowhatistermedtheEnglishcottagestyle,andinmanyinstances
blendingsointimatelywiththeItalian,ashardlytomarkthelineofdivision,isalsoa
beautifularrangementofbuildingforcountrydwellings.These,inruderstructures,
mayalsobecarriedintotheRusticnotastyleproper,initselfbutsotermedas
approximatinginexecutionorpretensiontoeitheroftheabovewhiletheSwiss,with
itshangingroofs,andshelteringeavesmaybefrequentlybroughtinaidtoshowout
therusticforminmorecompleteness,andingreaterharmonywithsurrounding
objects,thaneitheroftheothers.
Forfarmhouses,eitherofthesearrangementsordeparturesfromasetandpositive
style,arebetterfittedthananywhichwehavenoticedandinsomeoneorotherofthe
modificationsnamed,wehaveappliedthemintheexamplessubmittedinthiswork.
Theymaynotthereforebeviewedasdistinctdelineationsofanorderofarchitecture,
orstyleproper,evenbutasamodeappropriatetotheobjectrequired.Andsolongas
theydonotabsolutelyconflictwithtruetaste,orintheirconstructioncommita
barbarismuponanyacknowledgedsystemofarchitecture,inanyofitsmodifications,
wehazardnoimproprietyinintroducingthemfortheimitationofcountrybuilders.
Congruitywiththeobjectstowhichitisappliedshouldbethechiefmeritofany
structurewhateverandsolongasthatobjectbeattained,goodtasteisnotviolated,
andutilityisfullysubserved.
50
51
Intimatelyconnectedwiththissubject,inruralbuildings,istheshapeofthestructure.
Manyofthedesignsrecentlyintroducedfortheimitationofbuilders,arefullof
anglesandallsortsofzigzaglines,which,althoughtheymayaddtothevarietyof
style,orrelievethemonotonyofstraightandcontinuouslines,arecarriedtoa
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needlessexcess,expensiveintheirconstruction,andentailinfinitetroubleuponthe
owneroroccupant,intherepairstheysubjecthimto,intheleakagescontinually
occurring,againstwhichlast,eitherofwindorrain,itisalmostimpossibletoguard.
Andwhat,letusask,arethebenefitsofaparcelofneedlessgablesandpeaked
windows,runninguplikeowl'sears,abovetheeavesofahouse,excepttocreate
expense,andinviteleakageanddecay?Ifinappearance,theyprovokeanassociation
ofthatkind,theycertainlyarenotingoodtasteandafootortwoofincreasedheight
inawall,oralowwindowsufficientforthepurposeintended,wouldgiveatoneof
dignity,ofcomfort,andrealutility,whichawholecoveyofsuchpretentiousthings
couldnot.Allsuchtrumperyshouldbescoutedfromthedwellinghouseofthe
farmer,andlefttothespecialindulgenceofthetownbuilder.
Asquareformofhousewillaffordmoreareawithinagivenlineofwallthanany
othersensibleformwhichmaybeadopted.Yetasquarehouseisnotsoagreeableto
theeyeasanoblong.Thus,ahouseshouldstandsomewhatbroaderononefrontthan
onanother.Itshouldalsoberelievedfromanappearanceofmonotonyandtameness,
byoneormorewingsandsuchwingsshould,attheirjunctionwiththemain
building,retreatoradvanceasufficientdistancefromacontinuousline,astorelieve
iteffectuallyfromanappearanceofstiffness,andshowadifferentcharacterof
occupationfromthatofthemainstructure.Thefrontofahouseshouldbethemost
imposingandfinishedinitsarchitectureofanyoneofitspartsandunlesssome
motiveofgreaterconveniencecontrolotherwise,itsentrancethemosthighly
wrought,asindicatingtheluxuryoftheestablishmentforeventhehumblest
habitationshavetheirluxuries.Thesiderooms,ormoreusuallyoccupiedapartments,
requirelesspretensioninbotharchitecturaleffectandfinish,andshouldwearamore
subduedappearancewhilethekitchensection,andfromthat,theseveralgradesof
apartmentsstretchingbeyondit,shoulddistinctlyshowthattheyaresubservientin
theircharacter,andwearastyleandfinishaccordingly.Thus,eachpartofthehouse
speaksforitself.Itisitsownfingerboard,pointingthestrangertoitsvarious
accommodation,asplainlyasifwrittenonitswalls,andsayingassignificantlyas
dumbwallscando,thatheredwellsawellregulatedfamily,whohaveaparlorfor
theirfriendsalibrary,orsittingroomfortheirownleisureandcomfortanample
bedroomandnursery,fortheparentsandthelittleonesakitchenforthecookingand
asculleryandclosets,andalltheotheretceteraswhichbelongtoaperfectfamily
homestead.
52
53
Andsowiththegrounds.Thelawnor"dooryard,"shouldbethebestkeptgroundon
theplace.Themostconspicuouspartofthegardenshouldshowitsshrubberyandits
flowers.Thesideorrearapproachshouldbeseparatedfromthelawn,andshowits
constantbusinessoccupation,andopenlyleadofftowheremenandfarmstockmeet
oncommonground,devotedtoeverypurposewhichthefarmrequires.Such
arrangementwouldbecompleteinallitsparts,satisfactory,andlasting.Tinsel
ornament,orgewgawdecorationshouldneverbepermittedonanybuildingwherethe
soberenjoymentofagriculturallifeisdesigned.Itcanneveraddconsiderationor
dignitytotheretiredgentlemaneven,andleastofallshoulditbeindulgedinbythe
farmer,dwellingonhisowncultivatedacres.
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THECONSTRUCTIONOFCELLARS.
Everyfarmhouseandfarmcottage,whereafamilyofanysizeoccupythelatter,
shouldhaveagood,substantialstonewalledcellarbeneathit.Noroomattachedto
thefarmhouseismoreprofitable,initsoccupation,thanthecellar.Itisusefulfor
storingnumberlessarticleswhicharenecessarytobekeptwarmanddryinwinter,as
wellascoolinsummer,ofwhichthefarmeriswellaware.Thewallsofacellar
shouldriseatleastone,totwo,oreventhreefeetabovetheleveloftheground
surroundingit,accordingtocircumstances,andtheroomsinitwellventilatedbytwo
ormoreslidingsashwindowsineach,accordingtosize,position,andtheparticular
kindofstorageforwhichitisrequired,sothatadraftofpureaircanpassthrough,
andgiveitthoroughventilationatalltimes.Itshouldalsobeatleastsevenandahalf
feethighintheclearandifitbeevenninefeet,thatisnottoomuch.Ifthesoilbe
compact,orsuchaswillholdwater,itshouldbethoroughlydrainedfromthelowest
pointorcorner,andthedrainalwayskeptopen(astonedrainisthebestandmost
durable,)andifflooredwithacoatofflat,orrubblestones,wellsetingoodhydraulic
cementorcementalone,whenthestonecannotbeobtainedallthebetter.Thislast
willmakeitratproof.Forthepurposeofavoidingthesedestructivecreatures,the
foundationstonesinthewallshouldbebroughttoajoint,andprojectatleastsix
inchesoneachside,fromthewallitself,whenlaiduponthisbottomcourseasthe
usualmannerofratsistoburrowinanearlyperpendiculardirectionfromthesurface,
bythesideofthewall,whenintendingtoundermineit.Onarrivingatthebottom,if
circumventedbytheprojectingstones,theywillusuallyabandontheirwork.Plankof
hardwood,orhardburntbricks,mayanswerthispurposewhenstonecannotbehad.
55
Allcellarwallsshouldbelaidingoodlimemortar,orifthatbenotpracticable,they
shouldbewellpointedwithit.Thiskeepstheminplace,andrendersthemlessliable
totheingressofwaterandvermin.Thethicknessofwallshouldnotbelessthan
fifteentoeighteeninches,inanyevent,whenofstoneandifthehousewallsabove
bebuiltofstoneorbrick,twofeetisbetterandinallcasesthecellarwallshouldbe
fullthreeinchesthickerthanthewallrestinguponit.
Inthecellarofeveryfarmhousethereshouldbeanoutsidedoor,withaflightofsteps
bywhichtopassrootsandotherbulkyorheavyarticles,towhichawagonorcart
mayapproach,eithertoreceiveordischargethem.Thisisindispensable.
Everyoutbuildinguponthefarm,letitbedevotedtowhatpurposeitmay,havinga
woodenflooronthegroundstory,shouldbesetupsufficientlyhighfromthesurface
toadmitacatorsmallterrierdogbeneathsuchfloor,withopeningsforthemtopass
inandout,orthesehidingplaceswillbecomesomanyratwarrensuponthepremises,
andprovemostdestructivetothegrainandpoultry.Nothingcanbemoreannoyingto
thefarmerthanthesevermin,andatriflingoutlayinthebeginning,willexcludethem
fromthefoundationsandwallsofallbuildings.Care,therefore,shouldbetakento
leavenohauntfortheirconvenience.
56
Withthesesuggestionstheingenuityofeverybuilderwillprovidesufficientguards
againsttheprotectionofverminbeneathhisbuildings.
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VENTILATIONOFHOUSES.
Pureair,andenoughofit,isthecheapestblessingonecanenjoyandtodenyone's
selfsoindispensableanelementofgoodhealth,islittleshortofcriminalneglect,or
thesheerestfolly.Yetthousandswhobuildatmuchneedlessexpense,forthe
protectionoftheirhealthandthatoftheirfamilies,astheyallege,andnodoubt
suppose,byneglectingthesimplestofallcontrivances,intheworkofventilation,
invitediseaseandinfirmity,fromtheverypainstheysounwittinglytaketowardoff
suchafflictions.
Aman,behefarmerorofotherprofession,findinghimselfprosperousinlife,sets
abouttheverysensiblebusinessofbuildingahouseforhisownaccommodation.
Lookingback,perhaps,tothedaysofhisboyhood,inasevereclimate,heremembers
thenotveryhighlyfinishedtenementofhisfather,andthewide,openfireplace
which,withitswellpiledlogs,wasscarcelyabletowarmthelargelivingroom,
wherethefamilywerewonttohuddleinwinter.Hepossiblyremembers,with
shiveringsympathy,thesprinklingofsnowwhichhewasaccustomedtofinduponhis
bedasheawakedinthemorning,thathadfounditswaythroughthefrailcasingofhis
chamberwindowbutinthemidstofallwhichhegrewupwithavigorous
constitution,astrongarm,andadeterminedspirit.Heisresolvedthathischildren
shallencounternosuchhardships,andthathimselfandhisexcellenthelpmateshall
suffernosuchinconvenienceashisownparentshaddone,whonowperhaps,are
enjoyingastrongandsereneoldage,intheiroldfashioned,yettothemnot
uncomfortabletenement.Hethereforedeterminestohaveasnug,closehouse,where
thecoldcannotpenetrate.Heemploysallhisingenuitytomakeeveryjointanair
tightfitthedoorsmustswingtoanairtightjointthewindowssetintoairtight
framesandtoperfectthecatalogueofhiscomforts,anairtightstoveisintroduced
intoeveryoccupiedroomwhich,perchance,ifhecanaffordit,arefurtherwarmed
andpoisonedbytheheatedfluesofanairtightfurnaceinhisairtightcellar.Inshort,
itisanairtightconcernthroughout.Hisfamilybreatheanairtightatmospherethey
eattheirfoodcookedinan"airtightkitchenwitch,"ofthelatest"premiumpattern"
andthustheystart,father,mother,children,allonthehighroadifpersistedintoa
gallopingconsumption,whichsoonerorlaterconductsthemtoanairtightdwelling,
notsoontobechanged.Ifsuchmelancholycatastrophebeavoided,colds,catarrhs,
headaches,andallsortsofbodilyafflictionsshortlymaketheirappearance,andthey
wonderwhatisthematter!Theylivesosnug!theirhouseissowarm!theysleepso
comfortable!howcanitbe?True,inthemorningtheairoftheirsleepingroomsfeels
close,butthenifawindowisopeneditwillchilltherooms,andthatwillgivethem
colds.Whatcanbethematter?Thepoorcreaturesneverdreamthattheyhavebeen
breathing,forhourafterhour,decomposedair,chargedwithpoisonousgases,which
cannotescapethroughthetightwalls,oroverthetightwindows,orthroughthetight
stovesandthustheykeeponinthesurecoursetoinfirmity,disease,andpremature
deathallforthewantofalittleventilation!Betterindeed,thatinsteadofallthis
painstaking,apanewereknockedoutofeverywindow,orapaneloutofeverydoor
inthehouse.
57
58
Wearenotdisposedtotalkaboutcellarfurnacesforheatingafarmer'shouse.They
havelittletodointhefarmer'sinventoryofgoodsatall,unlessitbetogivewarmthto
thehallandeventhenasnugboxstove,withitspipepassingintothenearest
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chimneyis,inmostcases,thebetterappendage.Fuelisusuallyabundantwiththe
farmerandwhereso,itsbenefitsaremuchbetterdispensedinopenstovesor
fireplaces,thaninheatingfurnacesor"airtights."
59
Wehaveslightlydiscussedthissubjectoffiringinthefarmhouse,inapreviouspage,
butwhileinthevein,mustcraveanotherword.Afarmer'shouseshouldlook
hospitableaswellasbehospitable,bothoutsideandinandthebroadest,most
cheerfullookofhospitalitywithindoors,incoldweather,isanopenfireinthe
chimneyfireplace,withtheblazingwooduponit.Thereisnomistakeaboutit.It
thawsyouout,ifcolditstirsyouup,ifdroopingandisthewelcome,winning
introductiontothegoodcheerthatistofollow.
Ashorttimeagowewenttopayaformertownfriendavisit.Hehadremovedouttoa
snuglittlefarm,wherehecouldindulgehisagriculturalandhorticulturaltastes,yet
stillattendtohistownengagements,andenjoythequietudeofthecountry.Werang
thedoorbell.Aservantadmittedusandleavingovercoatandhatinthehall,we
enteredaloneroom,withan"airtight"stove,lookingasblackandsolemnasa
Turkisheunuchuponus,andgivingoutaboutthesamedegreeofgenialwarmthas
thesaideunuchwouldhaveexpressedhadhebeenthereanemasculatedwarming
machinetruly!OnthefloorwasaWiltoncarpet,toofinetostandonaroundtheroom
weremahoganysofasandmahoganychairs,alltoofinetositonatalleventstorest
oneuponifhewerefatigued.Theblessedlightofdaywasshutoutbycrimsonand
whitecurtains,heldupbygildedarrowsanduponthemantlepiece,andonthecenter
andsidetableswereallsortsofgimcracks,costlyandworthless.Inshort,therewas
nocomfortaboutthewholeconcern.Hearingourfriendcomingupfromhisdining
roombelow,wheretoo,washiscellarkitchenthatmostabominableofall
appendagestoafarmhouse,ortoanyothercountryhouse,forthatmatterwe
buttonedourcoatupcloseandhigh,thrustourhandsintoourpockets,andwalkedthe
room,asheentered."Gladtoseeyougladtoseeyou,myfriend!"saidhe,ingreat
joy"butdearme,whysobuttonedup,asifyouweregoing?What'sthematter?""My
goodsir,"wereplied,"youaskedustocomeoverandseeyou,'aplainfarmer,'and
'takeaquietfamilydinnerwithyou.'Wehavedonesoandherefindyouwithall
yourtownnonsenseaboutyou.Nofiretowarmbynoseattorestinnonothinglike
afarmorfarmeraboutyouanditonlyneedsyourcharmingbetterhalf,whomwe
alwaysadmired,whenshelivedintown,totakedownherenameledharp,andplay
60
'Infairybowersbymoonlighthours,'
toconvinceonethatinsteadofruralizinginthecountry,youhadgoneapeghigherin
townresidence!No,no,we'llgodowntofarmerJocelyn's,ouroldschoolfellow,and
takeadinnerofbaconandcabbagewithhim.Ifhedoesoccupyaonestoryhouse,he
livesupinsunshine,hasanopenfireplace,withablazingwoodfireonachillyday,
andhis'latchstringisalwaysout.'"
Ourfriendwaspetrifiedastonished!Wemeanttogoitratherstronguponhim,but
stillkeptafrank,goodhumoredface,thatshowedhimnomalice.Hebegantothink
hewasnotexactlyincharacter,andessayedtoexplain.Welistenedtohisstory.His
goodwifecamein,andalltogether,wehadalongtalkoftheirfamilyandfarming
arrangementshowtheyhadfurnishedtheirhouseandhowtheyproposedtolivebut
woundupwithasadstory,thattheirgoodfarmingneighborsdidn'tcallonthemthe
secondtimekind,civilpeopletheyappeared,tooandwhiletheywerein,actedas
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thoughafraidtositdown,andafraidtostandupinshort,theyweredreadfully
embarrassedforwhy,ourfriendscouldn'ttell,butnowbegantounderstandit."Well,
mygoodfriends,"saidwe,"youhavealtogethermistakencountrylifeintheoutset.
Toliveonafarm,itisneithernecessarytobevulgar,norclownish,nortoaffect
ignorance.Simplicityisallyourequire,inmanners,andequalsimplicityinyour
furnitureandappointments.Nowjustturnallthisnonsenseinfurnitureandroom
dressingoutofdoors,andletsomeofyourtownfriendshaveit.Getsomesimple,
comfortable,cottagefurniture,muchbetterforallpurposes,thanthis,andyouwill
settledownintoquiet,naturalcountrylifebeforeyouareawareofit,andallwillgo
'merryasamarriagebell'withyou,inalittletime"fortheybothlovedthecountry,
andweretrulyexcellentpeople.Wecontinued,"Icametospendthedayandthe
night,andIwillstayandthiseveningwe'llgodowntoyourneighborJocelyn'sand
you,Mrs.N,shallgowithusandwewillseehowquietlyandcomfortablyhe
andhisfamilytaketheworldinafarmer'sway."
Wedidgonotincarriageandlivery,butwalkedthepleasanthalfmilethatlay
betweenthemtheexerciseofwhichgaveusallactivityandgoodspirits.Jocelynwas
rightgladtoseeus,andPatty,hisstaidandsoberwife,withwhomwehadromped
manyaninnocenthourinourchildhooddays,wasquiteasgladashe.Buttheylooked
alittlesurprisedthatsuch"greatfolks"astheirnewneighbors,shoulddropinso
unceremoniously,andintotheircommon"keepingroom,"too,tochatawayan
evening.However,theembarrassmentsoonworeoff.Wetalkedoffarmingwetalked
ofthelateelectionswetalkedofthefruittreesandthestrawberrybedsandMrs.
Jocelyn,whowasapatternofgoodhousekeeping,toldMrs.Nhowshemadeher
applejellies,andhercurranttarts,andcreamcheesesandbeforewelefttheyhad
exchangedeversomanyengagements,Mrs.Pattytolearnhernewfriendtodohalf
adozennicelittlemattersofhouseholdpicklingandpreservingwhileshe,inturn,
wastoteachNancyandFanny,Patty'stworosycheekeddaughters,almostaspretty
astheirmotherwasattheirownage,toknitabeadbagandworkafancychairseat!
Andthenwehadapplesandnuts,alloftheverybestforJocelynwasararehandat
graftingandmanaginghisfruittrees,andknewthebestapplesalloverthecountry.
Wehad,indeed,acapitaltime!Tocutthestoryshort,thenextspringourfriendsent
hisfancyfurnituretoauction,andprovidedhishousewithsimplecottagefurnishings,
atlessthanhalfthecostoftheotherwhichbothheandhiswifeafterwarddeclared
wasinfinitelybetter,forallhousekeepingpurposes.Healsothrewaneatwingonto
thecottage,foranupperkitchenanditsoffices,andtheynowlivelikesensible
countryfolksandwiththeirhealthy,frolicksomechildren,areworththeenvyofall
thedyspeptic,townfedpeopleinexistence.
62
63
Alongdigression,trulybutsotrueastory,andonesoapttooursubjectcannotwell
beomitted.Butwhathasallthistodowithventilation?We'lltellyou.Jocelyn'shouse
wasventilatedasitshouldbeforhewasamethodical,thoughtfulman,who
plannedandbuilthishousehimselfnotthemechanicalwork,butdirectedit
throughout,andsawthatitwasfaithfullydoneandthatputusinmindofthestory.
Tobeperfectinitsventilation,everyroominthehouse,eventotheclosets,shouldbe
soarrangedthatacurrentofairmaypassthrough,tokeepitpureanddry.Inliving
rooms,freshairinsufficientquantitymayusuallybeadmittedthroughthedoors.In
sleepingroomsandclosets,whendoorsmaynotbeleftopen,oneormoreofthe
lowerpanelsofthedoormaybefilledbyarollingblind,openingmoreorless,at
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pleasureorasquareoroblongopeningforthatpurpose,maybeleftinthebase
board,atthefloor,andcoveredbyawirenetting.Andinallrooms,livingapartments,
aswellasthese,anopeningofatleastsixtyfoursquareinchesshouldbemadeinthe
wall,neartheceiling,andleadingintoanairflue,topassintothegarret.Such
openingmaybefilledbyarollingblind,orwirescreen,asbelow,andclosedorkept
open,atpleasure.Somebuilderspreferanairregistertobeplacedinthechimney,
overthefireplaceorstove,neartheceilingbuttheliabilitytoannoyance,bysmoke
escapingthroughitintotheroom,ifnotthoroughlydone,isanobjectiontothislatter
method,andtheothermaybemade,initsconstruction,ratherornamentalthan
otherwise,inappearance.Allsuchdetailsastheseshouldbeplannedwhenthe
buildingiscommenced,sothattheseveralfluesmaybeprovidedasthebuilding
proceeds.Inastoneorbrickhouse,asmallspacemaybeleftinthewalls,against
whichtheseairregistersmayberequiredandforinnerrooms,orclosets,theymay
passoffintotheopeningsofthepartitions,andsoupintothegarretfromwhich
aperturesofescapemaybeleft,ormadeatthegables,undertheroof,orbyablindin
awindow.
64
Fortheadmissionofairtothefirstfloorofthehouse,aspecialopeningthroughthe
walls,forthatpurpose,canhardlybenecessaryasthedoorsleadingoutsideare
usuallyopenedoftenenoughforsuchobject.Oneofthebestventilatedhouseswe
haveeverseen,isthatownedandoccupiedbySamuelCloon,Esq.,ofCincinnati.Itis
situatedonhisfarm,threemilesoutofthecity,andinitsfinearchitecturalappearance
andfinishedappointments,asaruralresidenceandfirstclassfarmhouse,isnotoften
excelled.Everyclosetisventilatedthroughrollingblindsinthedoorpanelsandfoul
air,eitheradmittedorcreatedwithinthem,ispassedoffatoncebyfluesnearthe
ceilingoverhead,passingintoconductorsleadingoffthroughthegarret.
Wherechambersarecarriedintotheroofofahouse,toanyextent,theyare
sometimesincommodedbythesummerheatwhichpenetratesthem,conductedbythe
chamberceilingoverhead.Thisheatcanbestbeobviatedbyinsertingasmallwindow
ateachoppositepeakofthegarret,bywhichtheoutsideaircancirculatethrough,
abovethechambers,andsopassofftheheatedair,whichwillcontinuallyascend.All
thisisasimplematter,forwhichanybuildercanprovide,withoutparticularexpense
ortrouble.
65
INTERIORACCOMMODATIONOFHOUSES.
Ground,inthecountry,beingthecheapestitemwhichthefarmercandevoteto
buildingpurposes,hisobjectshouldbetospreadover,ratherthantogodeeplyintoit,
orclimbhighintheairaboveit.Werepudiatecellarkitchens,orundergroundrooms
forhousework,altogether,asbeinglittlebetterthananuisancedark,damp,
unhealthy,inconvenient,andexpensive.Theseveralroomsofafarmdwellinghouse
shouldbecompactinarrangement,andcontiguousasmaybetotheprincipally
occupiedapartments.Sucharrangementischeaper,moreconvenient,andlabor
savingandinaddition,moreinaccordancewithagoodandcorrecttasteinthe
outwardappearanceofthehouseitself.
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Thegeneralintroductionofcookingstoves,andotherstovesandapparatusfor
warminghouses,withinthelasttwentyyears,whichweacknowledgetobeagreat
acquisitionincomfortaswellasinconvenienceandeconomy,hasbeencarriedtoan
extreme,notonlyinshuttingupandshuttingoutthetimehonoredopenfireplaceand
itsbroadhearthstone,withtheirhallowedassociations,butalsoinprejudicetothe
healthofthosewhosoindiscriminatelyusethem,regardlessofotherarrangements
whichoughttogowiththem.Afarmhouseshouldneverbebuiltwithoutanample,
openfireplaceinitskitchen,andotherprincipallyoccupiedroomsandinallrooms
wherestovesareplaced,andfiresaredailyrequired,theopenFranklinshouldtake
placeofthecloseorairtightstove,unlessextraordinaryventilationtosuchroomsbe
adoptedalso.Thegreatcharmofthefarmer'swintereveningistheopenfireside,with
itscheerfulblazeandglowingembersnotwastefullyexpended,butgivingoutthat
genialwarmthandcomfortwhich,tothosewhoareaccustomedtoitsenjoyment,isa
pleasurenotmadeupbyanyinventionwhateverandalthoughthecookingstoveor
rangeberequiredwhich,inadditiontothefireplace,wewouldalwaysrecommend,
tolightenfemalelaboritcanbesoarrangedasnottointerferewiththeenjoyment
orconvenienceoftheopenfire.
Intheconstructionofthechimneyswhichappearintheplanssubmitted,thegreat
majorityofthemparticularlythosefornorthernlatitudesareplacedintheinterior
ofthehouse.Theyarelessliabletocommunicatefiretothebuilding,andassist
greatlyinwarmingtheroomsthroughwhichtheypass.Insouthernhousestheyare
notsonecessary,firesbeingrequiredforamuchlessperiodoftheyear.Yeteven
theretheymaybeoftentimesproperlysoplaced.Whereholes,forthepassageof
stovepipesthroughfloors,partitions,orintochimneys,aremade,stone,earthen,or
ironthimblesshouldbeinsertedand,exceptinthechimneys,suchholesshouldbeat
leastonetotwoincheslargerthanthepipeitself.Themainfluesofthechimney
conductingoffthesmokeofthedifferentfires,shouldbebuiltseparate,andkeptapart
byapartitionofonebrickinthickness,andcarriedoutindependently,asinnoother
waywilltheyridthehouseofsmokyrooms.
Anillustrationinpoint:Fifteenyearsagowepurchasedand
removedintoamostsubstantialandwellbuiltstonehouse,the
chimneysofwhichwereconstructedwithopenfireplaces,and
thefluescarriedupseparatelytothetop,wheretheyallmetupon
thesamelevelsurface,aschimneysinpasttimesusuallywere
built,thus.Everyfireplaceinthehouse(andsomeofthemhad
stovesin,)smokedintolerablysomuchso,thatwhenthewindwasinsomequarters
thefireshadtobeputoutineveryroombutthekitchen,which,asgoodluckwould
haveit,smokedlessalthoughitdidsmoketherethantheothers.Afterbalancing
thematterinourownmindsometime,whetherweshouldpulldownandrebuildthe
chimneysaltogether,orattemptanalterationaswehadgivenbut
littlethoughttothesubjectofchimneydraft,andtotryan
experimentwasthecheapest,wesettoworkabricklayer,who,
underourdirection,simplybuiltovereachdischargeofthe
severalfluesaseparatetopoffifteenincheshigh,inthiswise:
Theremedywasperfect.Wehavehadnosmokeinthehouse
since,blowthewindasitmay,onanyandalloccasions.The
chimneyscan'tsmokeandthewholeexpenseforfourchimneys,withtheirtwelve
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flues,wasnottwentydollars!Theremedywasingivingeachoutletadistinctcurrent
ofairallaround,andoneverysideofit.
CHIMNEYTOPS.
Nothingaddsmoretotheoutwardexpressionofadwelling,thanthestyleofits
chimneys.Wehavejustshownthatindependentchimneytopspassofftheirsmoke
moreperfectly,thanwhenonlypartitionedinsidetothecommonpointofoutlet.
Asidefromthearchitecturalbeautywhichagroupofchimneyfluesaddstothe
building,wehaveseenthattheyarereallyuseful,beyondtheformal,squaresided
pilessocommonthroughoutthecountry.Theydenotegoodcheer,socialfiresides,
andageneroushospitalitywithinfeatureswhichshouldalwaysmarkthecountry
dwellingandmoreparticularlythatofthefarmer.
69
Thestyleandarrangementofthesechimneygroupsmaybevarious,ascomporting
withthedesignofthehouseitselfandanygoodarchitectcanarrangethemasfitted
tosuchdesign.Ourillustrationswillshowthemofdifferentkinds,whichare
generallycheapinconstruction,andsimple,yetexpressiveintheirarrangement.
PRELIMINARYTOOURDESIGNS.
Wehavediscussedwithtolerablefullness,thechiefsubjectsconnectedwithfarm
buildingssufficientlyso,wetrust,tomakeourselvesunderstoodasdesiringto
combineutilitywithcommendableornamentinallthatpertainstothem.Theobject
hasbeen,thusfar,togivehints,ratherthanmodels,indescription.Butasthepointto
whichwehaveendeavoredtoarrivewillbebutimperfectlyunderstoodwithout
illustration,weshallsubmitafewplansofhousesandoutbuildings,ascarryingout
morefullyourideas.
Wearequiteawarethatdifferentformsorfashionsofdetailandfinish,toboth
outsideandinsidework,prevailamongbuildersindifferentsectionsoftheUnited
States.Someofthesefashionsaretheresultofclimate,someofconventionaltaste,
andsomeofeducation.Withthemwearenotdisposedtoquarrel.Inmanycasesthey
areimmaterialtothemainobjectsofthework,andsolongastheypleasethetasteor
partialitiesofthoseadoptingthem,areoflittleconsequence.Thereare,however,
certainmattersofprinciple,bothingeneralconstructionandinthedetailoffinish,
whichshouldnotbedisregardedandthese,inthedesignssubmitted,andinthe
explanationswhichfollow,willbefullydiscussed,eachinitsplace.Theparticular
formorstyleofworkwehavenotdirected,because,asbeforeremarked,weareno
professionalbuilder,andofcoursefreefromthedogmaswhicharetooapttobe
inculcatedintheprofessionalschoolsandworkshops.Wegiveawideberth,anda
freetolerationinallsuchmatters,andarenotdisposedtoraiseahornet'snestabout
ourearsbyinterferinginmatterswhereeverytyroofthedraftingboardandwork
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benchassumestobe,andprobablymaybe,oursuperior.Allminorsubjectsweare
freetoleavetotheskillandingenuityofthebuilderwho,fortunatelyforthe
country,isfoundinalmosteveryvillageandhamletoftheland.
Modesandstylesoffinish,bothinsideandoutsideofbuildings,changeandthatso
frequently,thatwhatislaiddownasthereigningfashiontoday,maybesuperseded
byanotherfashionoftomorrowimmaterialinthemselves,only,andnotaffecting
theshape,arrangement,andaccommodationofthebuildingitself,whichinthese,
mustevermaintaintheirrelationwiththeuseforwhichitisintended.Thenorthern
dwelling,withitsdependenciesandappointments,requiresamorecompact,snug,and
connectedarrangementthanthatofthesouthwhileoneinthemiddlestatesmay
assumeastyleofarrangementbetweenthemboth,eachfittedfortheirownclimate
andcountry,andinequallygoodtaste.Thedesignsweareabouttosubmitare
intendedtobesuchasmaybemodifiedtoanysectionofthecountry,althoughsome
ofthemaremadeforextremesofnorthandsouth,andaresodistinguished.Another
objectwehavehadinviewis,togivetoeveryfarmerandcountrydwellerof
moderatemeanstheopportunityofpossessingacheapworkwhichwouldguidehim
inthegeneralobjectswhichhewishestoaccomplishinbuilding,thathemayhavehis
ownnotionsonthesubject,andnotbesubjecttothecapriceandgovernmentofsuch
asprofesstoexclusiveknowledgeinallthatappertainstosuchsubjects,andinwhich,
itneednotbeoffensivetosay,thatalthoughcleverintheirway,theyaresometimes
apttobemistaken.
71
Therefore,withoutassumingtoinstructtheprofessionalbuilder,ourplanswillbe
submitted,notwithoutthehopethatheeven,mayfindinthemsomethingworthyof
considerationandweofferthemtotheownerandfutureoccupantofthebuildings
themselves,asmodelswhichhemayadopt,withtheconfidencethattheywillanswer
allhisreasonablepurposes.
(73)
(74)
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FAR M HOUSE.
Pages7374.
largerview
72
DESIGNI.
Weherepresentafarmhouseofthesimplestandmostunpretendingkind,suitablefor
afarmoftwenty,fifty,oranhundredacres.Buildingssomewhatinthisstylearenot
unfrequentlyseenintheNewEnglandStates,andinNewYorkandtheplanisinfact
suggested,althoughnotcopied,fromsomefarmhouseswhichwehaveknownthere,
withimprovementsandadditionsofourown.
Thishousemaybebuilteitherofstone,brick,orwood.Thestyleisratherrusticthan
otherwise,andintendedtobealtogetherplain,yetagreeableinoutwardappearance,
andofquiteconvenientarrangement.Thebodyofthishouseis4030feetonthe
ground,and12feethigh,totheplatesfortheroofthelowerroomsninefeethighthe
roofintendedforapitchof35but,byanerrorinthedrawing,madelessthus
affordingverytolerablechamberroomintheroofstory.TheL,orrearprojection,
containingthewashroomandwoodhouse,jutsouttwofeetfromthesideofthe
housetowhichitisattached,withposts7feethighabovethefloorofthemain
housethepitchoftheroofbeingthesame.Beyondthisisabuilding3224feet,with
10feetposts,partitionedoffintoaswillroom,piggery,workshop,andwagonhouse,
andalikeroofwiththeothers.Alight,rusticporch,128feet,withlatticework,is
placedonthefrontofthehouse,andanotheratthesidedoor,overwhichvines,by
wayofdrapery,mayrunthuscombiningthatsheltered,comfortable,andhomelike
expressionsodesirableinaruraldwelling.Thechimneyiscarriedoutinthree
separateflues,sufficientlymarkedbythepartitionsabovetheroof.Thewindowsare
hooded,orsheltered,toprotectthemfromtheweather,andfittedwithsimplesliding
sasheswith79or810glass.Outerblindsmaybeadded,ifrequiredbutitis
usuallybettertohavetheseinside,astheyarenoornamenttotheoutsideofthe
building,areliabletobedrivenbackandforthbythewind,eveniffasteningsare
used,andinanyeventarelittlebetterthanacontinualannoyance.
75
IN TERIO RA RRA N G EM EN T.
Thefrontdoor,overwhichisasinglesashlightacross,opensintoahallorentry97
feet,fromwhichadooropensoneithersideintoasittingroomandparlor,each
1615feet,lightedbyadouble,plainwindow,attheends,andasingletwosash
windowinfront.Betweentheentrancedoorandstove,areineachroomasmall
pantryorclosetfordishes,orotherwise,asmayberequired.Thechimneystandsin
thecenterofthehouse,withaseparateflueforeachfrontroom,intowhichathimble
isinsertedtoreceivethestovepipesbywhichtheyarewarmedandfromtheinner
sideoftheseroomseachhasadoorpassingtothekitchen,orchieflivingroom.This
lastapartmentis2215feet,withabroadfireplacecontainingacrane,hooks,and
trammel,ifrequired,andaspaciousfamilyovenaffordingthosehomelyand
primitivecomfortsstillsodeartomanyofuswhoarenotreadytoconcedethatallthe
virtuesofthepresentdayarecombinedina"perfection"cookingstove,anda"patent"
heateralthoughthereisachanceforthese
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last,iftheyshouldbeadoptedintothe
peacefulatmosphereofthiskitchen.
Ononesideofthekitchen,inrearofthe
stairs,isabedroom,98feet,withawindow
inonecorner.Adjoiningthat,isabuttery,
dairyroom,orcloset,96feet,alsohavinga
window.Attheinnerendofthestairwayis
thecellarpassageattheouterendisthe
chamberpassage,landingabove,inthe
highestpartoftheroofstory.Oppositethe
chamberstairsisadoorleadingtothewash
room.Betweenthetwowindows,ontherear
sideofthekitchen,isasink,withawaste
pipepassingoutthroughthewall.Atthe
furthercorneradooropensintoasnug
bedroom98feet,lightedbyawindowin
rearandadjoiningthisisasideentryleading
fromtheenddoor,96feetinareathus
makingeveryroominthehouseaccessibleat
oncefromthekitchen,andgivingthegreatest
possibleconvenienceinbothlivingand
housework.
78
Theroofstoryispartitioned
intoconvenientsized
bedroomstheceilingrunning
downthepitchoftheroofto
withintwofeetofthefloor,
unlesstheyarecutshortby
innerpartitions,astheyarein
thelargestchamber,togive
closets.Theopenareainthe
center,attheheadofthestairs,
islightedbyasmallgable
windowinsertedintheroof,at
therear,andservesasa
lumberroomor,ifnecessary,
abedmayoccupyapartofit.
Inrearofthemaindwellingis
abuilding4416feet,
GROUNDPLAN.
occupiedasawashroomand
woodhouse.Thewashroomfloorisletdowneightinchesbelowthekitchen,andis
1614feet,inarea,lightedbyawindowoneachside,withachimney,inwhichisset
aboiler,andfireplace,ifdesired,andasinkinthecorneradjoining.Thisroomis7
feetinheight.Adoorpassesfromthiswashroomintothewoodhouse,whichis
3016feet,openinfront,withawaterclosetinthefurthercorner.
Thecellaris7feetinheightandis
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thewholesizeofthehouse,laidwith
goodstonewall,inlimemortar,witha
flightofstepsleadingoutside,inrearof
thekitchen,andtwoormoresashlight
windowsattheends.Ifnotinaloose,
gravelly,orsandysoil,thecellarshould
bekeptdrybyadrainleadingoutonto
lowerground.
Thebuildingbeyond,andadjoiningthe
woodhouse,containsaswillhouse
CHAMBERPLAN.
1612feet,withawindowinoneend
achimneyandboilerinonecorner,with
storageforswillbarrels,grain,meal,potatoes,&c.,forfeedingthepigs,whicharein
theadjoiningpenofsamesize,withfeedingtrough,placeforsleeping,&c.,and
havingawindowinoneendandadoorintherear,leadingtoayard.
79
Adjoiningthese,infront,isaworkshopandtoolhouse,1610feet,withawindowat
theend,andanentrancedoornearthewoodhouse.Inthisisajoiner'sworkbench,
achestofworkingtools,suchassaw,hammer,augers,&c.,&c.,necessaryfor
repairingimplements,doinglittleroughjobs,orotherwoodwork,&c.,whichevery
farmeroughttodoforhimselfandalsostoringhishoes,axes,shovels,hammers,and
othersmallfarmimplements.Inthisroomhewillfindabundantrainyday
employmentinrepairinghisutensilsofvariouskinds,makinghisbeehives,hencoops,
&c.,&c.Nexttothisisthewagonhouse,1614feet,withbroaddoorsattheend,and
harnesspegsaroundthewalls.
Thepostsofthisbuildingare10feethightheroomseightfeethigh,andalow
chamberoverheadforstoringlumber,grain,andotherarticles,asmayberequired.
Altogether,theseseveralapartmentsmakeaverycompleteanddesirable
accommodationtoamanwiththepropertyandoccupationforwhichitisintended.
Ononesideandadjoiningthehouse,shouldbethegarden,theclothesyard,andthe
beehouse,whichlastshouldalwaysstandinfullsight,andfacingthemost
frequentedroomsaythekitchenthattheycanbeseendailyduringtheswarming
season,asthoseperforminghouseholddutiesmaykeeptheminview.
80
M IS CELLA N EO U S .
Inregardtothesurroundings,andapproachtothisdwelling,theyshouldbetreated
underthesuggestionsalreadygivenonthesesubjects.Thisisanexceedinglysnug
tenement,andeverythingaroundandaboutitshouldbeofthesamecharacter.No
pretensionorfripperywhatever.Aneatgarden,usefully,ratherthanornamentallyand
profuselysuppliedamoderatecourtyardinfrontfreeaccesstotheenddoor,from
themaineverydayapproachbyvehiclesnotonthehighway,butonthefarmroad
orlanethebusinessentrance,infactwhichshouldalsoleadtothebarnsandsheds
beyond,notfardistant.Everyfeatureshouldwearamostdomesticlook,andbreathe
anairofreposeandcontent.Treesshouldbenear,butnotsonearastocoverthe
house.Afewshrubsofsimplekindsomestandingrosesafewclimbingones
asyringa,alilac,asnowball,andalittlepatchortwoofflowersnearthefrontporch,
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andthewholeexpressionisgivenjustasonewouldwishtolookuponasasimple,
unpretendinghabitation.
Itisnothereproposedtogiveworkingplans,orestimates,toanicetyorparticular
directionsforbuildinganydesigneven,thatwepresent.Thematerialforconstruction
bestsuitedtothecircumstancesandlocalityoftheproprietormustgovernallthose
mattersandasgoodbuildersareinmostcasesathand,whoarecompetenttogive
estimatesforthecostofanygivenplan,whenthematerialforconstructionisonce
settled,thequestionofexpenseisreadilyfixed.Thesamesizedhouse,withthesame
accommodation,maybemadetocostfiftytoonehundredpercent.overan
economicalestimate,bytheincreasedstyle,ormannerofitsfinishoritmaybekept
withinboundsbyarigidadherencetotheplanfirstadopted.
81
InwesternNewYorkthishouseandattachmentscomplete,thebodyofstone,the
woodhouse,wagonhouse,&c.,ofwood,maybebuiltandwellfinishedinaplain
wayfor$1,500.Ifbuiltaltogetherofwood,withgroovedandmatchedvertical
boarding,andbattens,thewholemaybefinishedandpaintedfor$800,to$1,200.For
thelowestsum,thelumberandworkwouldbeofaroughkind,withacheapwashto
coloritbutthelatteramountwouldgivegoodwork,andalastingcoatofmineral
paintbothoutsideandwithin.
Asatenanthouseonafarmofthree,four,orevenfivehundredacres,whereallwho
liveinitarelaborersinthefieldorhousehold,thisdesignmaybemostconveniently
adopted.Thefamilyinhabitingitinwintermaybewellaccommodatedforsleeping
underthemainroof,whiletheycanatallseasonstaketheirmeals,andbemade
comfortableintheseveralrooms.Inthesummerseason,whenalargernumberof
laborersareemployed,theloftsofthecarriageorwagonhouseandworkshopmay
beoccupiedwithbeds,andthusalargeshareoftheexpenseofhousebuildingfora
veryconsiderablefarmbesaved.Luxuryisaqualitymoreorlessconsultedbyevery
onewhobuildsforhisownoccupationonafarm,orelsewhereandthetendencyin
buildingisconstantlytoexpand,togiveahigherfinish,andinfact,tooverbuild.
Indeed,ifweweretodrawthebalance,onouroldfarms,betweenscantily
accommodatedhouses,andhouseswithneedlessroominthem,thelatterwould
preponderate.Notthattheselatterhouseseitheraretoogood,ortooconvenientfor
thepurposeforwhichtheywerebuilt,buttheyhavetoomuchroom,andthatroom
badlyappropriatedandarranged.
82
Onafarmproper,thewholeestablishmentisaworkshop.Theshopoutofdoors,we
acknowledge,isnotalwaysdry,noralwayswarmbutitisexceedinglywellairedand
lighted,andaplacewhereindustriouspeopledearlylovetolabor.Withindoorsitisa
workshoptoo.Thereisalwayslaborandoccupationforthefamily,inthegeneral
businessofthefarmthereforebutlittleroomiswantedforeitherluxuryorleisure,
andthefarmhouseshouldbefullyoccupied,withtheexception,perhaps,ofasingle
roomonthemainfloor,(andthatnotalargeone,)forsomeregularbusinesspurpose.
Alltheseaccommodated,andtherequirementsofthehouseareended.Ownersof
rentedfarmsshouldreflect,too,thatexpensivehousesontheirestatesentail
expensiverepairs,andthatcontinually.Manytenantsarecarelessofhighlyfinished
houses.Notearlyaccustomedtothem,theymisappropriate,perhaps,thebestrooms
inthehouse,andpaylittleattentiontothepurposesforwhichtheownerdesigned
them,ortothemannerofusingthem.Itisthereforeatotalwasteofmoneytobuilda
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houseonatenantestateanythingbeyondthemerecomfortablewantsofthefamily
occupyingit,andtofurnishtheroomnecessaryfortheaccommodationofthecrops,
stock,andfarmfurniture,inthebarnsandotheroutbuildingsallinacheap,tidy,
yetsubstantialway.
83
So,too,withthegroundsfordomesticpurposesaroundthehouse.Akitchengarden,
sufficienttogrowthefamilyvegetablesafewplainfruitsaposeybedortwofor
thegirlsandthestoryistold.Givealargerspaceforthesethingsanythingindeed,
foreleganceandtentoone,theplowisintroduced,acornorpotatopatchissetout,
fieldcultureisadopted,andyourchoicegroundsaretornup,defaced,andsacrificed
tothecommonestuses.
Notwithstandingthesedrawbacks,acheerful,homeexpressionmaybegiven,and
shouldbegiventothehomestead,inthecharacterandconstructionofthebuildings,
betheyeversoroughandhomely.Wecancalltomindmanyinstancesofprimitive
houseslogcabinsevenbuiltwhennonebettercouldbehad,thatpresentedamost
comfortableandlifeenjoyingpictureresidencesonce,indeed,ofthosewhoswayed
"theapplauseoflisteningsenates,"butunderthehandsoftaste,andatrifleoflabor,
madetolookcomfortable,happy,andsufficient.Weconfess,therefore,toaprofound
veneration,ifnotaffection,forthehumblefarmhouse,astrulyAmericanin
characterandwhich,withamoderatedisplayofskill,maybemadeequaltothemain
purposesoflifeandenjoymentforallsuchasdonotaspiretoahighdisplay,andwho
arecontenttomakethemostofmoderatemeans.
(85)
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Pages8586
largerview
84
DESIGNII.
Thisistheplanofahouseandoutbuildingsbasedchieflyononewhichwebuiltof
woodsomeyearssinceonafarmofourown,andwhich,initsoccupation,hasproved
tobeoneofexceedingconveniencetothepurposesintended.Asafarmbusiness
house,wehavenotknownitexcellednorintheeaseandfacilityofdoingupthe
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houseworkwithinit,doweknowabetter.Ithasasubdued,quiet,unpretendinglook
yetwillaccommodateafamilyofadozenworkmen,besidesthefemalesengagedin
thehouseholdwork,withperfectconvenienceorifoccupiedbyafarmerwithbuthis
ownfamilyaroundhim,ampleroomisaffordedthemforamostcomfortablemodeof
life,andsufficientfortherequirementsofafarmoftwo,tothreeorfourhundred
acres.
Thishouseis,inthemainbody,3622feet,oneandahalfstorieshigh,witha
projectionontherear3416feet,forthekitchenanditsofficesandastillfurther
additiontothat,of2618feet,forwashroom.Themainbodyofthehouseis14feet
hightotheplatesthelowerroomsare9feethightheroofhasapitchof35froma
horizontalline,givingpartiallyuprightchambersinthemainbuilding,androof
lodgingroomsintherear.Therear,orkitchenpart,isonestoryhigh,with10feet
posts,andsuchpitchofroof(whichlastrunsatrightanglestothemainbody,and
lapsontothemainroof,)aswillcarrythepeakuptothesameairline.Thisaddition
shouldretreat6inchesfromthelineofthemainbuilding,onthesidegiveninthe
design,and18inchesontherear.Theroomsonthiskitchenfloorare8feethigh,
leavingonefootabovetheupperfloor,undertheroof,asachambergarret,orlumber
room,asmayberequired.Beyondthis,intherear,istheotherextensionspokenof,
withposts9feethigh,forabuttery,closet,ordairy,orallthreecombined,anda
washroomthefloorofwhichisonalevelwiththelast,andtheroofrunninginthe
samedirection,andofthesamepitch.Infrontofthiswashroom,wherenotcovered
bythewoodhouse,isanopenporch,8feetwideand10feetlong,theroofofwhich
runsoutatalessanglethantheotherssay30fromahorizontalline.Attachedto
thisisthewoodhouse,runningoffbywayofL,atrightangles,3616feet,ofsame
heightasthewashroom.
Adjoiningthewoodhouse,onthesamefrontline,isabuilding5020feet,with
12feetposts,occupiedasaworkshop,wagonhouse,stable,andstoreroom,witha
leantoonthelastof1510feet,forapiggery.Theseveralroomsinthisbuildingare
8feethigh,affordingagoodlumberroomovertheworkshop,andhaystorageover
thewagonhouseandstable.Overthewagonhouseisagable,withablindwindow
swingingonhinges,forreceivinghay,thusrelievingthelong,uniformlineofroof,
andaffordingampleaccommodationoneachsidetoapigeonhouseordovecote,if
required.
87
88
ThestyleofthisestablishmentisofplainItalian,orbracketed,andmaybeequally
appliedtostone,brick,orwood.Theroofsarebroad,andprotectthewallsbytheir
fullprojectionoverthem,2feet.Thesmallgableinthefrontroofofthemain
dwellingrelievesitofitsotherwisestraightuniformity,andaffordsahighdoor
windowopeningontothedeckoftheveranda,whichlattershouldbe8or10feetin
width.Theshallowwindows,also,overthewingsoftheverandagiveitamore
cheerfulexpression.Thelowerendwindowsofthispartofthehousearehooded,or
shelteredbyacheaproof,whichgivesthemasnugandmostcomfortableappearance.
Theverandamayappearmoreornamentalthantheplaincharacterofthehouse
requiresbutanysuperfluousworkuponitmaybeomitted,andthestyleoffinish
conformedtotheother.Theverandaroofisflatterthanthatofthehouse,butitmay
bemadeperfectlytightbyclosershingling,andpaintwhilethedeckorplatformin
thecentremayberoofedwithzinc,ortin,andacoatofsandedpaintlaiduponit.The
frontchimneyisplain,yetinkeepingwiththegeneralstyleofthehouse,andmaybe
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madeofordinarybricks.Thetwopartsofthechimney,astheyappearinthefront
rooms,aredrawntogetherastheypassthroughthechamberabove,andbecomeone
attheroof.Thekitchenchimneyspassupthroughthepeaksoftheirrespectiveroofs,
andshouldbeinlikecharacterwiththeother.
89
Plansinoriginalorientation
90
Thefrontdoorofthishouseopensintoasmallentryorhall,96feet,whichislighted
byalowsashofglassoverthefrontdoor.Adoorleadsintoaroomoneachsideand
attheinnerendofthehallisarecessbetweenthetwochimneysoftheopposite
rooms,inwhichmaybeplacedatableorbroadshelftoreceivehatsandcoats.Onthe
leftisaparlor2215feet,lightedononesidebyadoublewindow,andinfrontbya
singleplainone.Thefireplaceiscentrallyplacedononesideoftheroom,inthe
middleofthehouse.Ononesideofthefireplaceisacloset,threefeetdeep,with
shelves,andanotherclosetattheinnerendoftheroom,nearthekitchendoororthis
closetmaybedispensedwithfortheuseofthisparlor,andgivenuptoenlargethe
closetwhichisattachedtothebedroom.Anotherdooropensdirectlyintothekitchen.
Thisparloris9feethighbetweenjoints.Thesittingroomisoppositetotheparlor,
1915feet,andlightedandclosetedinnearlythesamemanner,aswillbeseenby
referringtothefloorplan.
Thekitchenisthegrandroomofthishouse.Itis2416feetinarea,havinganample
fireplace,withitshooksandtrammels,andaspaciousovenbyitsside.Itislightedby
adoublewindowatoneend,andasinglewindownearthefireplace.Atoneendof
thiskitchenisamostcomfortableandcommodiousfamilybedroom,1310feet,with
alargeclosetinonecorner,andlightedbyawindowintheside.Twowindowsmay
beinsertedifwanted.Apassageleadsbythesideoftheoventoasinkroom,or
recess,behindthechimney,withshelvestodrydisheson,andlightedbythehalfofa
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doublewindow,whichaccommodateswithitsotherhalfthedairy,orclosetadjoining.
Adooralsoopensfromthisrecessintotheclosetanddairy,furnishedwithbroad
shelves,thatpartofwhich,nextthekitchen,isusedfordishes,coldmeatandbread
cupboards,&c.whilethepartofitadjoiningthewindowbeyond,isusedformilk.
Thisroomis146feet,besidestheLrunningupnexttothekitchen,of64feet.
Fromthekitchenalsoopensaclosetintothefrontpartofthehouseforanypurpose
needed.Thisadjoinstheparlor,andsittingroom,closets.Inthepassagetothesitting
roomalsoopensthestairwayleadingtothechambers,andbeneath,attheotherendof
it,nexttheoutsidewall,isaflightleadingdowncellar.Thecellarisexcavatedunder
thewholehouse,being3622,and3416feet,withglasswindows,onelightdeepby
fourwide,of810glassandanouterdoor,andflightofstepsoutside,undereither
thesittingroomorkitchenwindows,asmaybemostconvenient.Adooropens,also,
fromthekitchen,intoapassage4feetwideand12feetlongleadingtothewash
room,1816feet,andbyanoutsidedoor,throughthispassagetotheporch.Inthis
passagemaybeasmallwindowtogiveitlight.
Inthewashroomaretwowindows.Achimneyatthefarendaccommodatesaboiler
ortwo,andafireplace,ifrequired.Asinkstandsadjoiningthechimney.Aflightof
stairs,leadingtoagarretoverheadononeside,andtothekitchenchamberonthe
other,standsnextthedairy,intowhichlastadooralsoleads.Inthiswashroommay
belocatedthecookingstoveinwarmweather,leavingthemainkitchenforafamily
andeatingroom.Adooralsoleadsfromthewashroomintothewoodhouse.
92
Thewoodhousestandslowerthanthefloorofthewashroom,fromwhichitfalls,by
steps.Thisislarge,becauseaplentifulstoreofwoodisneededforadwellingofthis
character.Iftheroombenotallwantedforsuchpurpose,apartofitmaydevotedto
othernecessaryuses,thereseldombeingtoomuchshelterofthiskindonafarm
throughtherearwallofthiswoodhouseleadsadoorintothegarden,orclothesyard,
asthecasemaybeandatitsextremeangleisawatercloset,64feet,bywayof
leanto,withahippedroof,8feethigh,runningofffromboththewoodhouseand
workshop.Thiswaterclosetislightedbyaslidingsashwindow.
Ontothewoodhouse,inacontinuousfrontline,joinstheworkshop,an
indispensableappendagetofarmconvenience.Thishasaflightofstairsleadingtothe
lumberroomabove.Forthefurnishingofthisapartment,seedescriptionofDesignI.
Nexttotheworkhouseisthewagonandtoolhouse,abovewhichisthehayloft,also
spreadoverthestableadjoininginwhichlastarestallsforapairofhorses,which
mayberequiredforusesotherthanthemainlaborsofthefarmtoruntomarket,
carrythefamilytochurch,orelsewhere.Apairofhorsesforsuchpurposesshould
alwaysbekeptnearthehouse.Thehorsestallsoccupyaspaceof1012feet,with
racksandfeedingboxes.Theplansofthesewillbedescribedhereafter.Thedoor
leadingoutfromthesestallsis5feetwide,andfacesthepartition,sothateachhorse
maybeledoutorinataneasyanglefromthem.Beyondthestallsisapassage4feet
wide,leadingtoastoreroomorarea,fromwhichaflightofroughstairsleadstothe
hayloftabove.Beyondthisroom,inwhichistheoatbinforthehorses,isasmall
piggery,fortheconvenienceofapigortwo,whicharealwaysrequiredtoconsume
thedailywashandoffalofthehouseandnotforthegeneralporkstockofthefarm
which,ononeofthissize,maybeexpectedtorequiremorecommodiousquarters.
93
Thechamberplanofthishouseiscommodious,furnishingonelargeroomandthree
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smallerones.Thesmallchamberleadingtothedeckovertheporch,may,ormaynot
beoccupiedasasleepingroom.Thesmallonenearthestairsmaycontainasingle
bed,orbeoccupiedasalargeclothescloset.Throughthis,adoorleadsintothe
kitchenchamber,whichmayserveasone,ormorelaborers'bedchambers.Theymay
belightedbyoneormorewindowsinthereargable.
Ifmoreconvenienttothefamily,theparlorandsittingroom,alreadydescribed,may
changetheiroccupation,andonesubstitutedfortheother.
Themainbusinessapproachtothishouseshouldbebyalane,orfarmroadopening
onthesidenextthestableandwagonhouse.Theyard,infrontoftheselastnamed
buildings,shouldbeseparatedfromthelawn,orfrontdooryardofthedwelling.The
establishmentshouldstandsomedistancebackfromthetraveledhighway,andbe
decoratedwithsuchtrees,shrubbery,andcultivation,asthetasteoftheownermay
direct.Nogeneralrulesordirectionscanbeapplicabletothisdesignbeyondwhat
havealreadybeengivenandthesubjectmustbetreatedascircumstancesmay
suggest.Theunfrequentedsideofthehouseshould,however,beflankedwitha
garden,eitherornamental,orfruitandvegetableasbuildingsofthischaracterought
tocommandacorrespondingshareofattentionwiththegroundsbywhichtheyare
surrounded.
94
Thishousewillappearequallywellbuiltofwood,brick,orstone.Itscost,according
tomaterials,orfinish,maybe$1,000or$1,500.Theoutbuildingsattached,willadd
$400to$600,withthesameconditionsastofinishbutthewholemaybe
substantiallyandwellbuiltofeitherstone,brick,orwood,whereeachmaybehadat
equalconvenience,for$2,000intheinteriorofNewYork.Ofcourse,itisintendedto
doalltheworkplain,andincharacterfortheoccupationtowhichitisintended.
95
MISCELLANEOUSDETAILS.
Atthispointofourremarksawordortwomaybeofferedonthegeneralsubjectof
insidefinishtofarmhouses,whichmaybeapplicablemoreorlesstoanyone,orall
ofthedesignsthatmaycomeunderourobservationthereforewhatisheresaid,may
beappliedatlarge.DifferentsectionsoftheUnitedStateshavetheirownseveral
localnotions,orpreferencesastothemodeoffinishtotheirhousesandout
buildings,accordingtoclimate,education,orothercircumstances.Inallthesematters
neithertaste,fashion,norclimateshouldbearbitrary.Themanneroffinishmaybe
various,withoutanydeparturefromtruthorproprietyalwayskeepinginmindthe
objectforwhichitisintended.Thematerialforacountryhouseshouldbestrong,and
durable,andtheworksimpleinitsdetails,beyondthatforeithertownorsuburban
houses.Itshouldbestrong,forthereasonthattheinteriorofthefarmhouseisused
forpurposesofindustry,infinishingupandperfectingthelaborsofthefarmlabors
indispensabletoo,andinamountbeyondtheordinaryhousekeepingrequirementsofa
familywhohavelittletodobutmerelytolive,andmakethemselvescomfortable.The
materialshouldbedurable,becausethedistanceatwhichthefarmhouseisusually
locatedfromtheresidencesofbuildingmechanics,rendersitparticularlytroublesome
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andexpensivetomakerepairs,andalterations.Theworkshouldbesimple,because
cheaperinthefirstplace,inconstruction,andfinishquiteasappropriateand
satisfactoryinappearanceanddemandinginfinitelylesslaborandpainstocarefor,
andprotectitafterward.Thereforeallmouldings,architraves,chiselwork,and
gewgawgeryininteriorfinishshouldbeletaloneinthelivinganddailyoccupied
roomsofthehouse.If,toasingleparlor,orsparebedchamberalittleornamental
workbepermitted,leteventhatbeinmoderation,andjustenoughtoteachtheactive
mistressandherdaughterswhataworldofscrubbingandelbowworktheyhave
savedthemselvesintheenjoymentofaplainlyfinishedhouse,insteadofonefullof
gingerbreadworkandfinery.Nonebuttheinitiatedcantelltheafflictionthatchiseled
finishingentailsonhousekeepersinthespider,fly,andotherinsectlodgmentwhichit
invitesfrequentlythecauseofmoreannoyanceanddailydisquietudein
housekeeping,becauseunnecessary,thanrealgriefsfromwhichwemaynotexpectto
escape.Bases,casings,sashes,doorsallshouldbeplain,andpaintedorstaineda
quietrussetcoloracolornaturaltothewoodsusedforthefinish,ifitcanbe,
showing,intheirwear,aslittleofdust,soiling,andflydirtaspossible.Thereisno
poetryaboutcommonhousekeeping.Cooking,housecleaning,washing,scrubbing,
sweeping,arealtogethermatteroffactduties,andusuallyconsideredwork,not
recreationandtheseshouldallbemadeeasyofperformance,andasseldomtobe
doneaspossiblealthoughthefirstitemalwayswas,andalwayswillbe,andthelast
itemshouldbe,aneverydayvocationforsomebodyandthemannerofinsidefinish
toahousehasagreatdealtodowithalltheselabors.
Inastone,orbrickhouse,theinsidewallsshouldbefirredoffforplastering.This
maybedoneeitherby"plugging,"thatis,drivingaplugofwoodstronglyintothe
mortarcourses,intowhichthefirringshouldbenailed,orbylayingastripofthin
boardinthemortarcourse,theentirelengthofeachwall.Thisisbetterthanblocks
laidinforsuchpurpose,becauseitiseffectuallyboundbythestone,orbrickwork
whereas,ablockmaygetloosebyshrinking,butthenailswhichholdthefirringto
theplug,ortothethinstripofboardwillsplitandwedgeitclosertothemasonwork
oftheoutsidewall.Thisisanimportantitem.Itmakescloseworktoo,andleavesno
roomforrats,mice,orotherverminandasitadmitsaspacenomatterhowthin
sothatnooutsidedampfromthewallscancommunicateinto,orthroughtheinner
plastering,itanswersallpurposes.Theinside,andpartitionwallsshouldbeofcoarse,
strongmortar,floatedoffassmoothlyasmaybe,notahardfinish,whichisfine,and
costlyandthenpaperedthroughoutforthebetterrooms,andthecommonlyused
roomswhitewashed.Papergivesamostcomfortablelooktotherooms,moresothan
paint,andmuchlessexpensive,whilenothingissosweet,tidy,andcheerfultothe
workingroomsofthehouseasalimewash,eitherwhite,orsofteneddownwithsome
agreeabletint,suchaslightblue,green,drab,fawn,orrusset,togivetheshade
desired,andforwhicheveryprofessionalpainterandwhitewasherinthevicinity,can
furnishaproperrecipeapplicabletotheplaceandclimate.Onsuchsubjectswe
choosetoprescribe,ratherthantoplaytheapothecarybygivinganyofthethousand
andonerecipesextant,forthecomposition.
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98
Ourremarksuponthestrengthanddurabilityofmaterialinhousebuildingdonot
applyexclusivelytobrickandstone.Woodisincludedalsoandofthis,thereismuch
differenceinthekind.Soundwhiteoak,is,perhapsthebestmaterialfortheheavy
frameworkofanyhouseoroutbuilding,andwhentobehadatamoderateexpense,
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wewouldrecommenditinpreferencetoanyother.Ifwhiteoakcannotbehad,the
othervarietiesofoak,orchesnutarethenextbest.Inlightframetimbers,suchas
studs,girts,joists,orrafters,oakisinclinedtospringandwarp,andwewouldprefer
hemlock,orchesnut,whichholdsanailequallyaswell,or,initsabsence,pine,
(whichholdsanailbadly,)whitewood,orblackwalnut.Theoutsidefinishtoa
woodenhouse,maybelighterthaninoneofstoneorbrick.Thewoodworkonthe
outsideofthelattershouldalwaysbeheavy,andincharacterwiththewalls,givingan
airoffirmnessandstabilitytothewholestructure.Noelaboratecarving,orbeadwork
shouldbepermittedontheoutsideworkofacountryhouseatallandonlya
sufficientquantityofornamentaltraceryofanykind,tobreakthemonotonyofa
plainnessthatwouldotherwisegiveitaformal,oruncouthexpression,andrelieveit
ofwhatsomewouldconsiderapasteboardlook.Afarmhouse,infact,ofanydegree,
eithercheaporexpensive,shouldwearthesameappearanceasawelldressedperson
ofeithersexsothatastranger,notlookingatthemforthepurposeofinspectingtheir
garb,should,afteraninterview,beunabletotellwhatparticularsortofdressthey
wore,soperfectlyinkeepingwasitwithpropriety.
Inthedesignnowunderdiscussion,acellarismadeunderthewholebodyofthe
houseandthiscellarisashallowone,sofarasbeingsunkintothegroundis
concerned,say5feet,leaving2feetofcellarwallaboveground8feetinall.
Apartofthewallabovegroundshouldbecoveredbytheexcavatedearth,andsloped
offtoalevelwiththesurroundingsurface.Acommodious,welllighted,andwell
ventilatedcellarisoneofthemostimportantapartmentsofthefarmhouse.Itshould,
ifthesoilbecompact,bewelldrainedfromsomepointorcornerwithinthewallsinto
alowerleveloutside,towhichpointwithin,thewholefloorsurfaceshouldincline,
andthebottombeflooredwithwaterlimecement.Thiswillmakeithard,durable,
anddry.Itmaythenbewashedandscrubbedoffaseasilyasanupperfloor.Ifthe
buildingsitebehigh,andinagravelly,orsandysoil,neitherdrainnorflooringwillbe
required.Thecellarmaybeusedforthestorageofrootcrops,apples,meats,and
householdvegetables.Apartitionedroomwillaccommodateeitherasummerora
winterdairy,ifnototherwiseprovided,andamultitudeofconveniencesmaybemade
ofitinallwellarrangedfarmeries.Butinallcasesthecellarshouldbewelllighted,
ventilated,anddry.Eventheashhouseandsmokehousemaybemadeinitwith
perfectconvenience,bybrickorstonepartitions,andthesmokehousefluebecarried
upintooneofthechimneyfluesabove,andthusmakeamoresnugandcompact
arrangementthantohaveseparatebuildingsforthoseobjects.Awashroom,in
which,also,thesoapmaybemade,thetallowandlardtriedup,andother
extraordinarylaborwhenfireheatistobeused,mayproperlybemadeinacellar,
particularlywhenonaslopingground,andeasyofaccesstothegroundlevelonone
side.But,asageneralrule,suchroomisbetteronalevelwiththemainfloorofthe
dwelling,andthereareusuallysufficientoccupationsforthecellarwithoutthem.
99
100
Allcellarwallsshouldbeatleast18inchesthick,forevenawoodenhouse,andfrom
thatto2feetforastoneorbrickone,andwelllaidinstronglimemortar.Unmortared
cellarwallsarefrequentlylaidunderwoodenbuildings,andpointedwithlimemortar
insidebutthisissometimesdugoutbyrats,andisapttocrumbleandfallout
otherwise.Acompletecellarwallshouldbethoroughlylaidinmortar.
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(101)
(102)
FAR M HOUSE
Pages101102.
largerview
103
DESIGNIII.
Weherepresentthereaderwithasubstantial,plain,yethighlyrespectablestoneor
brickfarmhouse,ofthesecondclass,suitableforanestateofthree,tofivehundred
acres,andaccommodationforafamilyofadozenormorepersons.Thestyleismixed
ruralGothic,Italian,andbracketedyetinkeepingwiththecharacterofthefarm,and
thefarmer'sstandingandoccupation.
Themainbodyofthishouseis4224feetontheground,andoneandthreequarter
storieshighthechambersrunningtwoorthreefeetintotheroof,aschoiceor
conveniencemaydirect.Theroofhasapitchof30to40fromahorizontalline,and
broadlyspreadoverthewalls,saytwoandahalffeet,showingtheendsoftherafters,
bracketfashion.Thechimneyspassoutthroughthepeakoftheroof,wherethehipsof
whatwouldotherwisebethegables,connectwiththelongsidesoftheroofcovering
thefrontandrear.Onthelongfrontispartlyseen,intheperspective,aportico,1610
feetnotthechiefentrancefront,butratherasidefront,practically,whichleadsinto
alawnorgarden,asmaybemostdesirable,andfromwhichthebestviewfromthe
houseiscommanded.Overthisporchisasmallgablerunningintotheroof,tobreak
itsmonotony,inwhichisadoorwindowleadingfromtheupperhallontothedeckof
theporch.Thisgablehasthesamefinishasthemainroof,bybrackets.Thechamber
windowsaretwothirdsorthreequartersthesizeoftheloweronesthusshowingthe
upperstorynotfullheightbelowtheplates,butrunningtwotofourfeetintothe
garret.Therearwing,containingtheentranceorbusinessfront,is2432feet,oneand
ahalfstorieshigh,withapitchofroofnotlessthan35,andspreadoverthewalls
bothattheeavesandgable,inthesameproportionastherooftothemainbody.In
frontofthisisaporchorverandaeightfeetwide,withalow,hippedroof.Inthefront
andrearroofsofthiswingisadormerwindow,tolightthechambers.Thegableto
thiswingisbold,andgivesitcharacterbythebreadthofitsroofoverthewalls,and
thestrongbracketsbywhichitissupported.Thechimneyisthrownupstrongand
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boldlyatthepointoftheroof,indicatingtheeverydayusesofthefireplacesbelow,
which,althoughdistinctandwideapartintheirlocationonthegroundfloors,are
drawntogetherinthechambers,thusshowingonlyoneescapethroughtheroof.
Thewoodhouseintherearofthewinghasaroofofthesamecharacter,andconnects
withthelongbuildingintherear,whichhasthesamedescriptionofroof,buthipped
atoneend.Thatendovertheworkshop,andnextthewoodhouse,showsaboldgable
likethewingofthehouse,andaffordsroomandlighttothelumberroomoverthe
shop,andalsogivesvarietyandrelieftotheotherwisetoogreatsamenessofroof
appearanceonthefurthersideoftheestablishment.
105
Plansinoriginalposition
(noteorientationofchamberfloorplan)
106
Ashasbeenremarked,themainentrancefronttothishouseisfromthewingveranda,
fromwhichawellfinishedandsizeabledoorleadsintotheprincipalhall,248feetin
area,andlightedbyafullsizedwindowatthefrontend.Oppositetheentrancedooris
thedoorleadingintotheparlorandfartheralongisthestaircase,undertheupper
landingofwhichadoorleadsintoadiningorsittingroom,asmaybedetermined.
Thishallis10feethigh,asarealltheroomsofthislowermainstory.Inthechimney,
whichadjoinstheparlorsideofthishall,maybeinsertedathimbleforahall
stovepipe,ifthismethodofwarmingshouldbeadopted.Theparlor,intowhichadoor
leadsfromthehall,is1816feet,withtwowindowsontheside,shownin
perspective,andoneonthefrontfacingthelawn,orgarden.Ithasalsoafireplace
nearthehalldoor.Atthefurtherangleisadoorleadingtoanentryorpassageonto
theportico.Eistheentryjustmentioned,sixfeetsquare,andlightedbyashortsash,
onelightdeep,overtheoutsidedoor.Thisporticomaybemadeapleasantsummer
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afternoonandeveningresortforthefamily,bywhichtheoccupiedroomsconnect
withthelawnorgarden,thusaddingtoitsretiredandprivatecharacter.
Oppositetheparlor,ontheothersideofthisentry,adoorleadsintoaroom1812
feet,whichmaybeoccupiedasafamilybedroom,library,orsmallsittingroom.This
islightedbytwowindows,andhasaclosetof65feet.Afireplaceisontheinner
sideofthisroomandneartothat,adoorconnectswithadiningroomofthesame
size,havingawindowinoneend,andafireplace,andclosetofthesamesizeasthe
last.Throughtherearwallisadoorleadingintoapantry,whichalsocommunicates
withthekitchenandanotherdoorleadstothehall,andfromthehall,underthe
staircases,(which,atthatpoint,aresufficientlyhighforthepurpose,)isapassage
leadingtothekitchen.
Underthewingveranda,nearthepointofintersectionofthewingwiththemainbody
ofthehouse,isaneverydayouterdoor,leadingintoasmallentry,65feet,and
lightedbyalow,onesashwindowoverthedoor.Byanotherdoor,thisleadstothe
kitchen,orfamilyroom,whichislightedbythreewindows.Anamplefireplace,with
oven,&c.,accommodatesthisroomattheend.Acloset,75feet,alsostandsnextto
theentryandbeyondthat,anopenpassage,totheleft,leadingoutunderthefront
hallstairstotheroomsofthemainbuilding.Adooralsoleadsfromthatpassageinto
abestpantry,forchoicecrockery,sweetmeats,andteatablecomforts.Anotherdoor,
nearthelast,leadsintoadairyormilkroom,98feet,beyondthepassageinwhich
last,also,maybeplacedatierofnarrowshelves.Thismilk,ordairyroom,islighted
byawindowintheend,andconnectsalso,byadoorintheside,withtheouter
kitchen,orwashroom.Nexttothismilkroomdoor,inthefrontkitchen,isanother
doorleadingdowncellarandthroughthisdoor,passingbytheupper,broadstairof
theflightofcellarsteps,isanotherdoorintothewashroom.Atthefartherangleof
thekitchenisstillanotherdoor,openingintoapassagefourfeetwideand,inthat
passage,adoorleadingupaflightofstairsintothewingchambers.Thispassage
opensintothebackkitchen,orwashroom,1616feetinarea,andlightedbytwo
windows,oneofwhichlooksintothewoodhouse.Inthiswashroomisachimney
withboilersandfireplace,asmayberequired.Thecellarandchamberstairs,andthe
milkroomarealsoaccessibledirect,bydoorsleadingfromthiswashroom.
Thechamberplanwillbereadilyunderstood,andrequiresnoparticulardescription.
Thespaceoverthewingmaybepartitionedoffaccordingtotheplan,orleftmore
openfortheaccommodationofthe"workfolks,"asoccasionmaydemand.But,as
thisdwellingisintendedforsubstantialpeople,"welltodointheworld,"andwho
extendageneroushospitalitytotheirfriends,aliberalprovisionofsleepingchambers
isgiventothemainbodyofthehouse.Theparlorchamber,whichisthebest,or
spareone,is1816feet,withroomysideclosets.Besidesthis,areotherroomsfor
thedaughtersSally,andNancy,andFanny,andpossiblyMaryandElizabethwho
wanttheirownchambers,whichtheykeepsocleanandtidy,withclosetsfullofnice
bedclothes,tablelinen,towels,&c.,&c.,forcertaineventsnotyetwhisperedof,but
quitesuretocomeround.AndthenthereareFrederick,andRobert,andGeorge,fine
stalwartboyscomingintomanhood,intendingtobe"somebodyintheworld,"one
dayoranothertheymusthavetheirroomsandgoodonestoofor,ifanypeopleare
tobewelllodged,whynotthosewhotoilforit?Allsuchaccommodationeveryfarm
houseofthischaractershouldafford.Andweneednotgofar,orlooksharp,toseethe
bestmenandthebestwomeninourstateandnationgraduatingfromthewholesome
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farmhousethustidilyandamplyprovided.Howdelightfullylookthefaroff
mountains,orthenearerplains,orprairies,fromthelawnporchofthissnugfarm
house!Thedistantlaketheshiningriver,singingawaythroughthevalleyorthe
wimplingbrook,stealingthroughthemeadow!Aye,enjoythemall,fortheyareGod's
best,richestgifts,andwearemadetolovethem.
Thewoodhousestrikesofffromthebackkitchen,retreatingtwofeetfromitsgable
wall,andis3614feetinsize.Abathingroommaybepartitionedoff86feet,onthe
rearcornernextthewashroom,ifrequired,althoughnotlaiddownintheplan.Atthe
furtherendisthewatercloset,64feet.Or,ifthesizeandconvenienceofthefamily
requireit,apartofthewoodhousemaybepartitionedoffforawashroom,from
whichachimneymaypassupthroughthepeakoftheroof.Ifso,carryitupsohigh
thatitwillbeabovetheeddythatthewindmaymakeinpassingovertheadjoining
wing,notcausingittosmokefromthatcause.
Atthefarendofthewoodhouseistheworkshopandtoolhouse,1816feet,lighted
bytwowindows,andadoortoenteritfrombeneaththewoodhouse.Overthis,isthe
lumberandstoreroom.
Nexttothisistheswillroomandpigstyforthehousepigs,asdescribedinthelast
designandoveritaloftforfarmseeds,smallgrains,andanyotherstoragerequired.
110
Adjoiningthisisthewagonandcarriagehouseandabove,thehayloft,stretching,
also,partlyoverthestablewhichstandsnext,withtwostalls,125feeteach,witha
flightofstairsleadingtotheloft,inthepassagenextthedoor.Inthisloftareswinging
windows,toletinhayforthehorses.
Thiscompletesthehouseholdestablishment,andweleavethesurroundingstothe
correctjudgmentandgoodtasteoftheproprietortocomplete,asitsposition,andthe
varietyofobjectswithwhichitmaybeconnected,requires.
Stoneandbrickwehavementionedasthepropermaterialsforthishousebutitmay
bealsobuiltofwood,ifmorewithinthemeansandlimitsofthebuilder.Thereshould
benopinchinginitsproportions,buteverypartcarriedoutinitsfullbreadthand
effect.
Thecostofthewholeestablishmentmaybefrom$2,000,to$3,000depending
somewhatuponthematerialused,andthefinishputuponit.Thefirstnamedsum
wouldbuildthewholeinaneconomicalandplainmanner,whilethelatterwould
completeitamplyinitsdetails.
111
Itmaybeanobjectioninthemindsofsomepersonstothevariousplanshere
submitted,thatwehaveconnectedtheoutbuildingsimmediatelywiththeofficesof
thedwellingitself.Wearewellawarethatsuchisnotalwaysusualbutmanyyears
observationhaveconvincedus,thatintheiruseandoccupation,suchconnectionis
altogetherthemostconvenientandeconomical.Theonlydrawbackisinthecaseof
firewhich,ifitoccurinanyonebuilding,thewholeestablishmentisliabletobe
consumed.Thisobjectionisconcededbutwetakeit,thatitisthebusinessofevery
onenotabletobehisowninsurer,tohavehisbuildingsinsuredbyothersandthe
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additionalcostofthisinsuranceisnotatitheofwhattheextraexpenseoftime,labor,
andexposureiscausedtothefamilybyhavingtheoutbuildingsdisconnected,andat
afireproofdistancefromeachother.Therehas,too,intheseparationoftheseout
buildings,(wedonotnowspeakofbarns,andhousesforthestock,andthefarmwork
proper,)fromthemaindwelling,creptintotheconstructionofsuchdwellings,by
modernbuilders,somethings,whichinacountryestablishment,particularly,ought
nevertobethere,suchasprivies,orwaterclosets,astheyaremoregenteellycalled.
Theselast,inourestimation,havenobusinessinafarmer'shouse.Theyarean
effeminacy,only,andintroducedbycitylife.Anappendagetheyshouldbe,but
separatedtosomedistancefromthelivingrooms,andaccessiblebysheltered
passagestothem.Thewoodhouseshouldadjointheouterkitchen,becausethefuel
shouldalwaysbehandy,andtheouterkitchen,orwashroomisasortofsloproom,
ofnecessityandthenightwood,andthatforthemorningfiresmaybedepositedinit
forimmediateuse.Theworkshop,andsmalltoolhousenaturallycomesnexttothat,
asbeingchieflyusedinstormyweather.Nexttothislast,would,moreconveniently,
comethecarriageorwagonhouse,andofcourseastableforahorseortwoforfamily
use,alwaysaccessibleatnight,andconvenientatunseasonablehoursforfarmlabor.
Inthesamecloseneighborhood,also,shouldbeasmallpigsty,toaccommodateapig
ortwo,toeatupthekitchenslopsfromthetable,refusevegetables,parings,
dishwater,&c.,&c.,whichcouldnotwellbecarriedtothemainpiggeryofthefarm,
unlesstheoldfashionedfilthymodeoflettingthehogsrunintheroad,andatrough
setoutsidethedooryardfence,asseeninsomepartsofthecountry,wereadopted.
Apigcanalwaysbekept,andfattedinthreeorfourmonths,fromthewashofthe
house,withalittlegrain,inanywellregulatedfarmer'sfamily.Afewfowlsmayalso
bekeptinaconvenienthenhouse,ifdesired,withoutoffenceallconstitutingapart
ofthehouseholdeconomyoftheplace.
Theseoutbuildingstoo,giveacomfortable,domesticlooktothewholeconcern.
Eachonesheltersandprotectstheother,andgivesanairofcomfortandreposetothe
wholeafamilyexpressionallround.Whatsonakedandchillingtothefeelings,as
toseeacountrydwellinghouseallperkedup,byitself,standing,literally,outof
doors,withoutanydependenciesaboutit?No,no.Firstshouldstandthehouse,the
chiefstructure,intheforegroundappendanttothat,thekitchenwingnextingrade,
thewoodhousecoveringin,also,theminorofficesofthehouse.Thenbywayof
settingup,partiallyontheirownaccount,shouldcometheworkshop,carriagehouse,
andstable,aspracticallyhavingaseparatecharacter,butstillsubordinatetothehouse
anditsrequirementsandthesetoo,mayhavetheirpiggeryandhenhouse,bywayof
taperingofftotheadjoiningfence,whichenclosesakitchengarden,orfamily
orchard.Thus,eachstructureisappropriateinitswayandtogether,theyforma
combinationgratefultothesight,asacompleteruralpicture.Allobjections,on
accountoffilthorvermin,tothisconnection,mayberemovedbyacleanlykeepingof
thepremisesaremovalofalloffalimmediatelyasitismade,anddailyorweekly
takingitontothemanureheapsofthebarns,ordepositingitatonceonthegrounds
whereitisrequired.Inpointofhealth,nothingismorecongenialtosoundphysical
conditionthantheoccasionalsmellofastable,orthebreathofacow,notwithinthe
immediatecontiguitytotheoccupiedroomsofthedwelling.Onthescoreofneatness,
therefore,aswehaveplacedthem,nobarcanberaisedtotheiradoption.
112
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(115)
(116)
FAR M HOUSE.
Pages115116.
largerview
114
DESIGNIV.
Thisisperhapsamoreambitioushousethaneitherofthepreceding,althoughitmay
beadaptedtoadomainofthesameextentandvalue.Itisplainandunpretendingin
appearanceyet,initsamplefinish,anddeeplydrawn,shelteringeaves,broad
veranda,andspaciousoutbuildings,maygiveaccommodationtoalargerfamily
indulgingamoreliberalstyleoflivingthanthelast.
Byanerrorintheengraving,themainroofofthehouseismadetoappearlikea
double,orgambrelroof,breakingattheintersectionofthegable,orhangingroof
overtheends.Thisisnotsointended.Theroofsoneachsideareastraightlineof
rafters.TheSwiss,orhangingstyleofgableroofisdesignedtogiveamoresheltered
effecttotheelevationthantoruntheendwallstoapeakinthepointoftheroof.
Byadefectinthedrawing,theroofoftheverandaisnotsufficientlythrownoverthe
columns.Thisroofshouldprojectatleastonefootbeyondthem,soastoperfectly
shelterthemouldingsbeneathfromtheweather,andconformtothestyleofthemain
roofofthehouse.
Thematerialofwhichitisbuiltmaybeofeitherstone,brick,orwood,asthetasteor
convenienceoftheproprietormaysuggest.Themainbuildingis4436feet,onthe
ground.Thecellarwallmayshow18to24inchesabovetheground,andbepierced
bywindowsineachend,asshownintheplan.Theheightofthemainwallsmaybe
twofullstoriesbelowtheroofplates,orthechambersmayrunafootortwointothe
garret,atthechoiceofthebuilder,eitherofwhicharrangementsmaybepermitted.
117
Thefrontdooropensfromaveranda28feetlongby10feetindepth,droppingeight
inchesfromthedoorsill.Thisverandahasahippedroof,whichjutsoverthecolumns
indueproportionwiththeroofofthehouseoveritswalls.Thesecolumnsareplain,
withbrackets,orbracesfromneartheirtops,sustainingtheplateandfinishoftheroof
above,whichmaybecoveredeitherwithtinorzinc,painted,orcloselyshingled.
Thewallsofthehousemaybe18to20feethighbelowtheplatestheroofapitchof
30to45,whichwillaffordanuppergarret,orstore,orsmallsleepingrooms,if
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requiredandtheeavesshouldprojecttwotothreefeet,asclimatemaydemand,over
thewalls.Aplainfinishthatis,ceiledunderneathisshowninthedesign,but
bracketsontheendsoftherafters,beadedandfinished,maybeshown,ifpreferred.
ThegablesareSwissroofed,ortruncated,thusgivingthemamostshelteredand
comfortableappearance,particularlyinanortherlyclimate.Thesmallgableinfront
relievestheroofofitsmonotony,andaffordslighttothecentralgarret.Thechimneys
arecarriedoutwithpartitionflues,andmaybetoppedwithsquarecaps,asnecessity
ortastemaydemand.
Retreatingthreefeetfromthekitchensideofthehouseruns,atrightangles,awing
3018feet,oneandahalfstorieshigh,withaverandaeightfeetwideinfront.Nextin
rearofthis,continuesawoodhouse,3018feet,onestoryhigh,withtenfeetposts,
andopeninfront,thegroundlevelofwhichis18inchesbelowthefloorofthewing
towhichitisattached.Theroofofthesetwoisoflikecharacterwiththatofthemain
building.
118
Adjoiningthiswoodhouse,andatrightangleswithit,isabuilding6818feet,
projectingtwofeetoutsidethelineofwoodhouseandkitchen.Thisbuildingisone
andahalfstorieshigh,with12feetposts,androofinthesamestyleandofequal
pitchastheothers.
Thefrontdoorfrom
theverandaofthe
houseopensintoahall,
188feet,and11feet
high,amplylightedby
sashwindowsonthe
sides,andoverthedoor.Fromtherearofthishallrunsaflightofeasystairs,intothe
upperorchamberhall.Ononesideofthelowerhall,adoorleadsintoaparlor,18feet
square,and11feethigh,lightedbythreewindows,andwarmedbyanopenstove,or
fireplace,thepipepassingintoachimneyflueintherear.Adoorpassesfromthis
parlorintoarearpassage,orentry,thusgivingitaccesstothekitchenandrear
apartments.Atthebackendofthefronthall,adoorleadsintotherearpassageand
kitchenandonthesideoppositetheparlor,adooropensintothesittingorfamily
room,1816feetinarea,havinganopenfireplace,andthreewindows.Onthehall
sideofthisroom,adoorpassesintothekitchen,2216feet,andwhichmay,incase
therequirementsofthefamilydemandit,bemadethechieffamilyorlivingroom,
andthelastonedescribedconvertedintoalibrary.Inthiskitchen,whichislightedby
twowindows,isaliberalopenfireplace,withanampleovenbyitsside,andasinkin
theoutercorner.Aflightofstairs,also,leadstotherearchambersaboveanda
correspondingflight,underthem,tothecellarbelow.Adoorateachendofthese
stairs,leadsintothebackentryofthehouse,andthustotheotherinteriorrooms,or
throughtherearouterdoortothebackporch.Thisbackentryislightedbyasingle
sashwindowovertheoutsidedoorleadingtotheporch.Anotherdoor,oppositethat
leadingdowncellar,opensintothepassagethroughthewing.Fromtherearhall,
whichis165feet,theinnermostpassageleadsintoafamilybedroom,ornursery,
1614feet,lightedbyawindowineachoutsidewall,andwarmedbyanopen
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fireplace,orstove,atpleasure.Attachedto
thisbedroomisaclothescloset,84feet,
withshelves,anddrawers.Nexttheouter
door,inrearendofthehall,isasmall
closetopeningfromit,64feetin
dimensions,convertibletoanyusewhich
themistressofthehousemaydirect.
Openingintothewingfromthekitchen,
first,isalargeclosetandpantry,supplied
withatable,drawers,andshelves,inwhich
arestoredthedishes,tablefurniture,and
ediblesnecessarytobekeptatamoment's
access.Thisroomis148feet,andwell
lightedbyawindowofconvenientsize.If
necessary,thisroommayhaveapartition,
shuttingoffapartfromtheeverydayuses
whichthefamilyrequires.Inthisroom,so
neartothekitchen,tothesink,tohot
water,andtheotherlittledomestic
accessorieswhichgoodhousewivesknow
sowellhowtoarrangeandappreciate,all
thenicelittletablecomfortscanbegotup,
andperfected,andstoredaway,underlock
andkey,indrawer,tub,orjar,attheir
discretion,andstilltheireyesnotbeaway
fromtheirsubordinatesintheother
departments.Nexttothis,andconnectedby
adoor,isthedairy,ormilkroom,also
GROUNDPLAN.
148feetwhich,ifnecessary,maybesunk
threeorfourfeetintotheground,foradditionalcoolnessinthe
summerseason,andthefloorreachedbysteps.Inthisare
ampleshelvesforthemilkpans,conveniencesofchurning,
&c.,&c.But,ifthedairybeaprominentobjectofthefarm,
aseparateestablishmentwillberequired,andtheexcavation
maynotbenecessaryforordinaryhouseholduses.Outofthis
milkroom,adoorleadsintoawashroom,1814feet.
Apassagefromthekitchenalsoleadsintothis.Thewash
roomislightedbytwowindowsinrear,andoneinfront.Asinkisbetweenthetwo
rearwindows,withconductorleadingoutside,andaclosetbeneathit,fortheiron
ware.Inthechimney,attheend,areboilers,andafireplace,anoven,oranythingelse
required,andadoorleadingtoaplatforminthewoodhouse,andsointotheyard.On
theothersideofthechimney,adoorleadsintoabathingroom,76feet,intowhich
hotwaterisdrawnfromoneoftheboilersadjoining,andcoldwatermaybe
introduced,byahandpump,throughapipeleadingintothewellorcistern.
122
Asnomoreconvenientopportunitymaypresentitself,awordortwowillbe
suggestedastothelocationofthebathroominacountryhouse.Incityhouses,or
countryhousesdesignedforthesummeroccupancyofcitydwellers,thebathing
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roomsareusuallyplacedinthesecondor
chamberstory,andthewaterfortheir
supplyisdrawnfromcisternsstillabove
them.Thisarrangement,incityhouses,is
madechieflyfromthewantofroomonthe
groundfloorand,also,thusarrangedinthe
citycountryhouses,becausetheyareso
constructedinthecity.Inthefarmhouse,
orinthecountryhouseproper,occupiedby
whomitmaybe,sucharrangementis
unnecessary,expensive,andinconvenient.
Unnecessary,becausethereisnowantof
roomonthegroundexpensive,becausean
uppercisternisalwaysliabletoleakages,
CHAMBERPLAN.
andaconsequentwastageofwater,wetting,
androttingoutthefloors,andallthesloppinganddrippingwhichsuchaccidents
occasionandinconvenient,fromthecontinualupanddownstairlaborofthosewho
occupythebath,tosaynothingofthepiercingthewallsofthehouse,forthe
admissionofpipestoleadinandletoutthewater,andthethousandandone
vexations,bywayofplumbers'bills,andexpenseofgettingtoandfromthehouse
itself,alwaysadistanceofsomemilesfromthemechanic.
123
Theonlydefenceforsuchlocationofthebathroomandcisternsis,theconvenience
andprivacyofaccesstothem,bythefemalesofthefamily.Thiscountsbutlittle,if
anything,overtheplaceappropriatedinthis,andthesucceedingdesignsofthiswork.
Theaccessisalmost,ifnotquiteasprivateastheother,and,incaseofillhealth,as
easilyapproachabletoinvalids.Andonthescoreofeconomyinconstruction,repair,
oraccident,theplanhereadoptedisaltogetherpreferable.Inthisplan,thewateris
drawnfromtheboilerbytheturningofacockthatfromthecistern,byaminute's
laborwiththehandpump.Itisletoffbythedrawingofaplug,anddischarges,bya
shortpipe,intotheadjoininggarden,orgrassplat,tomoistenandinvigoratethetrees
andplantswhichrequireit,andthewholeaffairiscleanandsweetagain.Ascreenfor
thewindowgivesalltheprivacyrequired,andthemostfastidious,shrinkingfemaleis
asretiredasintheshadiestnookofherdressingroom.
Sowithwaterclosets.Afashionprevailsofthrustingthesenoisomethingsintothe
midstofsleepingchambersandlivingroomspanderingtoeffeminacy,and,attimes,
surchargingthehousefortheycannot,atalltimes,andunderallcircumstances,be
keptperfectlyclosewiththeiroffensiveodor.Outofthehousetheybelongandif
they,byanymeans,findtheirwaywithinitswallsproper,thefaultwillnotbelaidat
ourdoor.
124
Togetbacktoourdescription.Thisbathingroomoccupiesacornerofthewood
house.
Araisedplatformpassesfromthewashroomin,pastthebathroom,toawater
closet,whichmaybedividedintotwoapartments,ifdesirable.Thevaultsare
accessiblefromtherear,forcleaningout,orintroducinglime,gypsum,powdered
charcoal,orotherdeodorizingmaterial.Attheextremecornerofthewoodhouse,
adooropensintoafeedandswillroom,208feet,whichisreachedbysteps,and
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standsquiteeighteeninchesabovethegroundlevel,onastoneunderpinning,orwith
astonecellarbeneath,forthestorageofrootsinwinter.Inonecornerofthisisa
boilerandchimney,forcookingfoodforthepigsandchickens.Adoorleadsfrom
thisroomintothepiggery,2012feet,wherehalfadozenswinemaybekept.Adoor
leadsfromthispenintoayard,intherear,wheretheywillbelessoffensivethanif
confinedwithin.Ifnecessary,aflightofsteps,leadingtotheloftoverhead,maybe
built,wherecorncanbestoredfortheirfeeding.
Nexttothisistheworkshopandtoolhouse,1814feetand,inrear,asnug,warm
houseforthefamilychickens,186feet.Thesechickensmayalsohavetherunofthe
yardinrear,withthepigs,andapartmentsintheloftoverheadforroosting.
Adjoiningtheworkshopisthecarriagehouse,1818feet,withaflightofstairstothe
hayloftabove,inwhichis,also,adovecoteand,leadingoutofthecarriagefloor,is
thestable,1812feet,withstallsfortwoorfourhorses,andapassageoffourfeet
wide,fromthecarriagehouseintoitthuscompleting,anddrawingunderone
continuousroof,andatlessexposurethanifseparated,thechiefeveryday
requirementsofliving,toawellarrangedandhighlyrespectablefamily.
125
Thechamberplanofthedwellingwillbereadilyunderstoodbyreferencetoits
arrangement.Thereareasufficiencyofclosetsforallpurposes,andthewholeare
accessiblefromeitherflightofstairs.Theroomsoverthewing,ofcourse,shouldbe
devotedtothemaledomesticsofthefamily,workpeople,&c.
S U RRO U N D IN G P LA N TA TIO N S ,S H RU BBERY ,WA LK S ,ETC.
Afterthegeneralremarksmadeintheprecedingpages,noparticularinstructionscan
begivenforthemannerinwhichthisresidenceshouldbeembellishedinitstreesand
shrubbery.Thelargeforesttrees,alwaysgrand,graceful,andappropriate,would
becomesuchahouse,throwingaprotectingairaroundandoveritsquiet,
unpretendingroof.Vines,orclimbingroses,mightthrowtheirdelicatesprayaround
thecolumnsofthemodestveranda,andavariedselectionoffamiliarshrubberyand
ornamentalplantscheckertheimmediatefrontandsidesofthehouselookingout
uponthelawnthroughwhichaspaciouswalk,orcarriagewayshouldwind,fromthe
highroad,orchiefapproach.
126
Thereare,however,somanyobjectstobeconsultedinthevarioussitesofhouses,
thatnoonerulecanbelaiddownforindividualguidance.Thesurfaceoftheground
immediatelyadjoiningthehousemustbeconsideredthepositionofthehouse,asitis
viewedfromsurroundingobjectsitsaltitude,ordepression,asaffectedbythe
adjacentlandsitscommanduponsurroundingnear,ordistantobjects,inthewayof
prospectthepresenceofwater,eitherinstream,pond,orlake,farornear,orthe
absenceofwateraltogetheralltheseenterimmediatelyintothemannerinwhichthe
lawnofahouseshouldbelaidout,andworked,andplanted.Butasarule,allfilagree
work,suchasserpentinepaths,andtortuous,unmeaningcircles,artificialpilesof
rock,andamultitudeofsmallornamentssoesteemed,bysomeshouldneverbe
introducedintothelawnofafarmhouse.Itisunmeaning,inthefirstplaceexpensive
initscare,inthesecondplaceunsatisfactoryandannoyingaltogether.Suchthings
aboutafarmestablishmentareneitherdignifiednoruseful,andshouldbeleftto
town'speople,havingbutastintedappreciationofwhatconstitutesnaturalbeauty,
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andwantingtomakethemostofthelimitedpieceofgroundofwhichtheyare
possessed.
Norwouldweshutout,bytheseremarks,thebeautyandodoroftheflowerborders,
whicharesoappropriatelythecareofthegoodmatronofthehouseholdandher
comelydaughters.Tothemmaybedevotedawelldugplatbeneaththewindows,or
inthegarden.Enough,andtospare,theyshouldalwayshave,ofsuchcheerful,life
givingpleasures.Weonlyobjecttotheirbeingstrewedallovertheground,atussoc
ofplanthere,apatchofposeythere,andascatteringofbotheverywhere,without
eithersystemormeaning.Theylowerthedignityandsimplicityofthecountry
dwellingaltogether.
127
Thebusinessapproachtothishouseis,ofcourse,towardthestablesandcarriage
house,andfromthemshouldleadoffthemainfarmavenue.
Thekitchengarden,ifpossible,shouldlieonthekitchensideofthehouse,where,
also,shouldbeplacedthebeehouse,infullsightfromthewindows,thattheirlabors
andswarmingmaybewatched.Infact,theentireeconomyofthefarmhouse,andits
appendages,shouldbebroughtcloseundertheeyeofthehousehold,toengagetheir
careandwatchfulness,andtointeresttheminallthelittleassociationsand
endearmentsandtheyaremany,whenproperlystudiedoutwhichgotomake
agriculturallifeoneofthemostagreeablepursuits,ifnotaltogetherso,inwhichour
lotinlifemaybecast.
Afruitgarden,too,shouldbeaprominentobjectnearthishouse.Wearenow
advancingsomewhatintotheelegancesofagriculturallifeandalthoughfruittrees,
andgoodfruitstoo,shouldholdastrongplaceinthesurroundingsofeventhe
humblestofallcountryplacessufficient,atleast,fortheampleuseofthefamily
theyhavenotyetbeennoticed,toanyextent,inthosealreadydescribed.Itmaybe
remarked,thatthefruitgardentheorchard,formarketpurposes,isnothere
intendedshouldbeplacedinnearproximitytothehouse.Allthesmallfruits,for
householduse,suchasstrawberries,raspberries,currants,gooseberries,blackberries,
grapes,aswellasapricots,plums,nectarines,peaches,pears,apples,quinces,or
whateverfruitsmaybecultivated,indifferentlocalities,shouldbecloseby,forthe
convenienceofcollectingthem,andtoprotectthemfromdestructionbyvermin,
birds,orthedepredationsofcreaturescalledhuman.
128
Adecidedplanofarrangementforalltheplantationsandgrounds,shouldenterinto
thecompositionofthesiteforthedwelling,outhouses,gardens,&c.,astheyareto
appearwhenthewholeestablishmentiscompletedandnothinglefttoaccident,
chance,orafterthought,whichcanbedisposedofatthecommencement.Bythe
adoptionofsuchacourse,theentirecompositionismoreeasilyperfected,andwith
infinitelygreaterexpressionofcharacter,thaniflefttothechancedesigns,or
accidentaldemandsofthefuture.
Anotherfeatureshouldbestrictlyenforced,intheoutwardappointmentsofthefarm
house,andthatis,theentirewithdrawalofanyuseofthehighway,initsoccupation
bythestockofthefarm,exceptinleadingthemtoandfromitsenclosures.Nothing
looksmoreslovenly,andnothingcanbemoreunthrifty,inanenclosedcountry,than
therunningoffarmstockinthehighway.Whatsountidyastheapproachtoahouse,
withaherdoffilthyhogsrootingaboutthefences,baskingalongthesidewalk,or
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feedingatahuge,uncouth,hollowedlog,intheroadnearthedwelling.Itmaybeout
ofplaceheretospeakofit,butthisdisgustingspectaclehassooftenoffendedour
sight,attheapproachofanotherwisepleasantfarmestablishment,thatwecannot
foregotheopportunitytospeakofit.Theroadlyinginfront,orbetweenthedifferent
sectionsofthefarm,shouldbeaswell,andascleanlykeptasanyportionofthe
enclosures,anditisequallyasinagainstgoodtasteandneighborhoodmorality,to
haveitotherwise.
TREEPLANTINGINTHEHIGHWAY.
Thisisfrequentlyrecommendedbywritersoncountryembellishment,as
indispensabletoafinisheddecorationofthefarm.Suchmay,ormaynotbethefact.
Treesshadetheroads,whenplantedontheirsides,andsotheypartiallydothefields
adjoining,makingthefirstmuddy,inbadweather,bypreventingthesundryingthem,
andshadingthecropsofthelastbytheiroverhangingfoliage,intheseasonoftheir
growth.Thustheyareanevil,inmoistandheavysoils.Yet,inlightsoils,theirshade
isgratefultothehighwaytraveler,andnot,perhaps,injurioustothecropsofthe
adjoiningfieldandwhenofproperkinds,theyaddgraceandbeautytothedomainin
whichtheystand.Wedonot,therefore,indiscriminatelyrecommendthem,butleave
ittothediscretionofthefarmer,todecideforhimself,havingseenestatesequally
pleasantwith,andwithouttreesontheroadside.Nothing,however,canbemore
beautifulthanaclumpoftreesinapastureground,withaherd,oraflockbeneath
them,neartheroadorthegrandandovershadowingbranchesofstatelytree,inarich
meadow,leaning,perhaps,overthehighwayfence,orflourishinginitssolitary
grandeur,inthedistanceeach,andall,imposingfeaturesintherurallandscape.All
suchshouldbepreserved,withthegreatestcareandsolicitude,asamongthehighest
andmostattractiveornamentswhichthefarmcanboast.
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FAR M HOUSE.
Pages131132.
largerview
133
DESIGNV.
Weherepresentadwellingofamoreambitiousandpretendingcharacterthanany
onewhichwehave,asyet,described,andcalculatedforalargeandwealthyfarmer,
whoindulgesintheelegancesofcountrylife,dispensesaliberalhospitality,andis
everywayacountrygentleman,suchasallourfarmersofamplemeansshouldbe.It
willanswerthedemandsoftheretiredmanofbusinessaswellandis,perhaps,asfull
initsvariousaccommodationasanAmericanfarmorcountryhousemayrequire.It
claimsnodistinctstyleofarchitecture,butisacompositionagreeableineffect,and
appropriatetoalmostanypartofthecountry,anditsclimate.Itssitemaybeoneither
hillorplainwithaviewextensive,orrestricted.Itmaylookoutoverbroad
savannas,cultivatedfields,andshiningwatersitmaynestleamiditsownquiet
woodsandlawninitsownselectedshadeandretirement,orlorditoveranextensive
park,rangedbyherdsandflocks,meanderedbyitsownstream,spreadinganoninto
theplacidlake,orrushingswiftlyoveritsownnarrowbedanindependent,
substantial,convenient,andwellconditionedhome,standinguponitsownbroad
acres,andcomportingwiththecharacterandstandingofitsoccupant,amonghis
friendsandneighbors.
Themainbuildingis5040feetinareaupontheground,twostorieshightheground
story11feethigh,itsfloorelevated2or3feetabovethelevelofthesurrounding
surface,asitspositionmaydemandthechambers9feethigh,andrunning2feetinto
theroof.Therearwingisoneandahalfstorieshigh,3616feetthelowerrooms
11feethigh,withaonestoryleantorangeofclosets,andsmallroomsontheweather
side,8feetinwidthand9feethigh.Intherearoftheseisawoodhouse,3020feet,
with10feetposts,droppedtoalevelwiththeground.Attheextremityofthisisa
building,bywayofanL,6020feet,oneandahalfstorieshigh,withaleanto,
1230feet,intherear.Thegroundroomsofthisareelevated1feetabovethe
ground,and9feethigh.Abroadroofcoversthewhole,standingatanangleof40or
45aboveahorizontalline,andprojectingwidelyoverthewalls,2to3feetonthe
mainbuilding,and2feetontheothers,toshelterthemperfectlyfromthestormsand
dampsoftheweather.Asmallcupolastandsoutoftheridgeoftherearbuilding,
whichmayserveasaventilatortotheapartmentsandloftsbelow,andinitmaybe
hungabell,tosummonthehousehold,orthefieldlaborers,asthecasemaybe,to
theirdutiesortheirmeals.
Thedesign,ashereshown,isratherflorid,andperhapsprofuselyornamentalinits
finish,ascomportingwiththetasteofthedaybutthecutandmouldedtrimmings
maybeleftoffbythosewhopreferaplainfinish,andbenodetrimenttothegeneral
effectwhichthedeepfriezesoftheroofs,properlycasedbeneath,maygivetoit.
Such,indeed,isourowntastebutthisfullfinishhasbeenadded,togratifysuchas
wishthefullornamentwhichthisstyleofbuildingmayadmit.
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GROUNDPLAN.
Plansinoriginalorientation
Thefrontofthishouseisaccommodatedbyaporch,orveranda,40feetlong,and10
feetwide,withacentral,orentranceprojectionof18feetinlength,and12feetin
width,thefloorofwhichiseightinchesbelowthemainfloorofthehouse.Thewings,
orsidesofthisverandamaybesofittedupastoallowapleasantconservatoryon
eachsideoftheentranceareainwinter,byenclosingthemwithglasswindows,and
theintroductionofheatfromafurnaceunderthemainhall,inthecellarofthehouse.
Thiswouldaddtoitsgeneraleffectinwinter,and,ifcontinuedthroughthesummer,
wouldnotdetractfromitsexpressionofdignityandrefinement.Fromtheveranda,
adoorinthecenterofthefront,withtwosidewindows,leadsintothemainhall,
whichis2612feetinarea,twofeetinthewidthofwhichistakenfromtheroomson
therightofthemainentrance.Ontheleftofthehalladooropensintoaparloror
drawingroom,markedP,20feetsquare,withabaywindowononeside,containing
threesashes,andseatsbeneath.Asinglewindowlightsthefrontopeningontothe
veranda.Ontheoppositesidetothisisthefireplace,withblankwallsoneachside.
Ontheoppositesideofthehallisalibrary,1816feet,withanendwindow,anda
correspondingonetotheparlor,infront,lookingoutontheveranda.Incasethese
portionsoftheveranda,oppositethetwofrontwindowsareoccupiedas
conservatories,thesewindowsshouldopentothefloor,toadmitawalkimmediately
intothem.Atthefarthercornerofthelibraryanarrowdoorleadsintoanoffice,or
businessapartment,128feet,andopeningbyabroaddoor,theupperhalfofwhich
isalightedsash.Thisdoorleadsfromtheofficeoutonasmallporch,withafloorand
twocolumns,85feet,andninefeethigh,withagableanddoubleroofofthesame
pitchasthehouse.Betweenthechimneyflues,intherearofthisroommaybeplaced
anironsafe,orchestforthedepositofvaluablepapersand,althoughsmall,atable
andchairssufficienttoaccommodatethebusinessrequirementsoftheoccupant,may
bekeptinit.Achimneystandsinthecenteroftheinnerwallofthelibrary,inwhich
maybeafireplace,orafluetoreceiveastovepipe,whichevermaybepreferredfor
warmingtheroom.
Nearthehallsideofthelibraryadooropensintoapassageleadingintothefamily
bedroom,ornursery.Aportionofthispassagemaybeshelvedandfittedupasa
closetforanyconvenientpurpose.Thenurseryis1816feetinsize,lightedbytwo
windows.Itmayhaveanopenfireplace,orastove,aspreferred,letintothechimney,
correspondingtothatinthelibrary.Thesetwochimneysmayeitherbedrawntogether
inthechambersimmediatelyabove,orcarriedupseparatelyintothegarret,andpass
outoftheroofinonestack,ortheymaybebuiltinonesolidmassfromthecellar
bottombuttheyaresoplacedhere,assavingroomonthefloors,andequally
accommodating,intheirseparatedivisions,thestovepipesthatmayleadintothem.
Ontheinnersideofthenursery,adoorleadsintoalargecloset,orchild'ssleeping
room,98feetoritmaybeusedasadressingroom,withasashinsertedinthedoor
tolightit.Adoormayalsoleadfromitintothesmallrearentryofthehouse,andthus
passdirectlyout,withoutcommunicatingwiththenursery.Ontheextremeleftcorner
ofthenurseryisadoorleadingintothebackentry,bywhichitcommunicateseither
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withtherearporch,thediningroom,orthekitchen.Sucharoomweconsider
indispensabletotheproperaccommodationofahouseinthecountry,assavinga
worldofupanddownstairs'labortoherwhoisusuallychargedwiththedomestic
caresandsupervisionofthefamily.
Ontherightofthemainhallanamplestaircaseleadsintotheupperhallbyalanding
andbroadstairateightfeetabovethefloor,andarightangledflightfromthattothe
mainfloorabove.Underthismainhallstaircase,adoorandstairsmayleadintothe
cellar.Beyondtheturningflightbelow,adoorleadsintothebackhall,orentry,
alreadymentioned,whichis134feetinarea,whichalsohasasidepassageof84
feet,andadoorleadingtotherearporch,andanotherintothekitchenatitsfarther
side,neartheouterone.Oppositetheturningflightofstairs,inthemainhall,isalsoa
doorleadingtothediningroom,2016feet.Thisislightedbyalargedoublewindow
attheend.Afireplace,orstoveflueisinthecenterwall,andoneachsideaclosetfor
plate,ortablefurniture.Theseclosetscomeoutflushwiththechimney.Atthe
extremerightcorneradoorleadsintotherearentryorthismaybeomitted,at
pleasure.Anotherdoorintherearwallleadsintothekitchen,pastthepassagedown
intothecellarorthismaybeomitted,ifthoughtbest.Stillanotherdoortotheleft,
opensintoalargediningclosetofthebackleantoapartments,88feet.Thisclosetis
lightedbyawindowofproperarchitecturalsize,andfittedupwithasuiteofdrawers,
shelves,table,andcupboards,requiredforthepreparationanddepositofthelighter
familystoresandedibles.Fromthisclosetisalsoadoorleadingintothekitchen,
throughwhichmaybepassedallthemeatsandcookeryforthetable,eitherforsafe
keeping,orimmediateservice.Herethethriftyandcarefulhousekeeperandher
assistantsmay,shutapart,andbythemselves,getup,fabricate,andarrangealltheir
tabledelicacieswiththegreatestconvenienceandprivacy,togetherwitheaseof
accesseithertothediningroomorkitchenanapartmentmostnecessaryina
liberallyarrangedestablishment.
139
Fromtherearentryopensadoortothekitchen,passingbytherearchamberstairs.
Thisflightofstairsmaybeentereddirectlyfromthekitchen,leadingeithertothe
chamber,orunderthem,intothecellar,withoutcomingintothepassageconnecting
withtheentryordiningroom,ifpreferred.Insuchcase,abroadstairofthirtyinches
inwidthshouldbenextthedoor,onwhichtoturn,asthedoorwouldbeatright
angleswiththestairs,eitherupordown.
Thekitchenis2016feet,and11feethigh.Ithasanouterdoorleadingontherear
porch,andawindowoneachsideofthatdooralsoawindow,underwhichisasink,
ontheoppositeside,attheendofapassagefourfeetwide,leadingthroughthelean
to.Ithasalsoanopenfireplace,andanovenbythesideofitoldfashion.Itmaybe
alsofurnishedwithacookingrange,orstovethesmokeandfumesleadingbyapipe
intoaflueintothechimney.Ontheleantosideisamilkordairyroom,88feet,
lightedbyawindow.Herealsothekitchenfurnitureandmeatsmaybestoredin
cupboardsmadeforthepurpose.Inrearofthekitchen,andleadingfromitbyadoor
throughalightedpassagenexttherearporch,isthewashroom,1616feet,lighted
byalargewindowfromtheporchside.Adooralsoleadsoutoftherearontoa
platformintothewoodhouse.Anotherdoorleadsfromthewashroomintoabath
roomintheleanto88feet,intowhichwarmwaterisdrawnbyapipeandpump
fromtheboilerinthewashroomor,ifpreferred,thebathroommaybeenteredfrom
themainkitchen,bythepassagenextthesink.Thisbathroomislightedbya
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window.Nexttothebathroomisabedroomforamanservantwhohaschargeofthe
fires,andheavyhousework,wood,&c.,&c.Thisbedroomisalso88feet,and
lightedbyawindowintheleanto.Infrontofthiswashroomandkitchenisaporch,
eightinchesbelowthefloor,sixfeetwide,witharailing,ornot,asmaybepreferred.
(Therailingismadeinthecut.)Aplatform,threefeetwide,leadsfromthebackdoor
ofthewashroomtoawaterclosetforthefamilyproper.Thewoodhouseisopenin
front,withasinglepostsupportingthecenteroftheroof.Attheextremeouterangle
isawaterclosetforthedomesticsoftheestablishment.
Adjoiningthewoodhouse,andopeningfromitintotheLbeforementioned,isa
workshop,andsmalltoolhouse,2016feet,lightedbyalargedoublewindowatone
end.Inthisshouldbeacarpenter'sworkbenchandtoolchest,fortherepairsofthe
farmingutensilsandvehicles.Overheadisastoreroomforlumber,orwhateverelse
maybenecessaryforuseinthatcapacity.Nexttothisisagranaryorfeedroom,
2010feet,withasmallchimneyinonecorner,wheremaybeplacedaboilertocook
foodforpigs,poultry,&c.,asthecasemaybe.Heremayalsobebinsforstorageof
grainandmeal.Leadingoutofthisisaflightofstairspassingtothechamberabove,
andapassagefourfeetwide,throughtherear,intoayardadjoining.Atthefurther
endofthestairsadooropensintoapoultryhouse,1610feet,includingthestairs.
Thepoultryroomislightedattheextremeleftcorner,byabroadwindow.Inthismay
bemaderoosts,andnestingplaces,andfeedingtroughs.Alowdoorunderthe
windowmaybealsomadeforthefowlsinpassingtotherearyard.Adjoiningthe
granary,andleadingtoitbyadoor,isthecarriagehouse,2020feet,atthegableend
ofwhicharelargedoorsforentrance.Fromthecarriagehouseisabroadpassageof
sixfeet,intothestables,whichare12feetwide,andoccupytheleanto.Thisleanto
iseightfeethighbelowtheeaves,withtwodoublestallsforhorses,andadoor
leadingintothesideyard,withthedoorsofthecarriagehouse.Awindowalsolights
therearofthestables.Apiggery12feetsquareoccupiestheremainderoftheleanto
inrearofthepoultryhouse,inwhichtwoorthreepigscanalwaysbekept,andfatted
ontheoffalofthehouse,forsmallpork,atanyseason,apartfromtheswinestockof
thefarm.Adoorleadsoutofthepiggeryintotherearyard,whererangealsothe
poultry.Astheshedroofshutsdownontothepigstyandstables,noloftabovethem
isnecessary.Intheloftoverthegranary,poultry,andcarriagehouseisdepositedthe
hay,putintherethroughthedoorswhichappearinthedesign.
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CHAMBERPLAN.Thisiseasilyunderstood.Attheheadofthestairs,overthemain
hall,isalargepassageleadingtotheporch,andopeningbyadoorwindowonthe
middledeckoftheveranda,whichisnearlylevel,andtinned,orcoppered,water
tight,asarealsothetwosides.Oneithersideofthisupperhallisadoorleadingtothe
frontsleepingchambers,whicharewellcloseted,andspacious.Ifitbedesirableto
constructmoresleepingrooms,theycanbepartitionedlaterallyfromthehall,and
doorsmadetoenterthem.Arearhalliscutofffromthefront,lightedbyawindow
overthelowerrearporch,andadoorleadsintoafurtherpassageinthewing,fourfeet
wide,whichleadsdownaflightofstairsintothekitchenbelow.Attheheadofthis
flightisachamber2012feet,forthefemaledomestic'ssleepingroom,inwhichmay
beplacedastove,ifnecessary,passingitspipeintothekitchenchimneywhichpasses
throughit.
Itisalsolightedbyawindowovertheleanto,ontheside.Backofthis,attheendof
thepassage,isthesleepingroom,16feetsquare,forthe
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"menfolks,"lightedonbothsidesbyawindow.Thismay
alsobewarmed,ifdesired,byastove,thepipepassing
intothekitchenchimney.
Thecellarmayextendundertheentirehouseandwing,as
convenienceornecessitymayrequire.Ifitbeconstructed
underthemainbodyonly,anoffsetshouldbeexcavated
toaccommodatethecellarstairs,threefeetinwidth,and
walledinwiththerest.Awide,outerpassage,witha
flightofstepsshouldalsobemade
undertherearnurserywindow,for
takinginandpassingoutbulky
articles,withdoubledoorstoshut
downuponitandpartitionwalls
shouldbebuilttosupportthepartitions
ofthelargeroomsabove.Manyminor
itemsofdetailmightbementioned,all
ofwhicharealreadytreatedinthe
generalremarks,undertheirproper
heads,inthebodyofthework,and
whichcannotherebenoticedsuchas
themodeofwarmingit,the
constructionoffurnaces,&c.
Itmay,bysomebuilders,be
consideredastrikingdefectinthe
CHAMBERPLAN.
interioraccommodationofahouseof
thischaracter,thatthechiefentrancehallshouldnotbeextendedthrough,fromits
fronttotherear,asiscommoninmanyofthelargemansionsofourcountry.We
objecttothelarge,openhallformorethanonereason,except,possibly,inahousefor
summeroccupationonly.Inthefirstplaceitisuncomfortable,insubjectingthehouse
toanunnecessarydraughtofairwhenitisnotneeded,incoldweather.Secondly,it
cutsthehouseintotwodistinctparts,makingtheminconvenientofaccessincrossing
itswidesurface.Thirdly,itisuneconomical,intakingupvaluableroomthatcanbe
betterappropriated.Forsummerventilationitisunnecessarythatmaybegivenby
simplyopeningthefrontdoorandachamberwindowconnectedwiththehallabove,
throughwhichacurrentoffreshairwillalwayspass.Anotherthing,thehallbelongs
tothefront,ordresspartofthehouse,andshouldbecutofffromthemoredomestic
andcommonapartmentsbyapartition,althoughaccessibletothem,andnotdirectly
communicatingwithsuchapartments,whichcannotofnecessity,beinkeepingwith
itsshowyandpretendingcharacter.Itshouldcontainonlythefrontflightofstairs,as
apartofitsappointments,besidesthedoorsleadingtoitsbestapartmentsonthe
groundfloor,whichshouldbecentrallyplaceditsreardoorbeingofaless
pretendingandsubordinatecharacter.Thus,thehall,withitsopendoors,connecting
thebestroomsofthehouseoneachside,withitsampleflightofstairsinthe
background,givesadistinctexpressionofsuperiorityinoccupationtotheotherand
humblerportionsofthedwelling.
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Inwinter,too,howmuchmoresnugandcomfortableisthehouse,shutinfromthe
pryingwindsandshiveringcoldoftheoutsideair,whichtheoppositeouterdoorsof
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anopenhallcannot,intheircontinualopeningandshutting,altogetherexclude!Our
ownexperience,and,webelieve,theexperienceofmosthousekeeperswillreadily
concedeitsdefectsandafterfullreflectionwehaveexcludeditasbothunnecessary
andinconvenient.
Anotherobjectionhasbeenavoidedinthebetterclassofhousesherepresented,
whichhascreptintoverymanyofthedesignsofmodernbuilderswhichis,thatof
usingthelivingroomsofthefamily,moreorless,aspassagesfromthekitchen
apartmentsinpassingtoandfromthefronthall,orchiefentrance.Suchweconsidera
decidedobjection,andhencearose,probably,theolderplansofbygoneyears,of
makingthemainhallreachbacktothekitchenitself.Thisishereobviatedbya
cuttingupoftherearsectionofthehall,bywhichapassage,inallcasesofthebetter
kindofdwelling,ispreserved,withoutencroachingupontheoccupiedroomsin
passingoutandin.Tobesure,thefrontdoorisnottheusualpassageforthelaborers
orservantsofthehouse,buttheyaresubject,anyhouroftheday,tobecalledthereto
admitthosewhomaycome,andthecontinualopeningofaprivateroomforsuch
purposesismostannoying.Therefore,asmatterofconvenience,andasadecided
improvementonthedesignsabovenoticed,wehaveadheredstrictlytotheseparate
rearpassage.
Thegarret,also,aswehavearrangedourdesigns,iseitheraltogetherleftout,or
madeaquiteunimportantpartofthedwelling.Itisbutalumberroom,atbestand
shouldbeapproachedonlybyaflightofstepsfromarearchamberorpassage,and
usedasareceptacleforuselesstraps,orcastofffurniture,seldomwanted.Itishotin
summer,andcoldinwinter,unfitfordecentlodgingtoanyhumanbeinginthehouse,
andoflittleaccountanyway.Wemuchpreferrunningthechamberspartiallyintothe
roof,whichwethinkgivesthemamorecomfortableexpression,andadmitsofa
betterventilation,bycarryingtheirceilingshigherwithouttheexpenseofhighbody
wallstothehouse,whichwouldgivethemanotherwisenakedlook.Ifitbeobjected
thatthusrunningthechambersabovetheplatesoftheroofpreventstheinsertionof
propertiesorbeamstoholdtheroofplatestogethertopreventtheirspreading,we
answer,thathemustbeapoormechanicwhocannot,inframingthechamber
partitionssoconnecttheoppositeplatesastoinsurethemagainstallsuchdifficulty.
Asheltered,comfortableaspectisthatwhichshoulddistinguisheveryfarmhouse,
andthecottagechamberisoneofitschiefestcharacteristicsandthiscanonlybehad
byrunningsuchapartmentsintotheroof,asinourdesign.
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147
CO N S TRU CTIO N .
Ahouseofthiskindmust,accordingtoitslocality,andthematerialofwhichitis
built,beliabletowidedifferencesofestimateinitscostandfromourown
experienceinsuchmatters,anyestimateheremadeweknowcannotbereliableasa
ruleforotherlocalities,wherethepricesofmaterialandlaboraredifferentfromour
own.Wherelumber,stone,andbrickabound,andeacharetobehadatreasonable
prices,thecostofanestablishmentofthiskindwouldnotvarymuchinthe
applicationofeitheroneofthesematerialsforthewalls,ifwellandsubstantially
constructed.Thereshouldbenosham,norslight,inanypartofthebuilding.As
alreadyobserved,thedesignshowsahighdegreeoffinish,which,ifbuildingfor
ourself,weshouldnotindulgein.Aplainstyleofcornice,andverandafinish,we
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shouldcertainlyadopt.Buttheroofshouldnotbecontractedinitsprojectingbreadth
overthewalls,inanypartofthestructureifanything,itshouldbemoreextended.
Thebaywindowisanappendageofluxury,only.Greatcareshouldbehad,in
attachingitsrooftotheadjoiningouterwall,topreventleakageofanykind.Ifthe
wallsbeofbrick,orstone,abeamorlintelofwoodshouldbeinsertedinthewall
overthewindowopening,quitetwoinchesthreewouldbebetterbackfromits
outersurface,toreceivethecasingofthewindow,thatthedripofthewall,andthe
drivingofthestormsmayfallovertheconnectingjointsofthewindowroof,beyond
itspointofjunctionwithit.Such,also,shouldbethecasewiththeintersectionofthe
verandaorporchroofwiththewallofthehouse,whereveraveranda,orporchis
adoptedas,simplyjoinedontoaflushsurface,assuchappendagesusuallyareeven
ifeversowelldoneleakageandprematuredecayisinevitable.
148
Thestyleoffinishmust,ofcourse,influence,inaconsiderabledegree,itscost.It
may,withtheplainestfinish,bedonefor$4,000,andfromthat,upto$6,000.Every
onedesiroustobuild,shouldapplytothebestmechanicsofhisneighborhoodfor
informationonthatpoint,as,insuchmatters,theyarethebestjudges,andfrom
experienceintheirownparticularprofession,ofwhatthecostofbuildingmustbe.
Therulesandcustomsofhousekeepingvary,indifferentsectionsoftheUnited
States,andtheCanadas.These,also,enterintotheestimatesforcertaindepartments
ofbuilding,andmustbeconsideredintheitemsofexpenditure.
Themannerinwhichhousesshouldbewarmed,theventilation,accommodationfor
servantsandlaborers,theappropriationstohospitalityall,willhaveabearingonthe
expense,ofwhichwecannotbetheproperjudge.
Asufficienttimeshouldbegiven,tobuildahouseofthischaracter.Ahousedesigned
andbuiltinahurry,isneverasatisfactoryhouseinitsoccupation.Ayearislittle
enough,andiftwoyearsbeoccupiedinitsdesignandconstruction,themore
acceptablewillprobablybeitsfinish,andthemorecomfortwillbeaddedinits
enjoyment.
149
G RO U N D S ,P LA N TA TIO N S ,A N D S U RRO U N D IN G S .
Ahouseofthiskindshouldneverstandinvulgarandfamiliarcontactwiththe
highway,butatadistancefromitofonehundredtoathousandyardsoreven,ifthe
estateonwhichitisbuiltbeextensive,amuchgreaterdistance.Breadthofground
betweenthehighwayandthedwellingaddsdignityandcharactertoitsappearance.
Anamplelawn,oraspreadingpark,wellshadedwithtrees,shouldlaybeforeit,
throughwhichawellkeptavenueleadstoitsfront,andmostfrequentedside.The
variousofficesandbuildingsofthefarmitself,shouldbeatarespectabledistance
fromit,soasnottointerferewithitsproperkeepingasagenteelcountryresidence.
Itsoccupantisnottobesupposedasunderthenecessityoftoilingwithhisdaily
laborersinthefields,andtherefore,althoughhemaybestrictlyamanofbusiness,he
hassufficientemploymentinplanninghiswork,andmanaginghisestatethrougha
foreman,inthevariouslaboroccupationsoftheestate.Hishorsemaybeathisdoor
intheearliestmorninghours,thathemayinspecthisfields,andgivetimelydirections
tohislaborers,orviewhisherds,orhisflocks,beforehisbreakfasthouroranearly
walkmaytakehimtohisstables,hisbarns,ortoseethathispreviousdirectionsare
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executed.
Thevariousaccommodationappurtenanttothedwelling,makesampleprovisionfor
thehouseholdconvenienceofthefamily,andthemainbusinessofthefarmmaybeat
somedistance,withoutinconveniencetotheowner'severydayaffairs.Consequently,
theindulgenceofaconsiderabledegreeofornamentmaybegiven,inthe
surroundingsofhisdwelling,whichtheoccupantofalessextensiveestatewould
neitherrequire,norhiscircumstanceswarrant.Anaturalforestofstatelytrees,
properlythinnedout,isthemostappropriatespotonwhichtobuildahouseofthis
character.Butthatnotathand,itshouldbesetoffwithplantationsofforesttrees,of
thelargestgrowth,asinkeepingwithitsownliberaldimensions.Acapaciouskitchen
gardenshouldleadofffromtherearapartments,wellstockedwithallthefamily
vegetables,andculinaryfruits,intheirproperseasons.Aluxuriantfruitgardenmay
flanktheleastfrequentedsideofthehouse.Neatandtastefulflowerbedsmaylie
beneaththewindowsoftheroomsappropriatedtotheleisurehoursofthefamily,to
whichthesmallervarietiesofshrubberymaybeadded,separatedfromthechieflawn,
orpark,onlybyawirefence,orasimplerailing,suchasnottocutupandcheckerits
simpleanddignifiedsurfaceandalltheseshutinontherearfromtheadjoiningfields
ofthefarmbybeltsoflargeshrubberycloselyplanted,orthelargerorchards,thus
givingitastyleofitsown,yetshowingitsconnectionwiththepursuitsofthefarm
anditsdependenceuponit.
Thesevariousappointments,however,maybeeithercarriedoutorrestricted,
accordingtotherequirementsofthefamilyoccupyingtheestate,andtheprevailing
localtasteofthevicinityinwhichitissituatedbutnonarroworstingyspiritshould
beindicatedinthegeneralplanorinitsexecution.Everyappointmentconnectedwith
itshouldindicatealiberalityofpurposeinthefounder,withoutwhichitseffectis
painfullymarredtotheeyeofthemanoftruetasteandjudgment.Smallyards,
picketedinforsmalluses,havenobusinessinsightofthegroundsinfront,andall
minorconcernsshouldbethrownintotherear,beyondobservationfromthemain
approachtothedwelling.Thetreesthatshadetheentrancepark,orlawn,shouldbe
chieflyforesttrees,astheoak,initsvarieties,theelm,themaple,thechestnut,
walnut,butternut,hickory,orbeech.Ifthesoilbefavorable,afewweepingwillows
maythrowtheirdroopingsprayaroundthehouseandifexotic,orforeigntreesbe
permitted,theyshouldtaketheirpositionincloserproximitytoitthanthenatural
foresttrees,asindicatingthehighercareandcultivationwhichattachestoits
presence.TheLombardypoplar,albeitatreeofdisputedtastewithmodernplanters,
wewouldnowandthenthrowin,notinstiffandformalrows,asguardinganavenue,
butoccasionallyinthemidstofagroupofothers,abovewhichitshouldriselikea
churchspirefromamidstablockofcontiguoushousesacheerfulrelieftothe
monotonyoftherounderheadedbranchesofthemorespreadingvarieties.Ifastream
ofwatermeanderthepark,orspreadintoalittlepond,treeswhicharepartialto
moistureshouldshadowitatdifferentpoints,andlow,watershrubsshouldhangover
itsborder,orevenrunintoitsmargin.Aquaticherbs,too,mayformapartofits
ornaments,andaboathouse,ifsuchathingbenecessary,should,undertheshadeof
ahangingtreeofsomekind,beaconspicuousobjectinthepicture.Anoverhanging
rock,ifsuchathingbenativethere,maybeanobjectofgreatattractiontoits
features,anditsoutletmaystealawayandbehidinadensemassoftangledvinesand
brushwood.Thepredominating,naturalfeaturesoftheplaceshouldbecultivated,not
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rootedout,andmetamorphosedintosomethingforeignandunfamiliar.Itshould,in
short,benaturewithherhaircombedoutstraight,flowing,andgraceful,insteadof
pinched,puffed,andcurlingathingofluxurianceandbeautyunderthehandofa
master.
ThegreatdifficultywithmanyAmericansingettingupanewplaceofany
considerableextentis,thattheyseemtothinkwhateveriscommon,ornaturalinthe
featuresofthespotmustbesochangedastoshow,aboveallothers,theirown
ingenuityandloveofexpenseinfashioningittotheirpeculiartastes.Rocksmustbe
sunk,orblasted,treesfelled,andbushesgrubbed,crookedwatercoursesstraightened
theplacegibbetedandputintostocksinfact,thattheirownboastedhandiwork
mayrisesuperiortothewisdomofHimwhofashioneditinhisowngoodpleasure
forgettingthatathousandpointsofnaturalbeautyupontheearthonwhichthey
breatheare
153
"Whenunadorned,adornedthemost"
andoureyehasbeenfrequentlyshockedatfindingthechoicestgemsofnature
sacrificedtoawantondisplayofexpenseinperverting,totheindulgenceofa
mistakenfancy,that,which,withaneyetotruthandpropriety,andatatrifling
expense,mighthavebecomeaspotofabidinginterestandcontentment.
(155)
(156)
FAR M HOUSE.
Pages155156.
largerview
154
DESIGNVI.
ASOUTHERNORPLANTATIONHOUSE.TheproprietorofaplantationintheSouth,or
Southwest,requiresaltogetheradifferentkindofresidencefromthefarmerofthe
Northern,orMiddleStates.Heresidesinthemidstofhisownprincipality,
surroundedbyaretinueofdependentsandlaborers,whodwelldistantandapartfrom
hisownimmediatefamily,althoughcomposingacommunityrequiringhisdailycare
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andsuperintendenceforagreatshareofhistime.Aportionofthemaretheattachsof
hishousehold,yetsodisconnectedintheirdomesticrelations,astorequireaseparate
accommodation,andyetbeinimmediatecontiguitywithit,andofcourse,an
arrangementoflivingwidelydifferentfromthosewhomingleinthesamecircle,and
partakeatthesameboard.
TheusualplanofhousebuildingattheSouth,weareaware,istohavedetached
servants'rooms,andoffices,andaspaceofsomeyardsofuncoveredwayintervene
betweenthefamilyroomsofthechiefdwellinganditsimmediatedependents.Such
arrangement,however,weconsiderbothunnecessaryandinconvenientandwehave
devisedaplanofhouseholdaccommodationwhichwillbringthefamilyoftheplanter
himself,andtheirservants,althoughunderdifferentroofs,intoconvenientproximity
witheachother.Adesignofthiskindisheregiven.
157
ThestyleismainlyItalian,plain,substantial,yet,wethink,becoming.Thebroad
veranda,stretchingaroundthreesides,includingthefront,givesanairofsheltered
reposetowhatmightotherwiseappearanambitiousstructureandtheconnected
apartmentsbeyond,showaquietutilitywhichdivestsitofanoverattemptatdisplay.
Nothinghasbeenattemptedforappearance,solely,beyondwhatisnecessaryand
properinthedwellingofaplanterofgoodestate,whowantshisdomesticaffairswell
regulated,andhisfamily,andservantsdulyprovidedwithconvenient
accommodation.Theformofthemaindwellingisnearlysquare,upright,withtwo
fullstories,givingampleareaofroomandventilation,togetherwiththatappropriate
indulgencetoeasewhichtheenervatingwarmthofasouthernclimaterenders
necessary.Theservants'apartments,andkitchenofficesaresodisposed,thatwhile
connected,torenderthemeasyofaccess,theyaresufficientlyremotetoshutoffthe
familiarityofassociationwhichwouldrenderthemobnoxioustothemostfastidious
all,infact,underoneshelter,andwithinthereadiestcall.Suchshouldbethe
constructionofaplanter'shouseintheUnitedStates,andsuchthisdesignisintended
togive.
Astableandcarriagehouse,inthesamestyle,isnearby,notconnectedtoanypartof
thedwelling,asinthepreviousdesignswithsufficientaccommodationfor
coachmanandgrooms,andthenumberofsaddleandcarriagehorsesthatmaybe
requiredforeitherbusinessorpleasureandtoitmaybeconnected,intherear,inthe
samestyleofbuilding,orplainer,andlessexpensive,furtherconveniencesforsuch
domesticanimalsasmayberequiredforfamilyuse.
158
Thewholestandsinopengrounds,andmaybeseparatedfromeachotherby
enclosures,asconvenienceorfancymaydirect.
Theroofsofallthebuildingsarebroadandsweeping,wellprotectingthewallsfrom
stormandfrosts,aswellastheglaringinfluencesofthesun,andcombiningthat
comfortableideaofshelterandreposesogratefulinawellconditionedcountry
house.Itistrue,thatthedwellingmightbemoreextensiveinroom,andthepurposes
ofluxuryenlargedbuttheplanteronfivehundred,orfivethousandacresoflandcan
herebesufficientlyaccommodatedinallthereasonableindulgencesoffamily
enjoyment,andaliberal,evenanelegantandprolongedhospitality,towhichheisso
generallyinclined.
Thechimneysofthishouse,differentfromthoseinthepreviousdesigns,areplaced
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nexttheouterwalls,thusgivingmorespacetotheinterior,andnotbeingrequired,as
intheothers,topromoteadditionalwarmththantheirfireplaceswillgive,tothe
rooms.Adeckontheroofaffordsapleasantlookoutforthefamilyfromitstop,
guardedbyaparapet,andgivingafinishtoitsarchitecturalappearance,andyet
makingnoambitiousattemptatexpensiveornament.Itis,infact,aplain,substantial,
respectablemansionforagentlemanofgoodestate,andnothingbeyondit.
159
GROUNDPLAN.
Thishousestands5040feetontheground.Thefrontdooropensfromtheveranda
intoahall,2414feet,inwhichisaflightofstairsleadingtothechambersabove.On
theleftadoorleadsintoalibrary,orbusinessroom,1717feet,lightedbythree
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windows.Afireplaceisinsertedintheouterwall.Anotherdoorleadsintoasidehall,
sixfeetwide,whichseparatesthelibraryfromthediningroom,whichisalso1717
feetinarea,lightedandaccommodatedwithafireplaceliketheother,withadoor
leadingintoitfromthesidehall,andanotherdooratthefurtherrighthandcorner
leadingintotherearhall,orentry.
Ontherightofthechiefentrancehall,oppositethelibrary,adooropensintothe
parlorordrawingroom,2319feetinarea,lightedbythreewindows,andhavinga
fireplaceinthesidewall.Adoorleadsfromtherearsideoftheparlorintoa
commodiousnursery,orfamilybedroom,1916feetinsize,lightedbyawindowin
eachouterwall.Afireplaceisalsoinsertedonthesamelineasintheparlor.Fromthe
nurseryadoorleadsintoandthroughalargecloset,97feet,intotherearhall.This
closetmayalsobeusedasasleepingroomforthechildren,oraconfidentialservant
maid,ornurse,ordevotedtothestorageofbedlinenforfamilyuse.Furtheron,
adjoining,isanothercloset,76feet,openingfromtherearhall,andlightedbya
window.
Leadingfromtheouterdooroftherearhallisacoveredpassagesixfeetwide,16feet
long,andoneandahalfstorieshigh,leadingtothekitchenoffices,andlightedbya
windowontheleft,withadooropeninginthesamesidebeyond,ontothesidefront
oftheestablishment.Ontheright,opposite,adoorleadsontothekitchenporch,
whichissixfeetwide,passingontothebathroomandwatercloset,inthefarrear.At
theendoftheconnectingpassagefromthemaindwelling,adooropensintothe
kitchen,whichis2418feetinsize,accommodatedwithtwowindowslookingonto
theporchjustdescribed.Atoneendisanopenfireplacewithacookingrangeonone
side,andanovenontheother.Attheleftoftheentrancedoorisalarge,commodious
storeroomandpantry,129feet,lightedbyawindowandadjoiningit,(andmaybe
connectedwithitbyadoor,ifnecessary,)akitchenclosetofthesamesize,also
connectedbyacorrespondingdoorfromtheoppositecornerofthekitchen.Between
thesedoorsisaflightofstairsleadingtothesleepingroomsabove,andacellar
passagebeneaththem.Inthefartherrightcornerofthekitchenadoorleadsintoa
smallercloset,86feet,lightedbyasmallwindowlookingontotherearporchatthe
end.Adoorattherearofthekitchenleadsoutintotheporchofthewashroom
beyond,whichissixfeetwide,andanotherdoorintothewashroomitself,whichis
2016feet,andfurnishedwithachimneyandboilers.Awindowlooksoutonthe
extremerighthand,andtwowindowsontotheporchinfront.Adooropensfromits
rearwallintothewoodhouse,3212feet,whichstandsopenontwosides,supported
byposts,andundertheextendedroofofthewashroomanditsporchjustmentioned.
Aservants'waterclosetisattachedtotheextremerightcornerofthewoodhouse,by
wayofleanto.
Thebathroomis106feetinarea,andsuppliedwithwaterfromthekitchenboilers
adjoining.Thewaterclosetbeyondis6feetsquare,andarchitecturally,initsroof,
maybemadeafittingterminationtothatoftheporchleadingtoit.
161
162
Themainflightofstairsintheentrancehallleadsontoa
broadlandinginthespaciousupperhall,fromwhichdoors
passintotheseveralchambers,whichmaybeduly
accommodatedwithclosets.Thepassageconnectingwith
theupperstoryoftheservants'offices,opensfromtherear
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sectionofthisupperhall,andbythe
flightofrearstairscommunicates
withthekitchenandoutbuildings.
Agarretflightofstepsmaybemade
intherearsectionofthemainupper
hall,bywhichthatapartmentmaybe
reached,andtheupperdeckofthe
roofascended.
CHAMBERPLAN.
Thesleepingroomsofthekitchen
maybedividedoffasconvenience
maydictate,andtheentirestructure
thusappropriatedtoevery
accommodationwhichawell
regulatedfamilyneedrequire.
Thecarriagehouseis4824feetinsize,withaprojectionoffivefeetontheentrance
front,thedoorofwhichleadsbothintothecarriageroomandstables.Ontherightis
abedroom,108feet,forthegrooms,lightedbyawindowandbeyondaresixstalls
forhorses,withawindowintherearwallbeyondthem.Aflightofstairsleadstothe
hayloftabove.Intherearofthecarriageroomisaharnessroom,124feet,anda
granaryofthesamesize,eachlightedbyawindow.Iffartherattachmentsberequired
fortheaccommodationofoutbuildingconveniences,theymaybecontinued
indefinitelyintherear.
163
CARRIAGEHOUSE.
Itmaystrikethereaderthatthehousejustdescribedhasalavishappropriationof
veranda,andaneedlesssidefront,whichlattermaydetractfromtheprecise
architecturalkeepingthatadwellingofthispretensionshouldmaintain.Inregardto
thefirst,itmayberemarked,thatnofeatureofthehouseinasouthernclimatecanbe
moreexpressiveofeasy,comfortableenjoyment,thanaspaciousveranda.Thehabits
ofsouthernlifedemanditasaplaceofexerciseinwetweather,andthecooler
seasonsoftheyear,aswellasaplaceofrecreationandsocialintercourseduringthe
fervidheatsofthesummer.Indeed,manysouthernpeoplealmostliveundertheshade
oftheirverandas.Itisadelightfulplacetotaketheirmeals,toreceivetheirvisitors
andfriendsandtheverandagivestoadwellingtheveryexpressionofhospitality,so
farasanyonefeatureofadwellingcandoit.Noequalamountofaccommodationcan
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beprovidedforthesamecost.Itaddsinfinitelytotheroomofthehouseitself,andis,
infact,indispensabletothefullenjoymentofasouthernhouse.
Thesidefrontinthisdesignissimplyamatterofconveniencetotheownerand
occupantoftheestate,whohasusuallymuchofficebusinessinitsmanagementand
inthealmostdailyuseofhislibrary,wheresuchbusinessmaybedone,asidedoor
andfrontisbothappropriateandconvenient.Thechieffrontentrancebelongstohis
familyandguests,andshouldbedevotedtotheirexclusiveuseandasalightfence
maybethrownofffromtheextremeendofthesideporch,separatingthefrontlawn
fromtherearapproachtothehouse,theverandaonthatsidemaybereachedfromits
rearend,forbusinesspurposes,withoutintrudinguponthelawnatall.Sowewould
arrangeit.
Objectionsmaybemadetothesamenessofplan,inthearrangementofthelower
roomsoftheseveraldesignswhichwehavesubmitted,suchashavingthenursery,or
familysleepingroom,onthemainfloorofthehouse,andtheuniformity,inlocation,
oftheothersandthattherearenonewandstrikingfeaturesinthem.Theanswerto
thesemaybe,thattheroomappropriatedforthenursery,orbedroom,maybeusedfor
otherpurposes,equallyaswellthatwhenamodeofaccommodationisalreadyas
convenientasmaybe,itispoorlyworthwhiletomakeitlessconvenient,merelyfor
thesakeofvarietyand,thatutilityandconveniencearethemainobjectstobe
attainedinanywellordereddwelling.Thesetworequisites,utilityandconvenience,
attained,thethirdandprincipalonecomfortissecured.Cellarkitchensthemost
abominablenuisancesthatevercreptintoacountrydwellingmighthavebeen
adopted,nodoubt,totheespecialdelightofsomewhoknownothingofthe
experimentaldutiesofhousekeepingbuttherecommendationoftheseisanoffence
whichwehavenostomachtoanswerforhereafter.Steep,winding,andcomplicated
staircasesmighthavegivenanewfeaturetooneoranotherofthedesignsdark
closets,intricatepassages,uniquecubbyholes,andallsortsofinsidegimcrackery
mighthaveamusedourpencilbutwehaveavoidedthem,aswellaseverything
whichwouldstandinthewayofthesimplest,cheapest,andmostdirectmodeof
reachingtheobjectinview:aconvenient,comfortablyarrangeddwellingwithin,
havingarespectable,dignifiedappearancewithoutandsuch,wetrust,havebeen
thusfarpresentedinourdesigns.
165
166
LA WN ,A N D P A RK S U RRO U N D IN G S .
Thetreesandshrubberywhichornamenttheapproachtothishouse,shouldberather
ofthegracefulvarieties,thanotherwise.Theweepingwillow,thehorsechesnut,the
mountainash,ifsuitabletotheclimateorthechinatreeofthesouth,orthelinden,
theweepingelm,andthesilvermaple,withitslongslenderbranchesandhanging
leaves,wouldaddmosttothebeauty,andcomportmorecloselywiththecharacterof
thisestablishment,thanthemoreupright,stiff,andunbendingtreesofourAmerican
forests.TheLombardypoplaralbeit,anobjectoffashionablederisionwithmany
treefanciersinthesemoretastydays,asitwasequallytheadmirationofourfathers,
offortyyearsagowouldsetoffandgiveeffecttoamansionofthischaracter,either
inaclumpatthebackground,asshowninthedesign,oroccasionallyshootingupits
spireliketopthroughagroupoftheothertrees.Yet,ifbuiltinafinenaturalparkor
lawnofoaks,withafewothertrees,suchaswehavenamed,plantedimmediately
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aroundit,thishousewouldstillshowwithfineeffect.
Thestyleoffinishgiventothisdwellingmayappeartooornateandexpensiveforthe
positionitissupposedtooccupy.Ifso,aplainermodeoffinishmaybeadopted,to
thecheapestdegreeconsistentwiththemannerofitsconstruction.Still,on
examination,therewillbefoundlittleintricateorreallyexpensiveworkuponit.
Strength,substance,durability,shouldallenterintoitscompositionandwithoutthese
elements,ahouseofthisappearanceisamerebauble,notfittostanduponthe
premisesofanymanofsubstantialestate.
167
Ifamoreextensiveaccommodationbenecessary,thanthesizeofthishousecan
afford,itsstylewilladmitofawing,ofanydesirablelength,oneachside,inplaceof
therearpartofthesideverandas,withoutprejudicetoitscharacteroreffect.Indeed,
suchwingsmayaddtoitsdignity,andconsequence,ascomportingwiththestanding
andinfluencewhichitsoccupantmayholdinthecommunitywhereinheresides.
Amanofmark,indeed,should,ifheliveinthecountry,occupyadwellingsomewhat
indicatingthepositionwhichheholds,bothinsocietyandinpublicaffairs.Bythis
remark,wemaybetreadingonquestionableground,inourdemocraticcountrybut,
practically,thereisafitnessinitwhichnoonecandispute.Notthatextravagance,
pretension,oranyotherassumptionofsuperiorityshouldmarkthedwellingofthe
distinguishedman,butthathisdwellingbeoflikecharacterwithhimself:plain,
dignified,solid,and,asamatterofcourse,altogetherrespectable.
Itisahappyfeatureinthecompositionofourrepublicaninstitutions,bothsocialand
political,thatwecanaffordtolettheflashymenofthedaynotoftimeflaunterin
alltheirpurchasedfancyinhousebuilding,withoutprejudicetotheprevailingsober
sentimentoftheirneighbors,insuchparticulars.Themanofmoney,simply,may
buildhis"villa,"andsquanderhistensofthousandsuponit.Hemayriotwithinit,and
fidgetaboutitforafewbriefyearshemayevenhanghiscoatofarmsuponit,ifhe
canfortunatelydosowithoutstumblingoveralapstone,orgreasinghiscoatagainst
thepansofacookshopbutitisequallysurethatnochildofhiswilloccupyitafter
him,evenifhisownchangeablefancyorcircumstancespermithimtoretainitforhis
naturallife.Sucharetheepisodesofcountryhousebuilding,andoffrequentattempts
atagriculturallife,bythosewhoaffectitasamatterofostentationordisplay.Forthe
subjectsofthese,wedonotwrite.Butthereissomethingexceedinglygratefultothe
feelingsofoneofstableviewsinlife,tolookuponanestatewhichhasbeenlongin
anindividualfamily,stillmaintainingitsprimitivecharacterandrespectability.Some
fiveandtwentyyearsago,whentooyoungtohaveanyestablishedopinionsin
mattersofthissort,asweweredrivingthroughoneoftheoldfarmingtownsin
Massachusetts,abouttwentymileswestofBoston,weapproachedacomfortable,
wellconditionedfarm,withatavernhouseuponthehighroad,andseveralgreatelms
standingaboutit.Theroadpassedbetweentwoofthetrees,andfromacrossbeam,
lodgedacrosstheirbranches,swungalargesquaresign,withnamesanddatespainted
uponitnameanddatewehaveforgottenitwasagoodoldPuritanname,however
inthiswise:
168
"JOHNENDICOTT,1652."
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Asoureyesreadoverthislist,wewerestruckwiththestabilityofafamilywhofor
manyconsecutivegenerationshadoccupied,bythesamename,thatvenerablespot,
andministeredtothecomfortofasmanygenerationsoftravelers,andincontinently
tookoffourhatinrespecttotherecordofsomuchworth,droveourhorseunderthe
shed,hadhimfed,wentin,andtookaquietfamilydinnerwiththecivil,good
temperedhost,andtheequallykindmanneredhostess,thenintheprimeoflife,
surroundedwithafinefamilyofchildren,andheardfromhisownlipsthehistoryof
hisancestors,fromtheirfirstemigrationfromEnglandnotintheMayflower,to
whoseimmeasurableaccommodationsourgoodNewEnglandancestorsaresoprone
toreferbutinoneofherearlysuccessors.
Allovertheoldthirteenstates,fromMainetoGeorgia,canbefoundagricultural
estatesnowcontainingfamilies,thedescendantsofthosewhofoundedthem
exceptionstothegeneralrule,weadmit,ofAmericanstabilityofresidence,butnone
thelessgratifyingtothecontemplationofthosewhorespectadeeploveofhome,
whereveritmaybefound.Forthemoralofourepisodeonthissubject,wecannot
refrainfromadescriptionofafineoldestatewhichwehavefrequentlyseen,minus
nowthebuildingswhichthenexisted,andlongsincesupplantedbyothersequally
respectableandcommodious,anderectedbythesuccessoroftheoriginaloccupant,
thelateDr.Boylston,ofRoxbury,wholongmadethefarmhissummerresidence.
Thedescriptionisfromanoldwork,"TheHistoryoftheCountyofWorcester,inthe
StateofMassachusetts,bytheRev.PeterWhitney,1793:"
169
170
"Manyofthehouses(inPrinceton,)arelargeandelegant.Thisleadstoaparticular
mention,thatinthistownisthecountryseatoftheHon.MosesGill,Esq.,
('Honorable'meantsomethinginthosedays,)whohasbeenfromtheyear1775oneof
theJudgesoftheCourtofCommonPleasforthecountyofWorcester,andfor
severalyearsacounsellorofthiscommonwealth.Hisnobleandelegantseatisabout
onemileandaquarterfromthemeetinghouse,tothesouth.Thefarmcontains
upwardsofthreethousandacres.ThecountyroadfromPrincetontoWorcester
passesthroughit,infrontofthehouse,whichfacestothewest.Thebuildingsstand
uponthehighestlandofthewholefarmbutitislevelroundaboutthemformany
rods,andthenthereisaverygradualdescent.Thelandonwhichthesebuildings
standiselevatedbetweentwelvehundredandthirteenhundredfeetabovethelevelof
thesea,astheHon.JamesWinthrop,Esq.informsme.Themansionhouseislarge,
being5050feet,withfourstacksofchimnies.Thefarmhouseis40feetby36:Ina
linewiththisstandthecoachandchaisehouse,50feetby36.Thisisjoinedtothe
barnbyashed70feetinlengththebarnis200feetby32.Veryelegantfencesare
erectedaroundthemansionhouse,theouthouses,andthegarden.
"Theprospectfromthisseatisextensiveandgrand,takinginahorizontotheeast,of
seventymiles,atleast.ThebluehillsinMiltonarediscerniblewiththenakedeye,
fromthewindowsofthissuperbedifice,distantnotlessthansixtymilesasalsothe
watersintheharborofBoston,atcertainseasonsoftheyear.Whenweviewthis
seat,thesebuildings,andthisfarmofsomanyhundredacres,nowunderahigh
degreeofprofitablecultivation,andaretoldthatintheyear1766itwasaperfect
wilderness,wearestruckwithwonder,admiration,andastonishment.Thehonorable
proprietorthereofmusthavegreatsatisfactionincontemplatingtheseimprovements,
soextensive,madeunderhisdirection,and,Imayadd,byhisownactiveindustry.
JudgeGillisagentlemanofsingularvivacityandactivity,andindefatigableinhis
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endeavorstobringforwardthecultivationofhislandsofgreatandessentialservice,
byhisexample,intheemploymenthefindsforsomanypersons,andinallhis
attemptstoservetheinterestsoftheplacewherehedwells,andinhisactsofprivate
munificence,andpublicgenerosity,anddeservesgreatrespectandesteem,notonly
fromindividuals,butfromthetownandcountryhehassogreatlybenefited,and
especiallybythewaysinwhichhemakesuseofthatvastestatewherewithakind
Providencehasblessedhim."
Suchwastheestate,andsuchthemanwhofoundedandenjoyeditsixtyyearsago
andmanyanequalestate,foundedandoccupiedbyequallyvaluablemen,then
existed,andstillexistinallourolderstatesandifourprivateandpublicvirtuesare
preserved,willeverexistineverystateofourunion.Suchpictures,too,areforcible
illustrationsofthemoralsofcorrectbuildingontheampleestatesofmanyofour
Americanplantersandfarmers.Themansionhouse,whichissographically
described,wesawbutashorttimebeforeitwaspulleddownthenold,andhardly
worthrepairing,beingbuiltofwood,andofstylesomethinglikethisdesignofour
own,batingtheextentofveranda.
172
Thecostofthishousemaybefrom$5000to$8000,dependinguponthematerialof
whichitisconstructed,thedegreeoffinishgiventoit,andthelocalitywhereitis
built.Allthesecircumstancesaretobeconsidered,andtheestimatesshouldbemade
bypracticalandexperiencedbuilders,whoarecompetentjudgesinwhatever
appertainstoit.
(173)
(174)
FAR M HOUSE.
Pages173174.
largerview
175
DESIGNVII.
APLANTATIONHOUSE.Anothersouthernhouseisherepresented,quitedifferentin
architecturaldesignfromthelast,plain,unpretending,lessornateinitsfinish,aswell
aslessexpensiveinconstruction.Itmayoccupyadifferentsite,inahilly,wooded
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countryofroughersurface,butequallybecomingit,astheotherwouldmorefitly
gracethelevelprairie,orspreadingplaininthemoreshowyluxuryofitscharacter.
Thishousestands4644feetontheground,twostorieshigh,withafulllength
veranda,10feetwideinfront,andahalflengthoneaboveit,connectingwiththe
mainroofbyanopengable,underwhichisarailedgalleryforsummerreposeor
recreation,ortoenjoythesceneryuponwhichitmayopen.Theroofisbroadand
overhanging,thoroughlyshelteringthewalls,andgivingitamostprotected,
comfortablelook.Coveringhalftherearisaleanto,withshedroof,16feetwide,
communicatingwiththeservants'officesinthewing,thehallofwhichopensupona
lowverandaonitsfront,andleadingtotheminorconveniencesoftheestablishment.
Themainservants'buildingis3020feet,oneandahalfstorieshigh,witharoofin
keepingwiththemaindwelling,andachimneyinthecenter.Inrearofthisisattached
awoodhouse,withashedroof,thusslopingoff,andgivingitareposed,quietair
fromthatpointofview.Anarrowporch,23feetlongand8feetwide,alsoshadesthe
remainingrearpartofthemaindwelling,openingontotheapproachinrear.
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GROUNDPLAN
Thefrontdooropensintoahall34feetlongand10feetwide,withaflightofstairs.
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Ontheleftofthisopensaparlorordiningroom,2218feet,lightedbytwowindows
infrontandoneontheside,andconnectingwiththediningroombeyond,whichis
1816feet,withtwosmalldiningclosetsbetween.Thediningroomhastwowindows
openingontotherearveranda.Underthecrossflightofstairsinthehall,apartition
separatesitfromtherearhall,intowhichisadoor.Ontherightoftheentrancehallis
alibrary,1818feet,lightedbythreewindows.Atthefartherendisacloset,andby
thesideofitasmallentryleadingintothenurseryorfamilybedroom,1815feetin
size,whichalsohasacorrespondingclosetwiththelibrary.Ontherearofthenursery
isaflightofbackstairsopeningfromit.Underthesestairs,attheotherend,adoor
openstoanotherflightleadingintothecellarbelow.Adooralsoleadsoutfromthe
nurseryintotherearpassage,totheofficesanotherdooronthefurthersideofthe
roomopensintotherearhallofthehouse.Thenurseryshouldhavetwowindows,but
thedrawing,byanerror,givesonlyone.Fromthisrearhalladooropensontherear
veranda,andanotherintothepassagetotherearoffices.Thispassageissixfeetwide
and34feetlong,openingatitsleftendontotheveranda,andontheright,tothe
servants'porch,andfromitsrearsideintothreesmallrooms,10feetsquareeach,the
outeroneofwhichmaybeabusinessroomfortheproprietoroftheestatethenext,
astoreroomforfamilysuppliesandtheotherakitchencloset.Eachoftheseis
lightedbyawindowontherear.Adooralsoleadsfromtherearpassageintothe
kitchen,2016feetinarea,withawindowlookingoutinfrontandtwoothersonthe
sideandrear,andadoorintothewoodhouse.Inthisisplacedalargechimneyforthe
cookingestablishment,oven,&c.,&c.Aflightofstairsandpartitiondividesthisfrom
thewashroom,whichis1414feet,withtwowindowsintheside,andadoorintothe
woodhouse.Thiswoodhouseisopenontwosides,andawaterclosetisinthefar
corner.Thesmallveranda,whichissixfeetwide,frontingthekitchenapartments,
opensintothebathroom,96feet,intowhichthewaterisdrawnfromthekitchen
boilersintheadjoiningchimney.Stillbeyondthisistheentrancetothewaterclosets,
65feet.
Thechamberplanissimple,andwillbereadily
comprehended.Ifmoreroomsaredesirable,they
canbecutofffromthelargerones.Aflightof
garretstairsmayalsobeputintherearchamber
hall.Themainhallofthechambers,in
connectionwiththeupperveranda,maybemade
adelightfulresortforthesummer,wherethe
leisurehoursofthefamilymaybepassedinview
ofthescenerywhichthehousemaycommand,
andthusmadeoneofitsmostattractivefeatures.
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178
179
CHAMBERPLAN
Wehavegivenlessverandatothishousethantothelast,becauseitsstyledoesnot
requireit,anditisacheaperandlesspainstakingestablishmentthroughout,although,
perhaps,quiteasconvenientinitsarrangementastheother.Theverandamay,
however,becontinuedroundthetwoendsofthehouse,ifrequired.Ascreen,orbelt
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ofprivet,orlowevergreensmaybeplantedinacircularformfromthefrontright
handcornerofthedwelling,tothecorrespondingcorneroftherearoffices,enclosing
aclothesdryingyard,andcuttingthemofffromtoosightlyanexposurefromthe
lawninfront.Theoppositeendofthehouse,whichmaybetermeditsbusinessfront,
mayopentotheeverydayapproachtothehouse,andbetreatedasconveniencemay
determine.
Forthetreedecorationofthisestablishment,evergreensmaycomeinforashareof
attraction.Theirconical,taperingpointswillcorrespondwellwithitsgeneral
architecture,andaddstrikinglytoitseffectotherwisetheremarksalreadygivenon
thesubjectofparkandlawnplantationwillsuffice.As,however,intheposition
wherethisestablishmentissupposedtobeerected,landisplenty,ampleareashould
beappropriatedtoitsconvenience,andnopinchedorparsimoniousspiritshould
detractfromgivingitthefullesteffectinanallowanceofground.Norneedthe
grounddevotedtosuchpurposesbeatalllost,orunappropriatedvarioususescanbe
madeofit,yieldingbothpleasureandprofit,towhichafuturechapterwillreferand
itisoneofthechiefpleasuresofretiredresidencetocultivate,intherightplace,such
incidentalobjectsofinterestastendtogratify,aswellastoinstruct,inwhatever
appertainstotheelevationofourthoughts,andtheimprovementofourcondition.All
these,intheirplace,shouldbedrawnaboutourdwellings,torenderthemasagreeable
andattractiveasouringenuityandlabormaycommand.
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LAWNS,GROUNDS,PARKS,ANDWOODS.
Havingessayedtoinstructouragriculturalfriendsinthepropermodesoferecting
theirhouses,andprovidingfortheirconvenientaccommodationwithinthem,afew
remarksmaybepardonedtouchingsuchcollateralsubjectsofembellishmentasmay
beconnectedwiththefarmresidenceinthewayofplantationsandgroundsintheir
immediatevicinity.
Wearewellawarethatsmallfarmsdonotpermitanyconsiderableappropriationof
groundtowastepurposes,assuchspotsareusuallycalledwhichareoccupiedwith
wood,ortheshadeofopentrees,nearthedwelling.Butnodwellingcanbecomplete
inallitsappointmentswithouttreesinitsimmediatevicinity.Thissubjecthasperhaps
beensufficientlydiscussedinprecedingchaptersyet,asaclosingcourseofremark
uponwhatafarmhouse,greaterorlessinextent,shouldbeintheamountofshade
giventoit,afurthersuggestionortwomaybepermitted.Thereare,inalmostall
places,inthevicinityofthedwelling,portionsofgroundwhichcanbeappropriated
toforesttreeswithoutdetrimenttoothereconomicaluses,ifappliedintheproper
way.Anyonewhopassesalongahighroadanddiscoversthefarmhouse,seatedon
themarginorintheimmediatevicinityofapleasantgrove,isimmediatelystruckwith
thepeculiarlyruralandpicturesqueairwhichitpresents,andthinkstohimselfthathe
shouldlovesuchaspotforhisownhome,withoutreflectingthathemightequallyas
wellcreateoneofthesamecharacter.Sitesalreadyoccupied,wheredifferent
dispositionsaremadeofcontiguousground,maynotadmitoflikeadvantagesand
sucharetobecontinuedintheirpresentarrangement,withsuchcourseof
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improvementastheircircumstanceswilladmit.Buttosuchasareabouttoselectthe
sitesoftheirfuturehomes,itisimportanttostudywhatcanbestembellishtheminthe
mosteffectiveshadeandornament.
Intheimmediatevicinityofourlargetownsandcitiesitisseldompossibleto
appropriateanyconsiderablebreadthoflandtoornamentalpurposes,exceptingrough
andunsightlywasteground,moreorlessoccupiedwithrockorswamporplainer
tracts,sosterileastobecomparativelyworthlessforcultivation.Suchgrounds,too,
oftenliebareofwood,andrequireplanting,andacourseofyearstocoverthemwith
trees,eveniftheproprietoriswilling,ordesiroustodevotethemtosuchpurpose.
Still,therearevastsectionsofourcountrywheretoeconomizelandisnotimportant,
andamixedoccupationofittobothornamentandprofitmaybeindulgedtothe
extentoftheowner'sdisposition.AllovertheUnitedStatestherearegrandand
beautifulsweepsandbeltsofcultivatedcountry,interspersedwithfinelywooded
tracts,whichofferthemostattractivesitesfortheerectionofdwellingsonthefarms
whichembracethem,andthatrequireonlytheeyeandhandoftastetoconvertthem,
withslightlabor,intothefinestwoodedlawnsandforestedparksimaginable.No
countrywhateverproducesfinertreesthanNorthAmerica.Theevergreensofthe
northluxuriateinagrandeurscarcelyknownelsewhere,andshoottheirconesintothe
skytoanextentthatthestriplingpinesandfirs,andlarchesofEnglandinvainmay
strivetoimitate.TheelmofNewEnglandtowersup,andspreadsoutitssweeping
armswithamajestyunwontedintheancientparksorforestsofEuropewhileits
maples,andbirches,andbeeches,andashes,andoaks,andthegreatwhitearmed
buttonwood,makeupavarietyofinterveninggrowth,luxuriantintheextreme.Pass
onthroughtheMiddleStates,andintothefarwest,andtheretheystillflourishwith
additionalkindsthetulipandpoplarthenuttrees,inalltheirwidevariety,witha
hostofothersequallygrandandimposing,interspersedandshrubtreesinnumerable,
areseeneverywhereastheysweepalongyourpath.BeyondtheAlleghanies,and
southofthegreatlakes,arevastnaturalparks,manyofthemenclosed,anddotted
withherdsofcattlerangingoverthem,whichwillshowsingletrees,andclumpsof
forestthatWilliamtheConquerorwouldhavegivenawholefiefdominhis
Hampshirespoliationstopossesswhile,stretchingawaytowardtheGulfofMexico,
newvarietiesoftreearefound,equallyimposing,grand,andbeautiful,throughoutthe
wholevastrange,andinalmosteverylocality,susceptibleofthefinestpossible
appropriationtoornamentanduse.Manyaoneofthesenobleforests,andopen,
naturalparkshavebeenappropriatedalreadytoembellishthecomfortablefamily
establishmentwhichhasbeenbuilteitheronitsmargin,orwithinitandthousands
morearestanding,asyetunimproved,butequallyinvitingthefutureoccupanttotheir
ampleprotection.
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184
Themoralinfluences,too,oflawnsandparksaroundorinthevicinityofour
dwellings,areworthyofconsideration.Secludedasmanyacountrydwellermaybe,
awayfromthethrongofsociety,thereisasympathyintreeswhichinvitesour
thoughts,anddrawsourpresenceamongthemwithunwontedinterest,andinfrequent
cases,assistmateriallyinstampingthefeelingsandcoursesofourfuturelives
alwayswithpureandennoblingsentiments
"ThegroveswereGod'sfirsttemples."
Thethoughtfulman,ashepassesundertheirshelteringboughs,intheheatof
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summer,withuncoveredbrow,silentlyworshipstheHandthatformedthemthere,
scarcelyconsciousthattheirpresencethuselevateshismindtoholyaspirations.
Amongthem,thespeculativeman
"Findstonguesintrees,booksintherunningbrooks,
Sermonsinstones."
Evenchildren,bornandeducatedamonggrovesoftrees,drinkinearlyimpressions,
whichfollowthemforgoodalltheirdaysand,whenthetoilsoftheirafterlifeare
passed,theylovetoreturntothesegratefulcoverts,andspendtheirremainingdays
amidthetranquillityoftheirpresence.Menhabituatedtothewildestlife,too,enjoy
thewoods,thehills,andthemountains,beyondallthecaptivationandexcitementof
society,andarenowhereatrest,butwhenintheircommunion.
Theloveofforestsceneryisathingtobecultivatedasahighaccomplishment,in
thosewhoseearlyassociationshavenotbeenamongthem.Indeed,countrylifeis
tame,andintolerable,withoutataste,eithernaturaloracquired,forfinelandscape
sceneryandinalandlikethis,wherethecountrygivesoccupationtosogreata
proportionofitspeople,andalargeshareofthoseengagedintheactiveandexciting
pursuitsofpopuloustowns,sighandlookforwardtoitsenjoyment,everyinducement
shouldbeofferedtocultivateatasteforthosethingswhichmakeoneofitschief
attractions.Norshouldseclusionfromgeneralsociety,andaresidenceapartfromthe
bustlingactivityoftheworld,presentabartotheduecultivationofthetasteinmany
subjectssupposedtobelongonlytothethrongofassociation.Itisoneofthe
advantagesofrurallife,thatitgivesustimetothinkandthegreatestmindsofwhose
laborsintheoldworldwehavehadthebenefit,andoflatertimes,inourownland,
havebeenrearedchieflyinthesolitudeofthecountry.PatrickHenrylovedtorange
amongthewoods,admiringtheleafymagnificenceofnature,andtofollowthe
meanderingcoursesofthebrooks,withhishookandline.Washington,whentreading
thevastsolitudesofcentralVirginia,withhissurveyor'sinstrumentsonhisback,
conceivedthewonderfulresourcesofthegreatempireofwhichhewilleverbestyled
the"father."ThedwellingofthelateJohnC.Calhoun,shelteredbynobletrees,stands
onanelevatedswellofagrandrangeofmountainland,anditwastherethathis
prolificgeniusripenedforthoseburningdisplaysofthoughtwhichdrewtohimthe
affectionsofadmiringthousands.HenryClayundoubtedlyfeltthegermofhisfuture
greatnesswhilesauntering,inhisboyhooddays,throughthewildandpicturesque
slashesofHanover.Webster,bornamidtheruggedhillsofNewHampshire,drewthe
delightfulrelishofrurallife,forwhichheissocelebrated,fromthelandscapeswhich
surroundedhisearlyhome,andlaidthefoundationofhismightyintellectinthemidst
ofloneandstrikingscenery.Bryantcouldneverhavewrittenhis"Thanatopsis,"his
"Rivulet,"andhis"GreenRiver,"butfromtheinspirationdrawnfromhissecluded
youthfulhomeinthemountainsofMassachusetts.Nor,totouchamoresacred
subject,couldJonathanEdwardseverhavecomposedhismasterly"Treatiseonthe
Will,"inapentupcitybutoweshisenduringfametothethoughtandleisurewhich
hefound,whileministering,amongthesublimemountainsoftheHousatonic,toa
feebletribeofStockbridgeIndians.
Andtheserandomnamesarebutafewofthosewhoseloveofnatureearlyimbibed,
andinlaterlifeenjoyedintheirowncalmandretiredhomes,amidtheserenebeauty
ofwoodsandwaters,whichmightbenamed,asillustrationsoftheinfluencewhich
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finescenerymayexerciseuponthemind,toassistinmouldingittogreatness.The
followinganecdotewastoldusmanyyearsago,byavenerablemaninConnecticut,
afriendoftheelderHillhouse,ofNewHaven,towhomthatcityismuchindebtedfor
themagnificenttreesbywhichithasbecomerenownedas"theCityoftheElms:"
WhileamemberoftheGeneralAssemblyofthatstate,whenHillhousewasin
Congress,learningthathehadjustreturnedhomefromtheannualsession,our
informant,withafriend,wenttotheresidenceofthestatesman,topayhimavisit.He
hadreturnedonlythatmorning,andontheirwaythere,theymethimnearhishouse,
withastoutyoungtreeonhisshoulder,justtakenfromaneighboringpieceofforest,
whichhewasabouttotransplantintheplaceofonewhichhaddiedduringhis
absence.Aftertheusualsalutations,ourfriendexpressedhissurprisethathewasso
soonengagedintreeplanting,beforehehadevenhadtimetolooktohisprivateand
morepressingaffairs."Anotherdaymaybetoolate,"repliedthesenator"mytree
wellplanted,itwillgrowatitsleisure,andIcanthenlooktomyownconcernsatmy
ease.So,gentlemen,ifyouwilljustwaittillthetreeisset,we'llwalkintothehouse,
andsettletheaffairsofstateinourownway."
WalterScott,whosedeeploveofparkandforestsceneryhasstampedwithhis
masterlydescriptions,hisnativelandasthehomeofallthingsbeautifulandusefulin
treesandplantations,spentagreatshareofhisleisuretimeinplanting,andhas
writtenamostinstructiveessayonitspracticeandbenefits.Heputsintothemouthof
"theLairdofDumbiedikes,"theadvice,"Beayestickinginatree,Jockitwillbe
growingwhileyouaresleeping."ButWalterScotthadnoAmericansoiltoplanthis
treesuponnordothegrandestforestparksofScotlandshowatitheoftheluxuriance
andmajestyofourAmericanforests.Couldhebuthaveseenthevariety,the
symmetry,andthevastsizeofouroaks,andelms,andevergreens,anewelementof
descriptivepowerwouldhavegrownoutoftheadmirationtheyhadcreatedwithin
himandhewouldhaveenviedapeoplethepossessionofsuchexhaustlessresources
asweenjoy,toembellishtheirhomesinthebestimaginablemanner,withsuch
enduringmonumentsofgraceandbeauty.
Tothemiscellaneous,orcasualreader,suchcourseofremarkmayappearmerely
sublimatednonsense.Nomatterwearenotuponstilts,talkingdowntoaclassof
inferiormen,inacondescendingtone,onasubjectabovetheircomprehensionbut
weareaddressingmen,andthesonsofmen,whoareourequalsalthough,like
ourself,upontheirfarms,takingtheirshareinitsdailytoils,aswellaspleasuresand
canperfectlywellunderstandourlanguage,andsympathizewithourthoughts.They
arethethoughtsofrurallifeeverywhere.ItwasoldSamJohnson,thegreat
lexicographer,wholumberedhisunwieldygaitthroughthestreetsofcitiesfora
wholelife,andwithallhisvastlearningandwisdom,hadnoappreciationofthe
charmsofthecountry,thatsaid,"Whofeedsfatcattleshouldhimselfbefat"asifthe
dwelleronthefarmshouldnotpossessanideaabovethebrutesaroundhim.We
wonderifheeversupposedamerchantshouldhaveanymorebrainthantheparcel
thathehandled,orthebalewhichherolled,ordirectedotherstorollforhim!But,
lovingthesolitudeofthefarm,andfindingathousandobjectsofinterestandbeauty
scatteredinprofusion,wherethoseeducatedamongartificialobjectswouldsee
nothingbeyondthings,tothem,vulgarandcommonplace,inconversingwithour
ruralfriendsuponwhatconcernstheirdailycomfort,andistoconstitutethenursery
ofthosewhosucceedthem,andontheinfluenceswhichmay,inadegree,stamptheir
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futurecharacter,wecannotforbearsuchsuggestions,connectedwiththefamily
Home,asmayinducethemtocultivateallthoseaccessoriesaroundit,whichmayadd
totheirpleasureandcontentment.WebelieveitwasKeats,whosaid,
"AthingofBeautyisajoyforever."
Andthethoughtthatsuch"beauty"hasbeenofourowncreation,orthatourown
handshaveassistedinitsperpetuation,shouldcertainlybeadeep"joy"ofourlife.
Wehaveremarked,thatthefarmhouseisthechiefnurseryonwhichourbroad
countrymustrelyforthathealthyinfusionofstaminaandspiritintothosemenwho,
underourinstitutions,guideitsdestinyanddirectitscouncils.They,inthegreat
majorityoftheirnumbers,arenativesoftheretiredhomestead.Itis,therefore,ofhigh
consequence,thatgoodtaste,intelligence,andcorrectjudgment,shouldenterintoall
thatsurroundsthebirthplace,andearlyscenesofthosewhoaretobethefuture
actorsintheprominentwalksoflife,eitherinpublicorprivatecapacityandasthe
loveoftreesisoneoftheleadingelementsofenjoymentamidtheoutwardscenesof
countrylife,wecommendmostheartilyallwhodwellinthepureairandbright
sunshineoftheopenlandtotheirstudyandcultivation.
190
Everymanwholivesinthecountry,beheapracticalfarmerornot,shouldplant
trees,moreorless.Thefatherofafamilyshouldplant,forthebenefitofhischildren,
aswellasforhisown.Thebachelorandthechildlessmanshouldplant,iffornothing
morethantoshowthathehasleftsomelivingthingtoperpetuatehismemory.Boys
shouldearlybemadeplanters.Nonebutthosewholovetrees,andplantthem,know
theserenepleasureofwatchingtheirgrowth,andanticipatingtheirfuturebeautyand
grandeurandnoonecansoexquisitelyenjoytheirgratefulshade,ashewhosehand
hasplantedandcaredforthem.Planting,too,isamostagreeablepastimetoa
reflectingmind.Itmayberankedamongthepleasures,insteadofthetoilsoflife.We
havealwayssofoundit.Thereisnopleasantersightoflaborthantoseeafather,with
hisyoungladsabouthim,plantingatree.Itbecomesalandmarkoftheirindustryand
goodtasteandnothinkingmanpassesaplantationoffinetreesbutinwardlyblesses
theman,orthememoryofthemanwhoplacedthemthere.
Asidefromallthis,treesproperlydistributed,giveavaluetoanestatefarbeyondthe
costofplanting,andtendingtheirgrowth,andwhichnootherequalamountoflabor
andexpenseuponitcanconfer.Innumerablefarmsandplaceshavebeensoldathigh
prices,overthoseofperhapsgreaterproducingvalue,merelyforthetreeswhich
embellishedthem.Thus,inapecuniarylight,tosaynothingofthepleasureand
luxurytheyconfer,treesareasourceofprofitableinvestment.
191
Itisahappyfeatureintheimprovingruralcharacterofourcountry,thattreeplanting
andtreepreservationforsomeyearspasthaveattractedmuchmoreattentionthan
formerlyandwiththisattentionabettertasteisprevailingintheirselection.Wehave
gainedbutlittleintheintroductionofmanyoftheforeigntreesamongus,for
ornament.SomeofthemareabsolutelybarbarousincomparisonwithourAmerican
foresttrees,andtheircultivationisonlyademonstrationoftheutterwantofgood
tasteinthosewhoapplythem.
Forordinarypurposes,butfewexoticsshouldbetoleratedandthosechieflyin
collections,ascuriosities,orforarboretumsinwhichlatterthefarmercannotoften
indulgeandforallthemainpurposesofshade,anduse,andornament,thetreesofno
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countrycanequalourown.
Variedasourcountryis,insoilsandclimates,noparticulardirectionscanbegivenas
totheindividualvarietiesoftreewhicharetobepreferredforplanting.Eachlocality
hasitsownmostappropriatekinds,andhewhoistoplant,canbestmakethe
selectionsmostfittedtohisuse.Rapidgrowingtrees,whenoffinesymmetry,and
freefrombadhabitsinthrowingupsuckersnotliabletotheattacksofinsectsof
early,dense,andlongcontinuedfoliage,aremosttobecommendedwhiletheir
oppositesincharactershouldbeavoidedinallwellkeptgrounds.Itrequires,indeed,
butalittlethoughtandobservationtoguideeveryoneintheselectionwhichhe
shouldmake,toproducethebesteffectofwhichthetreeitselfiscapable.
192
Givingtheimportancewehave,totrees,andtheirplanting,itmaybesupposedthat
weshoulddiscusstheirpositioninthegroundstowhichtheyshouldbeappropriated.
Butnospecificdirectionscanbegivenatlarge.Allthisbranchofthesubjectmustbe
lefttothelocality,position,andsurfaceofthegroundsoughttobeimproved.Agood
treecanscarcelystandinawrongplace,whennotinjurioustoabuildingbyitstoo
denseshade,orshuttingoutitslight,orprospect.Still,theproperdispositionoftrees
isastudy,andshouldbewellconsideredbeforetheybeplanted.Bald,unsightlyspots
shouldbecoveredbythem,whennotdevotedtomoreusefulobjectsofthefarm,
eitherinpasturageorcultivation.Apartialshadingofthesoilbytreesmayaddtoits
valueforgrazingpurposes,likethewoodlandpasturesofKentucky,wheresubjectto
extremedroughts,orascorchingsun.
Iftheplanterfeelsdisposedtoconsultauthorities,astothebestdispositionofhis
trees,worksonLandscapeGardeningmaybestudiedbutthesecangiveonlygeneral
hints,andtheonlytruecourseistostrivetomakehisgroundslookasmuchlike
natureherselfaspossiblefornatureseldommakesmistakesinherdesigns.To
concludeacourseofremark,whichtheplainfarmer,cultivatinghislandforitsyearly
profitalone,mayconsiderasforeigntothesubjectofourwork,wewouldnot
recommendanyonetoplanttreeswhoisnotwillingtospendthenecessarytimeto
nurseandtendthemafterward,tilltheyareoutofharm'sway,andwellestablishedin
avigorousgrowth.Allthismustbetakenintotheaccount,foritisbettertohaveeven
butafewtrees,andthosewhattreesshouldbe,thanawholeforestofstintedthings,
writhingandpiningthroughacourseofsicklyexistence.
193
Achaptermightalsobewrittenuponthepropermodeoftakingupandplantingtrees,
butasthiswouldleadustoasubjectmoredirectlybelongingtoanotherdepartment,
theproperauthoritiesonthatheadmustbeconsulted.
194
FRUITGARDENORCHARDS.
Asthefruitgardenandorchardsareusuallynearappendagestothedwellingandout
buildings,afewremarksastotheirlocalityanddistributionmaybeappropriate.The
firstshouldalwaysbenearthehouse,bothforconvenienceingatheringitsfruits,and
foritsdueprotectionfromtheencroachmentsofthosenotentitledtoitstreasures.It
should,ifpossible,adjointhekitchengarden,forconvenienceofaccessasfruitis,or
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shouldbe,animportantiteminthedailyconsumptionofeveryfamilywhereitcanbe
grownandafforded.Ashelteredspot,iftobehad,shouldbedevotedtothisobjector
ifnot,itsmargin,ontheexposedside,shouldbesetwiththehardiesttreestowhichit
isappropriatedastheapple.Thefruitgarden,proper,mayalsocontainthesmaller
fruits,astheyaretermed,asthecurrant,gooseberry,raspberry,andwhateverother
shrubfruitsaregrownwhilethequince,thepeach,theapricot,nectarine,plum,
cherry,pear,andapplemay,intheordertheyarenamed,standinsuccessionbehind
them,thetallerandmorehardygrowthofeachsuccessivevarietyrisinghigher,and
protectingitslesshardyandaspiringneighbor.Thesoilforallthesevarietiesoftreeis
supposedtobecongenial,andourremarkswillonlybedirectedtotheirproper
distribution.
195
Theaspectforthefruitgardenshould,ifpossible,frontthesouth,southeast,or
southwest,inanortherlyclimate.IntheMiddleandSouthernStatestheexposureis
oflessconsequence.Currants,gooseberries,raspberries,&c.,should,fortheirmost
productivebearing,andthehighestqualityoftheirfruits,besetatleastfourfeet
apart,intherows,andtherowssixfeetdistantfromeachother,thattheremaybe
abundantroomtocultivatethemwiththeplow,andkeptcleanofweedsandgrass.
Thequince,peach,apricot,nectarine,andplumshouldbe16feetaparteachway.The
pear,ifonquincestock,maybe12feetapart,andifonitsownstock,20to24feet
whiletheappleshouldalwaysbe30to36feetapart,toletintherequisitedegreeof
sunandairtoripenaswellasgivegrowth,color,andflavortoitsfruit.Thetendency
ofalmostallplantersoffruittreesistosetthemtooclose,andmanyotherwisefine
fruitgardensareutterlyruinedbythecompactmannerinwhichtheyareplanted.
Treesaregreatconsumersoftheatmosphereeveryleafisalung,inhalingand
respiringthegases,andifsufficientbreathingroombenotallowedthem,thetree
sickens,andpinesforthewantofittherefore,everyfruittree,andfruitbearingshrub
shouldbesoplacedthatthesummersuncanshineoneverypartofitssurfaceatsome
houroftheday.Insuchposition,thefruitwillreachitsmaximumofflavor,size,and
perfection.
Theground,too,shouldberichand,tohavethegreatestbenefitofthesoil,nocrops
shouldbegrownamongthetrees,aftertheyhavearrivedattheirfullmaturityof
bearing.Thusplanted,andnursed,withgoodselectionsofvarieties,boththefruit
gardenandtheorchardbecomeoneofthemostornamental,aswellasmostprofitable
portionsofthefarm.
196
Inpointofposition,asaffectingtheappearanceofthehomestead,thefruitgarden
shouldstandontheweathersideofthedwelling,soas,althoughprotected,inits
severalvarieties,byitself,whennotaltogethershelteredbysomesuperiornatural
barrier,itshouldappeartoshelterboththedwellingandkitchengardens,which
adjointhem.
Asthisisasubjectintendedtobebutincidentallytouchedinthesepages,andonly
thenasimmediatelyconnectedinitsgeneralcharacterwiththedwellinghouseandits
attachments,werefrainfromgoingintoanyparticularsofdetailconcerningit.Itis
alsoasubjecttowhichwearestronglyattached,andgladlywouldwehaveasetchat
withourreadersuponitbutasthediscussionforsobroadafieldasweshouldhave
tosurvey,wouldbeinmanypointsarbitrary,andunfittingtolocalinformationasto
varieties,andparticularcultivation,wereferthereader,withgreatpleasure,tothe
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severaltreatisesofDowning,andThomas,andBarry,onthisinterestingtopic,with
whichthepublicarefortunatelyinpossessionobserving,only,thatthereisnoone
itemofruraleconomytowhichourattentioncanbegiven,whichyieldsmoreof
luxury,health,andtrueenjoyment,bothtothebodyandthemind,thanthecultivation
ofgoodfruits.
197
HOWTOLAYOUTAKITCHENGARDEN.
Thekitchengardenyieldsmorenecessariesandcomfortstothefamily,thananyother
pieceofgroundonthepremises.Itis,ofconsequence,necessarythatitbesolocated
andplannedastobereadyofaccess,andyieldthegreatestpossiblequantityof
productsforthelaborbestoweduponitandaslocalityandplanhavemuchtodowith
thelaborbestoweduponitandtheproductionsitmayyield,boththesesubjects
shouldbeconsidered.
Astolocality,thekitchengardenshouldlieinthewarmestandmostshelteredspot
whichmaybeconvenienttothekitchenofthehouse.Itshould,inconnectionwith
that,beconvenientofaccesstothedungyardsofthestables.Thesizemaybesuchas
yournecessitiesoryourconveniencemaydemand.Theshape,eitheraparallelogram
orasquareforitwillberecollected,thatthisisaplaceallotted,notforashowor
pleasureground,butforprofit.Ifthegardenbelarge,thisshapewillbetterallowthe
useoftheplowtoturnupthesoil,which,inalargegarden,isamuchcheaper,and,
whenproperlydone,abettermodethantospadeitandifsmall,anditbeworked
withthespade,rightlinesareeasiermadewiththespadethancurvedones.Oneor
morewalks,atleasteightfeetwide,shouldbemade,leadingfromabroadgate,or
bars,throughwhichacartandhorse,oroxen,mayenter,todrawinmanure,orcarry
outthevegetablesandifsuchwalk,orwalks,donotextendaroundthegarden,
which,ifinalargeone,theyshoulddo,asufficientareashouldbethrownoutatthe
fartherextremity,toturnthecartupon.Ifthesoilbefree,andstony,thestonesshould
betakenoutclean,whenlargeandifsmall,downtothesizeofahen'seggandthe
surfacemadeaslevelaspossible,foraloosesoilwillneednodraining.Ifthesoilbea
clay,orclayeyloam,itshouldbeunderdrainedtwoandahalffeet,tobeperfect,and
thedrainingsoplannedastoleadofftoalowerspotoutside.Thisdrainingwarmsthe
soil,opensitforfiltration,andmakesitfriable.Then,properlyfenced,thoroughly
manured,andploweddeep,andleftroughnomatterhowroughinthefallofthe
year,andaslatebeforethesettinginofwinterasyoudareriskit,thatpartofthe
preparationisaccomplished.
198
Thepermanentorwidewalksofthegarden,afterbeinglaidoutandgraded,should
neverbeplowednordisturbed,exceptbythehoeandrake,tokeepdowntheweeds
andgrassyet,ifaclose,andwellshorngrassturfbekeptuponthem,itisperhapsthe
cheapestandmostcleanlywayofkeepingthewalks.Theyneedonlycuttingoffclose
withthehandhook,insummer.
Wehaveknownagreatmanypeople,afterlayingoutakitchengarden,andpreparing
itforuse,fillitupwithfruittrees,supposingthatvegetableswillgrowquiteaswell
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withthemaswithout.Thisisawidemistake.Notreelargerthanacurrantor
gooseberrybushshouldeverstandinavegetablegarden.Thesefruitsbeingpartially
usedinthecookingdepartment,asmuchinthewayofvegetables,asoffruits,and
smallinsize,maybepermittedandthey,contrarytotheusualpractice,should
alwaysstandinopenground,wheretheycanhaveallthebenefitsofthesunandrain
toripenthefruittoperfection,aswellastoreceivethecultivationtheyneed,instead
ofbeingplacedunderfencesaroundthesidesofthegarden,wheretheyaretoo
frequentlyneglected,andbecometheresortofvermin,ormakeprolificharborsfor
weeds.
Alongthemainwalks,oralleys,thebordersforperennialplants,aswellasthe
currantandgooseberrybushes,shouldbemadefortheplowshouldrunparallelto,
andnotatrightangleswiththem.Heremaystandtherhubarbs,theseakales,the
variousherbs,oreventheasparagusbeds,ifaparticularquarterbenotsetapartfor
themand,ifitbeimportant,aportionofthesemainbordersmaybeappropriatedto
themorecommonflowersandsmallshrubbery,ifdesiredtocultivatetheminaplain
waybutnotapeach,apricot,oranyotherlargertreethanacurrantorraspberry,
shouldcomewithinit.Theynotonlyshadethesmallplants,butsuckupandrobthem
oftheirfoodandmoisture,andkeepoffthesun,andpreventthecirculationofair
thanwhichnothingneedsallthesemorethangardenvegetables,tohavetheminhigh
perfection.Ifitbenecessary,bymeansofacoldexposureontheoneside,tohavea
closeplantationofshrubberytoscreenthegarden,letitbeoutsidethefence,rather
thanwithinitbutifwithin,lettherebeabroadwalkbetweensuchshrubberyandthe
gardenbeds,astheirrootswillextendunderthevegetables,androbthemoftheir
food.
200
Awalk,alley,orcartway,onthesidesofthegarden,isalwaysbetternexttothefence,
thantofillthatspacewithanythingelse,asitisusuallyshadedforaportionofthe
day,andmaybebetteraffordedforsuchwastepurposesthantheopen,sunnyground
within.
Itwillbeobservedthatmarketgardeners,menwhoalwaysstrivetomakethemost
profitfromtheirlandandlabor,andobtainthebestvegetables,cultivatetheminopen
fields.Notatree,norevenabushispermittedtostandnearthegrowingcrop,ifthey
canpreventitandwhereoneisnotstintedintheareaofhisdomain,theirexample
shouldbefollowed.
Aworduponplowinggardens.Clays,orclayeyloams,shouldalwaysbemanuredand
plowedinthefall,justbeforethesettinginofthewinterfrosts.Aworldofpounding
andhammeringoflumps,tomakethemfine,inspring,issavedbyfallplowing,
besidesincorporatingthemanuremorethoroughlywiththesoil,aswellasfreezing
outanddestroyingtheeggsofwormsandinsectswhichinfestit.Thrownupdeeply
androughlywiththeploworspade,thefrostsactmechanicallyuponthesoil,and
slackandpulveriseitsothoroughlythataheavyrakinginearlyspring,isallthat
becomesnecessarytoputitinthefinestconditionforseeds,andmakeitperhapsthe
verybestandmostproductiveofallgardensoilswhatever.Alightsandyloamis
bettertoliecompactinwinter,andmanuredandturnedupinearlyspring.Itsfriable
natureleavesitalwaysopenandlight,andatalltimesintheabsenceoffrost,
accessibletothespadeorthehoe.Ontheseaccounts,itisusuallythemostdesirable
andconvenientsoilforthekitchengarden,andonthewhole,generallypreferred
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whereeitherkindmaybeamattersimplyofchoice.
202
FLOWERS.
Startnot,gentlereader!Wearenotabouttoinflictuponyouadissertationon
Pelargoniums,CallaEthiopias,Japonicas,andsuchlikeunmentionableterms,that
bringtoyourmindthegreenhouse,andforcinghouse,andallthetrainofexpense
andvexationattendingthembutwedesiretohaveashortfamiliarconversationabout
whatisallaroundyou,orifnotaroundyou,shouldbe,andkeptthere,withverylittle
painsorlaboronyourpart.Still,ifyoudislikethesubject,justhandthispartofour
bookovertoyourexcellentwife,ordaughters,orsisters,asthecasemaybe,andwe
willtalktothemaboutthismatter.
Flowershavetheirobjects,andweremadeforouruseandpleasureotherwise,God
wouldneverhavestrewedthem,ashehas,sobountifullyalongourpaths,andfilled
theworldwiththeirfragranceandbeauty.Likeallelsebeautiful,whichHemade,and
pronounced"good,"flowershavebeenobjectsofadmirationandlovesinceman's
creationandtheircultivationhaseverbeenatypeofcivilizationandrefinement
amongallpeoplewhohaveleftwrittenrecordsbehindthem.Flowersequallybecome
thecottageandthepalace,intheirdecoration.Thehumblestcottager,andthe
mightiestmonarch,haveequallyadmiredtheirbeautyandtheirodorandthewhole
trainofmortalsbetween,havedevotedaportionoftheirtimeandthoughtstothe
developmentoftheirpeculiarproperties.
203
Butletthatpass.Plaincountrypeopleasweare,thereareenoughofsufficientvariety
allaroundus,toengageourattention,andgiveusallthatwedesiretoembellishour
homes,andengagethetimewhichwehavetodevotetothem.Amongthewild
flowers,inthemountainsandhillsofthefarthestNorth,onthemarginoftheirhidden
brooks,where
"Floatsthescarcerootedwatercress"
andontheirbarrensides,thetinyvioletandthelaurelbloom,eachintheirseason,
withunwontedbeautyand,slopingdownontotheplainsbeneath,blushoutinall
theirsummergarniture,thewildroseandthehoneysuckle.On,throughtheMiddle
States,thelesserflowersofearlyspringthrowoutathousandbrilliantdyes,andare
surroundedbyahostofsummerplants,vieingwitheachotherintheexuberanceof
theirtints.OntheAlleghanies,throughalltheirvastrange,growupthemagnificent
dogwood,kalmia,andrhododendron,spanglingmileuponmileoftheirhugesides
andtopswithwhite,andcoveringcragsandprecipicesofuntoldspacewiththeir
blushingsplendor.Furtherwest,ontheprairies,andoakopenings,andinthedeep
woods,too,ofthegreatlakes,andoftheMississippivalley,withtheearliestgrass,
shootup,allovertheland,asuccessionofflowers,whichinvarietyandprofusionof
shape,andcolor,andodor,outviealltheliliesofthegardensofSolomonandsothey
continuetilltheautumnalfrostscutdownbothgrassandfloweralike.Furthersouth,
alongthepineycoast,backthroughthehillsandoverthevastreachofcottonand
sugarlands,anotherclassofflowersburstoutfromtheirnaturalcovertsinequal
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gloryandthemagnolia,andthetuliptree,andthewildorangethrowaperfumealong
theair,liketheodorsofPalestine.Inthedeeplagoonsofthesouthernrivers,too,float
immensewaterlilies,layingtheirgreatbroadleaves,andexpandedwhiteandyellow
flowers,uponthesurface,whichthewatersoftheNileinthedaysofCleopatranever
equaled.Andthesearenature'swildproductionsonly.
Flowersbeingcultivated,notforprofit,butforshowandamusement,neednotintrude
uponthetimewhichisrequiredtothemoreimportantlaborsofthefarm.Alittletime,
givenatsuchhourswhenitcanbebestspared,willsetallthelittleflowerbedsin
order,andkeeptherequiredshrubberyoftheplaceintrimandshouldnotbedenied
inanyfamilywhoenjoyatasteforthem.Eventhesimplestoftheirkind,when
carefullydisposed,produceafineeffectandthehardybulbous,andtuberousrooted
plantsrequirebutslightaidinproducingthehighestperfectionoftheirbloomwhile
thefibrousrootedperennials,andthefloweringshrubs,bloomonfromyeartoyear,
almostuncaredforanduntouched.
Theannualsrequirethemostattention.Theirseedsmustbeplantedandgathered
everyyeartheymustbeweededandnursedwithmorecarethantheothersyetthey
richlyrepayallthistroubleintheirfreshbloomwhentheothersaregone,andwill
carrytheirrichflowersfarintothefrostsofautumn,whentheirhardiercompanions
havecomposedthemselvesforawinter'srest.
205
Thepositionoftheflowerbed,orborders,maybevarious.Asamatteroftaste,
however,theyshouldbenearthehouse,andinviewofthewindowsofthemost
frequentedrooms.Theythusgivemoreenjoymentintheirsight,thanwhenbut
occasionallyseeninspecialvisitsandsuchspotscanusuallybesetapartforthem.If
notinthewayofmoreimportantthings,theyshouldalwaysbethusplaced,where
theyareeverobjectsofinterestandattraction.
Thegroundwhichfloweringplantsoccupyshouldbedevotedtothemalone,andthe
soilbemadedeepandrich.Theyshouldnotbehuddledup,norcrowded,butstand
wellapart,andhaveplentyofbreathingroomfortheirbranchesandleaves,andspace
forthespreadoftheirroots.Theyareconsumersofthefertilizinggases,andrequire,
equallywithotherplants,theirduesupplyofmanureswhichalsoaddstothe
brillianceandsizeoftheirbloom,aswellastothegrowthoftheirstems.Theirroots
shouldbeprotectedinwinterbycoarselitterthrownoverthem,particularlytheearlier
floweringplants,asitgivesthemanearlyandrapidstartinthespring.
Invariety,weneedscarcelyrecommendwhatmaybemostdesirable.Thecrocus,and
snowdropareamong(ifnotquite)theearliestinbloomandtothesefollowthe
hyacinth,anddaffodil,thejonquil,andmanyvariedfamilyofNarcissus,thelow
headedheartsease,orpansywiththem,too,comesthefloweringalmond,thelilac,
andanotherortwofloweringshrubs.Thenfollowthetulips,inalltheirgorgeousand
splendidvarietyofsingle,double,andfringed.Tothesefollowthegreatpeonies,in
theirfull,dashingcolorsofcrimson,whiteandpink,andthetreelikesnowball,or
guelderrose.Bythesideofthesehangsoutthemonthlytrumpethoneysuckle,
gracingthecolumnsofyourveranda,porch,orwindow,andthelargeSiberian
honeysuckle,withitswhiteandpinkflowersandalongwiththem,thevariousIris
family,orfleurdelis,remindingoneofFranceandtheBourbons,thePrussianlilac,
andtheearlyphloxes.Thenblushout,inalltheirendlessvarietyofshadeandtint,
fromthepurestwhitetothedeepestpurple,thewholevastfamilyofrosesandin
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stature,fromthehumblesttwigthatleansitsfrailstemupontheground,uptothe
hardyclimber,whosedeliciousclustershangoveryourchamberwindowanda
monthoffragranceandbeautyofthesecompletesthesuccessionofbulbs,andtubers,
andperennialplantsandshrubsscoresofwhichhavenotbeennoticed.
Nowcommencetheannuals,whichmaycarryyouamonthfurtherintotheseason,
whentheflauntingdahliaofeveryhue,andbuddingfromitsplantofeverysize,from
theheightoflittleTommy,whoisjusttoddlingoutwithhismothertowatchthefirst
openingflower,uptothetopofhisfather'shat,ashestandsquitesixfeet,toholdthe
littlefellowuptotrytosmellofanother,which,likealltherest,hasnosignofodor.
Thencome,afteralongretinueofdifferentthingsamongwhichwealwayscount
themorningglory,orconvolvulus,runningupthekitchenwindows,thegreatsun
flower,whichthrowshisbroaddiskhighoverthegardenfence,alwayscheerful,and
alwaysglowingthebrillianttribeofasters,rich,varied,andbeautiful,runningfar
intotheautumnalfrostsand,tocloseourfloralseason,thechrysanthemum,which,
wellcaredfor,bloomsoutintheopenair,and,carefullytakenupandboxed,willstay
withus,inthehouse,tillChristmas.Thusendsthebloomingyear.Now,ifyouwould
enjoyapleasureperfectlypure,whichhasnoalloy,saveanoccasional
disappointmentbycasualty,andmakehomeinterestingbeyondallotherplaces,learn
firsttolove,thentoget,andnexttocultivateflowers.
207
208
FARMCOTTAGES.
Altogethertoolittleattentionhasbeenpaidinourcountrytothesemostuseful
appendagestothefarm,bothintheirconstructionandappearance.Nothingaddsmore
tothefeelingofcomfort,convenience,andhomeexpressioninthefarm,thanthe
snugbuiltlaborers'cottageuponit.Thecottagealsogivesthefarmanairof
respectabilityanddignity.Thelaborershould,ifnotsosumptuously,beas
comfortablyhousedandshelteredashisemployer.Thisisquiteasmuchtothe
interestofsuchemployerasitisbeneficialtothehealthandhappinessofthelaborer.
BuildingissocheapinAmerica,thatthedifferenceincostbetweenasnuglyfinished
cottage,andarickety,opentenement,ishardlytobetakenintoconsideration,as
comparedwiththehigherhealth,andincreasedenjoymentofthelaborerandhis
familywhileeveryconsiderateemployerknowsthatcheerfulnessandcontentmentof
disposition,whichareperhapsmorepromotedbygoodhomeaccommodationsforthe
workingmanthanbyanyotherinfluence,arestrongincentivestoincreasedlaboron
hispart,andmorefidelityinitsapplication.
Alandedestate,ofwhateverextent,withitsrespectablefarmhouse,initsown
expressivestyleofconstruction,relievedandsetoffbyitsattendantcottages,either
contiguous,orremote,andbuiltintheirpropercharacter,leavesnothingwantingto
fillthepictureuponwhichonelovestogazeinthecontemplationofcountrylifeand
withouttheselastinduekeepingwiththechiefstructuresoftheestate,ablankisleft
initscompletenessandfinish.Thelittleembellishmentswhichmaybegiven,byway
ofarchitecturalarrangement,ortheconveniencesinaccommodation,are,inalmostall
cases,appreciatedbythosewhooccupythem,andhaveaninfluenceupontheir
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characterandconductwhilethetriflingdecorationswhichmaybeaddedintheway
ofshrubbery,trees,andfloweringplants,costinglittleornothingintheirplantingand
keeping,giveacharmtothehumblestabode.
Thepositionofcottagesonafarmshouldbecontrolledbyconsiderationsof
conveniencetotheplaceoflabor,andapropereconomyintheirconstructionand
hardlyasitecanbeinappropriatewhichensurestheserequirements.Intheplans
whicharesubmitted,dueattentionhasbeenpaidtothecomfortofthosewhoinhabit
them,aswellastopicturesqueeffectinthecottageitself.Decency,order,and
respectabilityarethusgiventotheestate,andtothosewhoinhabitthecottagesupon
it,aswellastothosewhosemorefortunatepositioninlifehasgiventheenjoymentof
ahigherluxuryintheoccupancyofitschiefmansion.
Onallestateswheretheprincipaldwellingislocatedatanyconsiderabledistance
fromthepublicroad,orwhereapproachedbyasideroadshutofffromthehighway
byagate,asmallcottage,bywayoflodge,orlaborer'stenement,shouldbelocatedat
orneartheentrance.Suchappendageisnotonlyornamentalinitself,butgives
charactertotheplace,andsecuritytotheenclosureinguardingitfromimproper
intrusion,aswellastoreceiveandconductintothepremisesthosewhoeitherreside
upon,orhavebusinesswithinit.Itisthusasortofsentrybox,aswellasalaborer's
residence.
210
(211)
(212)
ELEVATION
C OTTAGE
Pages211212.
213
DESIGNI.
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Thiscottageis10feethigh,fromthesilltotheplates,andmaybebuiltofwood,with
aslightframecomposedofsillsandplatesonly,andplankedupanddown(vertically)
andbattenedorgroovedandtongued,andmatchedclosetogetheroritmaybe
framedthroughoutwithpostsandstuds,andcoveredwithroughboards,andover
theseclapboards,andlathedandplasteredinside.Thefirstmodewouldbethe
cheapest,althoughnotsowarmanddurableastheother,yetquitecomfortablewhen
warmedbyastove.Onthesecondplanofbuilding,itwillcostnearorquitedouble
theamountofthefirst,ifneatlypainted.Asmallbrickchimneyshouldrestuponthe
flooroverhead,inthesideofwhich,atleastafootabovethechamberfloor,shouldbe
insertedanearthenorironthimble,toreceivethestovepipeandguardagainstfire
unlessaflatstone,14to16inchessquare,and2to4inchesthick,withapipehole
whichisthebetterplanshouldrestonthefloorimmediatelyoverthepipe.This
stoneshouldbe,also,thefoundationofthechimney,whichshouldpassimmediately
upthroughtheridgeoftheroof,and,foreffect,inthecenterlongitudinally,ofthe
house.Suchpositionwillnotinterferewiththelocationofthestove,whichmaybe
placedinanypartoftheroom,thepipereachingthechimneybyoneormoreelbows.
214
Themainbodyofthiscottageis1812feet,witha
leanto,8feetwide,runningitswholelengthin
rear.Thisleantomaybe8or9incheslower,onthe
floor,thanthemainroom,anddividedintoa
passage,(leadingtoanopenwoodhouseinrear,
1012feet,withashedroof,)alargecloset,anda
bedroom,asmayberequiredor,thepassageend
maybeleftopenattheside,forawoodshelter,or
otherusefulpurpose.Theroof,whichisraftered,
boarded,andshingledintheusualmode,iswell
spreadoverthegables,aswellasoverthefrontand
rearsay18inches.Theporchinfrontwillgive
additionalconvenienceinsummer,asaplacetosit,
oreatunder,anditspostssofittedwithgroovesas
toletinroughplanksforwinterenclosureinfront
andatoneend,leavingtheentranceonly,atthe
leastwindy,orstormyside.Theextracostofsuch
preparation,withtheplanks,whichshouldbe1or
1inchesthick,andjointed,wouldnotexceedten
orfifteendollars.Thiswouldmakeanadmirable
PLAN
woodhouseforthewinter,andaperfectsnuggery
forasmallfamily.Whileinitssummerdress,with
theporchopenedtheplankstakenoutandlaidoverhead,acrossthebeams
connectingtheporchwiththehouseitwouldpresentanobjectofquietcomfortand
beauty.Ahopvineorhoneysucklemightbetrainedoutsidetheposts,andgiveitall
theshaderequired.
215
Inastonycountry,wheretheadjoiningenclosuresareofstone,thiscottagemaybe
builtofstone,also,ataboutdoublethecostofwood.Thiswouldsavetheexpenseof
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paint,orwashofanykind,besidesthegreatercharacterofdurabilityandsubstanceit
wouldaddtotheestablishment.Trees,ofcourse,shouldshelteritandanylittleout
buildingsthatmayberequiredshouldbenestledunderascreenofvinesand
shrubberynearby.
Thisbeingdesignedasthehumblestandcheapestkindofcottage,wherethefamily
occupyonlyasingleroom,thecostwouldbesmall.Ontheplanfirstnamed,stained
withacoarsewash,itcouldbebuiltfor$100.Onthesecondplan,wellframedof
sills,plates,posts,studs,&c.&c.,coveredwithverticalboardingandbattens,or
clapboarded,andwellpaintedinoil,itmightcost$150to$200.Stone,orbrick,
withoutpaint,wouldaddbutlittle,ifanythingincostoverthelastsum.Theceilingof
themainflooris8feethigh,andalowchamberorgarretisaffordedaboveit,into
whichaswingstepladderascendsandwhennotinuse,itmaybehungtotheceiling
overheadbyacommonhookandstaples.
(217)
(218)
ELEVATION
C OTTAGE
Pages217218.
216
DESIGNII.
Thiscottageisagradebeyondtheonejustdescribed,bothinappearanceand
accommodation.Itis2016feetontheground,witharearwing268feetinarea.
Themainbodyis10feethigh,totheroof,verticallyboardedandbattened.Asnug,
halfopen(oritmaybeclosed,asconveniencemayrequire,)porchsheltersthefront
door,54feetinarea.Thecottagehasasquareorhippedroof,ofa30pitchfroma
horizontalline,whichspreadsfulltwofeetoverthewallsandbracketedbeneath.The
rearwingretreatstwofeetfromthewalllineofthemainbuilding,andhasalsoa
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hippedroofofthesamepitchasthemainone,witheightfeetposts.Theopenendof
thewingadvances6feettowardthefrontofthemainpartforwoodhouseand
storage.TheconstructionofthisisinthesamestyleasDesignI.Thewindowsare
plain,twosashed,ofsixlightseach,812glassinfront,and810intherear.
Thefrontdooropensintoacommon
livingroom,1612feet,withtwo
windows,inwhichisastovechimney
runningupfromthemainfloornext
thepartition,orplacedoveritinthe
chamber,andrunningupthroughthe
centeroftheroof.Ononesideofthe
livingroomisabedroom,108feet,
withtwowindows.Nexttothis
bedroomisalargecloset,86feet,
withonewindow,andshelves,and
tightcupboardwithin.Theserooms
are9feethigh,andoverthemisa
chamber,orgarret,2016feet,
enteredbyaswingstepladder,asin
DesignNo.I.Thisgarretislightedby
PLAN
asmalldormerwindowintherear
roof,overtheshedorleanto.Abed
maybelocatedinthischamber,oritmayserveasastorageandlumberroom.
219
Thewingcontainsasmallkitchen,incasethelivingroombenotoccupiedforthat
purpose,108feet,lightedbyasidewindow,andhavingasmallchimneyintherear
wall.Itmaycontain,also,asmallcloset,3feetsquare.Adoorpassesfromthissmall
kitchenintothewoodhouse,whichis168feet,orwithitsadvanceL,14feet,inthe
extremeoutercornerofwhichisawatercloset,53feetthus,altogether,giving
accommodationtoafamilyoffiveorsixpersons.
Theconstructionofthiscottageisshownasofwood.Othermaterial,eitherbrickor
stone,maybeused,asmostconvenient,atanotmuchincreasedcost.Theexpenseof
thisbuildingmaybe,sayfiftypercent.higherthanthatofNo.I,accordingtothe
finish,andmaybesufficientlywelldoneandpaintedcompletefor$300whichmay
bereducedorincreased,accordingtothestyleoffinishandthetasteofthebuilder.
Acellarmaybemadeunderthiscottage,whichcanbereachedbyatrapdoorfrom
thelivingroom,openingtoaflightofstepsbelow.
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(221)
(222)
ELEVATION
C OTTAGE
Pages221222.
220
DESIGNIII.
ThiscottageisstillinadvanceofNo.II,instyleandarrangement,andmay
accommodatenotonlythefarmlaborerorgardener,butwillserveforasmallfarmer
himself,oravillagemechanic.ItisintheFrenchstyleofroof,andalliedtotheItalian
initsbrackets,andgables,andhalfterracedfront.Thebodyofthecottageis2220
feet,withtwelvefeetpoststheroofhasapitchof50fromahorizontalline,inits
straightdimensions,curvinghorizontallytowardtheeaves,which,togetherwiththe
gables,project3feetoverthewalls.Theterraceinfrontis5feetwide.Ontherearis
awoodhouse,1816feetinarea,openatthehouseend,andinfront,witharoofin
samestyleasthemainhouse,andposts,8feethigh,standingontheground,2feet
belowthesurfaceofthecellarwall,whichsupportsthemainbuilding.
Thefrontdooropens,inthecenterofthefrontwall,intoahall,
128feet,withaflightofstairsononeside,leadingtothe
chamberaboveunderthestairs,attheupperend,isapassage
leadingbeneaththemintothecellar.Ononesideofthishallis
abedroom810feet,lightedbyawindowinfront,andpartof
thehoodeddoublewindowontheside.Ontheinnerside,
adoorleadsfromthehallintothelivingroomorkitchen,
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1812feet.Ononesideofthisisa
bedroom,orpantry,asmaybemost
desirable,96feet,fromwhichleads
aclosecloset,3feetsquare.This
bedroomhasawindowononeside,
nextthehall.Adoorfromthe
kitchenleadsintoacloset,3feet
wide,whichmaycontainasink,and
cupboardforkitchenwares.The
livingroomislightedbyapartofthe
doublehoodedwindowononeside,
andanotherontherear.Adoorleads
intothewoodhouse,whichis1216
feet,intheextremecornerofwhich
PLAN
isthewatercloset,53feet.The
roomsinthiscottageare9feethigh.Achimneyleadsupfromtheflooroftheliving
room,whichmayreceive,inadditiontoitsownfireplace,orstove,apipefromthe
stoveinthehall,ifoneisplacedthere.
Thechamberhastwofeetofperpendicularwall,andthesharproofgivesopportunity
fortwogoodlodgingrooms,whichmaybepartitionedoffasconveniencemay
require,eachlightedbyawindowinthegables,andadormeroneintheroof,forthe
passageleadingintothem.
Thehallmayserveasapleasantsittingordiningroom,inpleasantweather,opening,
asitdoes,ontotheterrace,whichismostlyshelteredbytheoverhangingroof.
Theconstructionofthiscottagemaybeofeitherstone,brick,orwood,andproducea
fineeffect.Althoughithasneitherporch,norveranda,thebroadeavesandgables
giveitawellshelteredappearance,andthehoodedwindowsonthesidesthrowanair
ofprotectionoverthem,quiteagreeabletotheeye.Theframingofthisroofisnoway
different,intherafters,fromthosemadeonstraightlines,butthecurveandprojection
isgivenbyplankscutintopropershape,andspikedintotherafters,andapparently
supportedbythebracketsbelow,whichshouldbecutfromtwotothreeinchplank,to
givethemaheavyandsubstantialappearance.Thewindowsareincasementform,as
showninthedesign,butmaybechangedintotheordinarysashform,ifpreferred,
whichis,inthiscountry,usuallythebetterway.Itwillbeobserved,thatwehavein
allcasesadoptedtheusualsquaresidedformofglassforwindows,asaltogethermore
convenientandeconomicalinbuilding,simpleinrepairing,and,wethink,quiteas
agreeableinappearance,asthoseoutofthewayshapesfrequentlyadoptedtogivea
morepicturesqueeffect.
224
Inahilly,mountainous,andevergreencountry,thisstyleofcottageispeculiarly
appropriate.Ittakesadditionalcharacterfromboldandpicturesquescenery,with
whichitisinharmony.Thepine,spruce,cedar,orhemlock,ortheevergreenlaurel,
plantedaroundornearit,willgiveitincreasedeffect,whileamongdeciduoustrees
andshrubs,anoccasionalLombardypoplar,andlarch,willharmonizewiththe
boldnessofitsoutline.Evenwherehillormountainsceneryiswanting,plantations
suchashavebeennamed,wouldrenderitapleasingstyleofcottage,andgive
agreeableeffecttoitsbold,sharproofandprojectingeaves.
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Inasnowycountry,theplanofroofherepresentediswelladaptedtothesheddingof
heavysnows,onwhichitcanfindnoprotractedlodgment.Wheremassivestonewalls
enclosetheestate,thisstyleofcottagewillbeincharacter,ascomportingwiththat
strongandsolidairwhichtherusticappearanceofstonealonecangive.Itmay,too,
receivethesameamountofouterdecoration,initsshrubberyandplantations,givento
anyotherstyleofbuildingoflikeaccommodation,andwithanequallyagreeable
effect.
225
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ELEVATION
C OTTAGE
Pages227228.
226
DESIGNIV.
Thiscottageisstillinadvanceofthelast,initsaccommodation,andissuitableforthe
smallfarmer,orthemoreliberalcottager,whorequireswiderroom,andampler
conveniencesthanareallowedbythehithertodescribedstructures.Itisafirstclass
dwelling,ofitskind,and,initsdetailsandfinish,maybeadaptedtoavarietyof
occupation,whileitwillaffordasufficientamountofexpendituretogratifyaliberal
outlay,tohimwhochoosestoindulgehistasteinamoderateextentofdecorationand
embellishment.
Thegroundplanofthiscottageis3022feet,inlightruralGothicstyle,oneanda
halfstorieshigh,theposts14feetinelevation.Ithastwochimneys,passingout
throughtheroofoneachsideoftheridge,uniformly,eachwiththeother.Theroof
hasapitchof45fromahorizontalline,givingitaboldandratherdashing
appearance,anddeeplyshelteringthewalls.Thesidegablesgivevarietytotheroof,
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andlighttothechambers,andaddtothefinishofitsappearancewhilethesharp
archeddoublewindowinthefrontgableaddscharactertothedesign.
Thedeepverandainfrontcoversthreequartersofitssurfaceinlength,andinthe
symmetryofitsroof,andairinessofitscolumns,withtheirlightbraces,giveitastyle
ofcompletenessandifcreepingvinesorclimbingshrubsbetraineduponthem,will
produceaneffectaltogetherruralandbeautiful.
229
Or,ifarusticstyleoffinishbeadopted,torenderitcheaperinconstruction,theeffect
maystillbeimposing,andinharmonywiththepurposestowhichitisdesigned.In
fact,thismodelwilladmitofavarietyofchoiceinfinish,fromtheplainesttoahigh
degreeofembellishment,astheabilityorfancyofthebuildermaysuggest.
Fromtheverandainthecenterofthefront,adoor
opensintoahall,177feet,withaflightofstairs
leading,inthreedifferentangles,tothechambers
above.Oppositethefrontdooristhepassageintothe
livingroom,orparlor,1715feet,lightedbythree
windows,twoofwhichpresentanagreeableviewof
anadjacentstreamanditsoppositeshores.Attheline
ofpartitionfromthehall,standsachimney,witha
fireplace,ifdesirable,orforastove,toaccommodate
boththisroomandthehallwithalikeconvenience
andundertheflightofstairsadjoiningopensachina
closet,withspaciousshelves,forthesafekeepingof
householdcomforts.Fromthisroom,
adoorleadsintoabedroom,1013feet,
lightedbyawindowopeningintothe
veranda,alsoaccommodatedbyastove,
whichleadsintoachimneyatitsinner
partition.Nexttothisbedroomisthe
kitchen,1213feet,accommodatedwitha
chimney,wheremaybeinsertedanopen
fireplace,orastove,asrequired.Inthisis
aflightofbackchamberandcellarstairs.
Thisroomislightedbytwowindows
oneintheside,anotherintherear.Adoor
leadsfromitsrearintoalarge,roomy
pantry,8feetsquare,situatedinthewing,
PLAN
andlightedbyawindow.Nexttothisisapassage,3feetinwidth,leadingtothe
woodhouse,(inwhichthepantryjustnamedisincluded,)1612feet,withninefeet
posts,androofpitchedlikethehouse,intheextremecornerofwhichisawater
closet,53feet.Corneringuponthewoodhousebeyond,isasmallbuilding,1512
feet,withtenfeetposts,andaroofinsamestyleastheotherswithconveniencefor
acowandapig,witheachaseparateentrance.Aflightofstairsleadstothehayloft
abovethestables,inthegableofwhichisthehaydoorandunderthestairsisthe
granaryandtothesemaybeadded,inside,asmallaccommodationforachoicestock
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ofpoultry.
Thechamberplanisthesameasthelowerfloor,mainly,givingthreegoodsleeping
roomsthatoverthekitchen,beingabackchamber,neednothaveaseparatepassage
intotheupperhall,butmayhaveadoorpassageintotheprincipalchamber.Thedoor
tothefrontbedroomleadsdirectfromtheupperhall.Thus,accommodationisgiven
toquiteanumerousfamily.Closetsmaybeplacedineachofthesechambers,if
wantedandtheentireestablishmentmadeamostsnugandcompact,aswellas
commodiousarrangement.
231
COTTAGEOUTSIDEDECORATION.
Nothingsoperfectlysetsoffacottage,inexternalappearance,asthepresenceof
plantsandshrubberyaroundit.Alargetreeortwo,bygivinganairofprotection,is
alwaysinplaceandcreepingvines,andclimbingshrubsaboutthewindowsand
porch,areintruecharacterwhileafewlowheadedtrees,ofvariouskinds,together
withsomesimpleandhardyannualandotherflowerstowhichshouldalwaysbe
added,nearby,asmall,welltendedkitchengardenfillupthepicture.
Inthechoiceofwhatvarietiesshouldcomposetheseornaments,onecanhardlybeat
aloss.Flankingthecottage,andnearthekitchengarden,shouldbethefruittrees.The
elm,maples,oak,andhickory,inalltheirvarieties,blackwalnut,butternutthelast
allthebetterforitsrichkernelareeveryoneappropriateforshade,aslargetrees.
Thehop,morningglory,runningbeansallusefulandornamentalassummer
climberstheclematis,bittersweet,ivy,anyoftheclimbingrosesthelilac,syringa,
snowball,andthestandardroseswhilemarigolds,asters,pinks,thephloxes,
peonies,andafewotherofthethousandandonesimpleandcharmingannuals,
biennials,andperennials,withnowandthenagorgeoussunflower,flauntinginits
broadglory,willfillupthecatalogue.Rareandcostlyplantsarenotrequired,and
indeed,arehardlyinplaceinthegroundsofanordinarycottage,unlessoccupiedby
theprofessionalgardener.Theydenoteexpense,whichthelaboringcottagercannot
affordandbesidesthat,theydetractfromthesimplicityofthelifeandpurposewhich
notonlythecottageitself,buteverythingaroundit,shouldexpress.
232
Thereisanaffectationofcottagebuilding,withsomepeoplewho,withaseeming
humility,reallyaimathigherflightsofstyleinlivingwithinthem,thantruthofeither
designorpurposewilladmit.Butassuchcasesaremoreamongvillagers,andthose
temporarilyretiringfromthecityforsummerresidence,thefarmcottagehaslittleto
dowithit.Still,suchfanciesarecontagious,andwehaveoccasionallyseenthe
ambitiouscottage,withitscovertexpressionofhumility,insinuatingitselfontothe
farm,andforthefarmer'sownfamilyoccupation,too,whichatoncespoiled,tothe
eye,thesubstantialrealityofthewholeestablishment.Afarmershoulddiscardall
suchthingsasornamentalcottages.Theydonotbelongtothefarm.Ifheliveina
cottagehimself,itshouldbeaplainoneyetitmaybeverysubstantialandwell
finishedsomethingshowingthathemeanseithertobecontentinit,initscharacter
ofplainness,orthatheintends,atafutureday,tobuildsomethingbetterwhenthis
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mayserveforthehabitationofoneofhislaborers.
Thecottageshouldneveroccupyaprincipal,orprominentsiteonthefarm.Itshould
takeasubordinatepositionofground.Thisaddstoitsexpressionassubordinatein
rank,amongthelesserfarmbuildings.Acottagecannot,andshouldnotaspiretobe
chiefineitherpositionorcharacter.Suchshouldbethefarmhouseproperalthough
unpretending,still,instyle,abovethecottageandifthelatter,inaddition,berequired
onthefarm,itshouldsoappear,bothinconstructionandfinishjustwhatitis
intendedforatenementforeconomicalpurposes.
233
Thereisanotherkindofcottage,thedwellersinwhich,thesepageswillprobably
neverreach,thatexpresses,initswildstructure,andrudelocality,theideaofMoore's
prettysong
"Iknewbythesmokethatsogracefullycurled
Abovethegreenelms,thatacottagewasnear."
Yet,insomepartsofourcountry,landlordsmaybuildsuch,fortheaccommodation
oftenants,whichtheymaymakeusefulontheoutskirtsoftheirestates,andadd
indirectlytotheirownconvenienceandinterestinsodoing.Thismaybeindulgedin,
poeticallytooforalmostanythinkingmanhasaspiceofpoetryinhiscomposition
vagabondism,astrict,economizingutilitarianwouldcallit.Thenamemattersnot.
Onemayaswellindulgehistasteinthischeapsortofcharitableexpenditure,as
anothermayindulge,inhisdogs,andguns,hishorsesandequipagesandthefirstis
farthecheapest.They,atthewestandsouth,understandthis,whoserecreationsare
occasionallywiththeirhounds,inchaseofthedeer,andthefox,andintheirpursuit
spendweeksofthefallandwintermonths,inwhichtheyareaccompanied,and
assisted,asbooncompanionsforthetime,bytherudetenantsofthecottageswehave
described:
234
"Acheerful,simple,honestpeople."
Anotherclassofcottagemaycomewithinthefarmenclosures,halfpoetical,andhalf
economical,suchasMiltondescribes:
"Hardbyacottagechimneysmokes,
Frombetwixttwoagedoaks"
andoccupiedbyafamilypensionerandhisinfirmoldwifewedon'tthinkall"poor
oldfolks"oughttogotothealmshouse,becausetheycannotworkeverydayofthe
yearofwhichalllongsettledfamiliesofgoodestatehave,nowandthen,onenear
to,orupontheirpremises.Thousandsofkindandliberalheartsamongourfarming
andplantingbrethren,whoseimpulsesare
"Openasthedaytomeltingcharity,"
arefamiliarwiththewantsofthosewhoarethusmadetheirdependentsandintheir
accommodation,aneyemaybekepttotheproducingofanagreeableeffectin
locatingtheirhabitations,andtorudelyembellish,ratherthantomarthedomainon
whichtheymaybelodged.
Inshort,cottagearchitecture,initspropercharacter,maybemadeaseffective,inall
theornamentwhichitshouldgivetothefarm,asthatofanyotherstructureandif
thosewhohaveoccasionforthecottagewillonlybecontenttobuildandmaintainit
asitshouldbe,andleaveoffthatperpetualaspirationaftersomethingunnatural,and
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foreigntoitspurpose,whichsomanycottagebuildersofthedayattempt,andletit
standinitsownhumble,secludedcharacter,theywillsavethemselvesaworldof
trouble,andpassforwhattheynowdonotmenpossessingatastefortruthand
proprietyintheirendeavors.
HOUSEANDCOTTAGEFURNITURE.
Thisisasubjectsothoroughlydiscussedinthebooks,oflate,thatanythingwhich
mayherebesaid,wouldavailbutlittle,inasmuchasouropinionsmightbelooked
uponas"oldfashioned,""outofdate,"and"ofnoaccountwhatever,"for
wonderfullymodernnotionsinroomfurnishinghavecreptintothefarmhouse,as
wellasintotownhouses.Indeed,weconfesstoaltogetherancientopinionsinregard
tohouseholdfurniture,andcontend,that,withafewexceptions,"modern
degeneracy"hasreachedtheutmoststretchofabsurdity,inhousefurnishing,towhich
theingenuityofmancanarrive.Fashionsinfurniturechangeaboutasoftenasthecut
ofalady'sdress,ortheshapeofherbonnet,andprettymuchfromthesamesource,
toothefancyshopsofPar,once,ingoodoldEnglish,Paris,thecapitalcityof
France.Afarmer,richorpoor,mayspendhalfhisannualincome,everyyearofhis
life,intakingdownold,andputtingupnewfurniture,andbekeptuncomfortableall
thetimewhen,ifhewill,afteraquiet,goodtemperedtalkwithhisbetterhalf,agree
withheruponthelistofnecessaryarticlestomakethemreallycomfortableandthen
acatalogueofwhatshallcomprisetheluxuriouspartoftheirfurnishings,which,
whenprovided,theywillfixedlymakeuptheirmindtokeep,andbecontentwith,
theywillremainentirelyfreefromonegreatsourceof"theillswhichfleshisheirto."
Itispleasanttoseeayoungcouplesettingoutintheirhousekeepinglife,well
providedwithconvenientandproperlyselectedfurniture,appropriatetoalltheuses
ofthefamilyandthentokeep,anduseit,andenjoyit,likecontented,sensible
peopleaddingtoit,nowandthen,asitswear,ortheincreasingwantsoftheirfamily
mayrequire.Old,familiarthings,towhichwehavelongbeenaccustomed,and
habituated,makeuparoundshareofouractualenjoyment.Afamilyaddictedto
constantchangeintheirhouseholdfurniture,attachedtonothing,contentwith
nothing,andlookingwithanxietytothenextchangeoffashionwhichshallintroduce
somethingnewintothehouse,cantakenosortofcomfort,lettheircircumstancesbe
eversoaffluent.Itisakindofdissipationinwhichsomeotherwiseworthypeopleare
pronetoindulge,butaltogetherperniciousintheindulgence.Itdetracts,also,fromthe
apparentrespectabilityofafamilytofindnothingoldaboutthemasifthey
themselveswereofyesterday,andnewlydustedoutofamodernshopkeeper'sstock
intrade.Thefurnitureofahouseoughttolookasthoughthefamilywithinitonce
hadagrandfatherandasifoldthingshadsomevenerationfromthosewhohadlong
enjoyedtheirservice.
236
237
Wearenotabouttodictate,ofwhatfashionhouseholdfurnitureshouldbe,when
selected,anyfurtherthanthatofaplain,substantial,andcommodiousfashion,and
thatitshouldcomport,sofarasthoserequirementsinitwilladmit,withtheapproved
modesoftheday.Butwearefreetosay,thatinthesetimestheextremeofabsurdity,
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andunfitnessforuse,ismorethefashionthananythingelse.Whatsouselessasthe
modernFrenchchairs,standingonlegslikepipestems,garoteingyourbacklikea
rheumatism,andfrailasthelegsofaspiderbeneathyou,asyousitinitandatribeof
equallyworthlessincumbrances,whichabsorbyourmoneyintheircost,anddetract
fromyourcomfort,insteadofaddingtoit,whenyouhavegotthemorabedsteadso
highthatyoumusthavealaddertoclimbintoit,orsolowastoscarcelykeepyou
abovethelevelofthefloor,whenlyingonit.Nogiveusthesubstantial,theeasy,the
free,andenjoyablearticles,andtherestmaygototicklethefancyofthosewhohave
atasteforthem.Nordotheseflashyfurnishingsaddtoone'srankinsociety,ortothe
goodopinionofthosewhoseconsiderationismostvaluable.Lookintothehousesof
thosepeoplewhoarethereallysubstantial,andworthyoftheland.Therewillbe
foundlittleofsuchfripperywiththem.Oldfurniture,wellpreserved,usefulin
everything,markthewellorderedarrangementoftheirrooms,andgiveanairof
quietude,ofcomfort,andofhospitalitytotheirapartments.Childrenclingtosuch
objectsinafterlife,asheirloomsofaffectionandparentalregard.
Althoughwedeclinetogivespecificdirectionsaboutwhatvarietiesoffurniture
shouldconstitutethefurnishingsofahouse,ortoillustrateitsstyleorfashionby
drawings,andcontentourselfwiththesingleremark,thatitshould,inallcases,be
strong,plain,anddurablenosham,norostentationaboutitandsuchasismade
foruse:meretrinketsstuckabouttheroom,oncentertables,incorners,oronthe
mantelpiece,arethefoolishestthingsimaginable.Theyarecostlytheyrequirea
worldofcare,tokeeptheminconditionandthen,withallthiscare,theyaregoodfor
nothing,inanysensibleuse.Wehavefrequentlybeenintoacountryhouse,wherewe
anticipatedbetterthings,and,onbeingintroducedintothe"parlor,"actuallyfound
everythinginthefurniturelinesodaintyand"prinkedup,"thatwewereafraidtosit
downonthefrailthingsstuckaroundbywayofseats,forfearofbreakingthemand
everythingaboutitlookedsogingerlyandinhospitable,thatwefeltanabsoluterelief
whenwecouldfairlygetoutofit,andtakeaplacebythewideoldfireplace,inthe
commonlivingroom,comfortablyensconcedinagoodoldeasy,highbacked,split
bottomedchairtherewaspositivecomfortinthat,wheninthe"parlor"therewas
nothingbutrestraintanddiscomfort.Noleaveallthisvanitytotownfolk,whohave
nothingbetterorwho,atleast,thinktheyhavetoamusethemselveswithithasno
fitnessforacountrydwelling,whatever.Allthiskindoffripperysmacksofthe
boardingschool,thepirouette,andthedancingmaster,andisoutofcharacterforthe
farm,orthesensibleretirementofthecountry.
238
239
Inconnectionwiththesubjectoffurniture,aremarkmaybemadeontheroom
arrangementofthehouse,whichmight,perhaps,havebeenmorefittinglymadewhen
discussingthatsubject,inthedesignsofourhouses.Somepeoplehaveamarvellous
propensityforintroducingintotheirhousesasuiteofrooms,connectedbywide
foldingdoors,whichmustalwaysbeopenedintoeachother,furnishedjustalike,and
devotedtoextraordinaryoccasionsthusabsolutelysinkingthebestroomsinthe
house,fordisplayhalfadozentimesintheyear,andatthesacrificeoftheeveryday
comfortofthefamily.Thisisnothingbutabastardtaste,ofthemostworthlesskind,
introducedfromthecitytheproprietyofwhich,forcitylife,neednotherebe
discussed.Thepresenceofsucharrangement,inacountryhouse,isfatalto
everythinglikedomesticenjoyment,andalwaysfollowedbygreatexpenseand
inconvenience.Noroom,inanyhouse,shouldbetoogoodforoccupationbythe
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familythemselvesnoteveryday,andcommonplacebutoccupationatanyandall
times,whenconvenienceorpleasuredemandit.Ifalargeroomberequired,letthe
singleroomitselfbelargenotsacrificeanextraroomtotheoccasionalextensionof
thechoicerone,asintheuseoffoldingdoorsmustbedone.This"parlor"maybe
betterfurnishedandsoitshouldbethananyotherroominthehouse.Itscarpet
shouldbenottoogoodtotread,orstandupon,orforthechildrentorollandtumble
upon,providedtheirshoesandclothesbeclean.Letthehappylittlefellowsrolland
tumbleonit,totheirheart'scontent,whentheirmotheroreldersistersarewiththem
foritmaybe,perhaps,themostjoyous,andmostinnocentpleasureoftheirlives,
poorthings!Thehearthrugshouldbeinkeepingwiththecarpet,also,andnofloor
clothshouldbenecessarytocoverit,forfearofsoilingbuteverythingfreeandeasy,
withacomfortable,inviting,hospitablelookaboutit.
GointothehousesofourgreatmensuchasliveinthecountrywhomGodmade
great,notmoneyandseehowtheylive.Wespeaknotofstatesmenandpoliticians
alone,butgreatmerchants,greatscholars,greatdivines,greatmechanics,andallmen
who,inmindandattainments,areheadandshoulderabovetheirclassinanyofthe
walksoflife,andyoufindnostarch,orflummeryaboutthem.Weoncewentoutto
thecountryhousehelivedthereallthetime,forthatmatterofadistinguished
bankerofoneofourgreatcities,todine,andspendthedaywithhim.Hehadasmall
farmattachedtohisdwelling,wherehekepthishorsesandcows,hispigs,andhis
poultry.Hehadalarge,plaintwostorycottagehouse,withapiazzarunningonthree
sidesofit,fromwhichabeautifulviewoftheneighboringcity,andwater,andland,
wasseeninnearlyalldirections.Hewasaneducatedman.Hisfatherhadbeena
statesmanofdistinguishedabilityandstationathome,andadiplomatistabroad,and
himselfeducatedinthehighestcirclesofbusiness,andofsociety.Hiswife,too,was
thedaughterofadistinguishedcitymerchant,quitehisequalinallthe
accomplishmentsoflife.Hisownwealthwascompetenthewasthemanagerof
millionsofthewealthofothersandhisstationinsocietywasofthehighest.Yet,
withallthisclaimtopretension,hishousedidnotcosthimeightthousanddollars
andhebuiltitby"dayswork,"too,soastohaveitfaithfullydoneandthefurniture
init,asidefromlibrary,paintings,andstatuary,nevercosthimthreethousand.Every
roominitwasaplainone,notmorehighlyfinishedthanmanyafarmer'shousecan
afford.Thefurnitureofeverykindwasplain,saving,perhaps,theoldfamilyplate,
andsuchashehadaddedtoit,whichwasallsubstantial,andmadeforuse.The
youngerchildrenandofthese,youngerandolder,hehadseveralwefoundhappy,
healthy,cheerful,andfrolickingonthecarpetsandtheirworthymother,inthe
plainest,yetaltogetherappropriategarb,wassittingamongthem,atherfamily
sewing,andkindlywelcomedusaswetookourseatsinfrontoftheopen,glowing
fireplace."Why,sir,"weexclaimed,rubbingourhandsinthecomfortableglowof
warmthwhichthefirehadgivenforitwasacoldDecemberday"youarequite
plain,aswellaswonderfullycomfortable,inyourcountryhousequitedifferent
fromyourformercityresidence!""Tobesureweare,"wasthereply"westooditas
longaswecould,amidthestarchandthegimcracksofstreet,wherewerarely
hadadaytoourselves,andthechildrencouldnevergointothestreetsbuttheymust
betaggedandtasselled,intheirdress,intoallsortsofdiscomfort,merelyforthesake
ofappearance.So,afterstandingitaslongaswecould,mywifeandIdeterminedwe
wouldtrythecountry,forawhile,andseewhatwecouldmakeofit.Wekeptour
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241
242
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townhouse,intowhichwereturnedforawinterortwobutgaveitupfora
permanentresidencehere,withwhichweareperfectlycontent.Weseehereallthe
friendswewanttoseeweallenjoyourselves,andthechildrenarehealthyand
happy."Andthisisbutaspecimenofthousandsoffamiliesintheenjoymentof
countrylife,includingthefamiliesofmeninthehigheststation,andpossessedof
sufficientwealth.
Why,then,shouldthefarmerapethefashion,andthefrivolityofthebutterfliesof
townlife,orpermithisfamilytodoit?Itisthesheerestpossiblefollyinhimtodoso.
Yet,itisafollyintowhichmanyareimperceptiblygliding,andwhich,ifnot
reformed,willultimatelyleadtogreatdiscomforttothemselves,andruintotheir
families.Letthoughtlesspeopledoastheychoose.Paynoattentiontotheir
extravagancebutwatchthemforadozenyears,andseehowtheycomeoutintheir
fashionablecareerandobservethefateoftheirfamilies,astheyget"established"in
thelikekindoflife.Hewhokeepsalooffromsuchtemptation,willthenhaveno
causetoregretthathehasmaintainedhisownsteadycourseofliving,andtaughthis
sonsanddaughtersthatadueattentiontotheirowncomfort,witheconomicalhabits
ineverythingrelatingtohousekeeping,willbetotheirlastingbenefitinfuture.
243
But,wehavesaidenoughtoconveytheideasinhousefurnishingwewouldwishto
impartandthereaderwilldoashe,orshe,nodoubt,wouldhavedone,hadwenot
writtenawordaboutitgoandselectsuchasmaystriketheirownfancy.
Wereceived,adayortwosince,aletterfromapersonatthewest,entirelyunknown
tous,whoseideassoentirelycorrespondwithourown,thatwegiveitaplace,as
showingthatapropertastedoesprevailamongmanypeopleinthiscountry,inregard
tobuildings,andhousefurnishingsandwhichwetrusthewillpardonusfor
publishing,asaccordingentirelywithourownviews,inconclusion:
,,ILL.,Dec.18,1851.
DEARSIR,Ireceived,afewdayssince,acopyofthefirstnumberofaperiodical
calledthe"Plough,"intowhichiscopiedtheelevationofadesignforafarmhouse,
purportingtobefromaforthcomingworkofyours,entitled"RuralArchitecture."
Althoughaperfectstrangertoyou,youwillperhapsallowmetomakeoneortwo
suggestions.
Ihaveseennoworkyet,whichseemsfullytomeetthewantsofourcountrypeoplein
thematteroffurniture.Afterhavingbuilttheirhouses,theyneedshowinghowto
furnishtheminthecheapest,mostneat,comfortable,convenient,andsubstantial
manner.Thefurnitureshouldbedesignedforuse,notmerelyforshow.Iwouldhaveit
plain,butnotcoarsejustenoughfortheutmostconvenience,butnothingsuperfluous.
Thearticlesoffurniturefigured,andpartiallydescribedinthelateworksonthose
subjects,aremostlyoftooelaborateandexpensiveacasttobegenerallyintroduced
intoourcountryhouses.Thereistoomuchnaboberyaboutthemtomeetthewants,or
suitthetasteoftheplainAmericanfarmer.
244
Astoouthousesthebarn,stable,carriageandwagonhouse,toolhouse,piggery,
poultryhouse,corncrib,andgranary,(tosaynothingofthe"rabbitwarren"and
"dovecote,")arenecessaryappendagesofthefarmhouse.Now,ascheapnessisone
greatdesideratumwithnearlyallournewbeginnersinthiswesternregion,itseemsto
me,thatsuchplansaswillconvenientlyincludethegreatestnumberoftheseunderthe
sameroof,willbebestsuitedtotheirnecessities.Idonotmeantobeunderstoodthat,
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forthesakeofthefirstcost,weshouldpaynoregardtotheappearance,orthatwe
shouldslightourwork,orsufferittobeconstructedofflimsyorperishablematerials:
weshouldnotonlyhaveaneyetotasteanddurability,butputinpracticethemoststrict
economy.
Ihope,intheabovematters,youmaybeabletofurnishsomethingbettersuitedtothe
necessitiesandmeansofourplainfarmers,thanhasbeendonebyanyofyour
predecessors.
Iremain,&c.,mostrespectfullyyours,
,.
HavingcompletedtheseriesofDesignsfordwellinghouses,whichwehadproposed
forthiswork,andfollowedthemoutwithsuchremarksaswerethoughtfittingto
attendthem,wenowpassontothesecondpartofoursubject:theoutbuildingsofthe
farm,inwhicharetobeaccommodatedthedomesticanimalswhichmakeupalarge
itemofitseconomyandmanagementtogetherwithotherbuildingswhichare
necessarytocompleteitsrequirements.Wetrustthattheywillbefoundtobesuchas
theoccasion,andthewantsofthefarmermaydemandandineconomy,
accommodation,andextent,beserviceabletothoseforwhosebenefittheyare
designed.
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(249)
APIARY.
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GROUNDPLAN.
246
ANAPIARY,ORBEEHOUSE.
Everyfarmershouldkeepbeesprovidedhehavepasturageforthem,onhisown
land,orifaproperrangefortheirfoodandstoreslieinhisimmediatevicinity.Bees
are,beyondanyotherdomesticstock,economicalintheirkeeping,totheirowners.
Stilltheyrequirecare,andthatofnoinconsiderablekind,andskill,intheir
management,notunderstoodbyeveryonewhoattemptstorearthem.Theyaskno
food,theyrequirenoassistance,ingatheringtheirdailystores,beyondthatofproper
housinginthecheapestdescriptionoftenement,andwiththattheyareentirely
content.Yet,withoutthese,theyareacontingent,andsometimesatroublesome
appendagetothedomesticstockofthefarm.
Wecallthemdomestic.Inonesensetheyaresoinanother,theyareaswildand
untamedaswhenbuzzingandcollectingtheirsweetsinthevineyardofTimnath,
wherethemightySampsontooktheirhoneyfromthecarcassofthedeadlionor,as
whenJohntheBaptist,clothedwithcamel'shair,ate"locustsandwildhoney"inthe
aridwastesofPalestine.Althoughkeptinpartialbondageforsixthousandyears,the
rulingpropensityofthebeeistoseekahomeandshelterintheforest,whenit
emergesinaswarmfromtheparenthiveandnoamountofdomestic
accommodation,orkindnessoftreatment,willinduceitwillinglytomigratefromits
nurseryhabitationtoanotherbyitsside,althoughprovidedwiththechoicestcomforts
toinviteitsentrance.Itwillsoonflytothewoods,enterahollowanddilapidatedtree,
andcarveoutforitselfitsfuturefortunes,amidaworldoflaborandapparent
discomfort.Thebee,too,barringitsindustry,patience,andsweetenedlabors,isan
arrantthiefrobbingitsnearestneighbors,withimpunity,whenthestrongest,and
mercilesslyslaughteringitsweakerbrethren,whenstandinginthewayofitsrapacity.
Ithasbeenextolledforitsingenuity,itspatience,itsindustry,itsperseverance,andits
virtue.Patience,industry,andperseveranceithas,beyondadoubt,andinawonderful
degreebutingenuity,andvirtue,ithasnone,morethanthespider,whospinshis
worthlessweb,orthewasp,whostingsyouwhendisturbinghislabors.Instinct,the
beehas,likeallanimalsbutofkindfeeling,andgratitude,ithasnothingandwithall
ourvividnurseryremembranceofgoodDoctorWatts'charminglittlehymn
247
"Howdoththelittlebusybee,"&c.&c.,
wehavelongagosetitdownasincorrigibletokindtreatment,orcharitable
sympathy,andlookeduponitsimplyasathingtobetreatedkindlyforthesakeofits
labors,andascomposingoneofthatdelightfulfamilyofdomesticobjectswhich
makeourhomesattractive,pleasant,andprofitable.
Theactivelaborsofthebee,inabrightMayorJunemorning,astheyfly,intheir
busyorder,backandforthfromtheirhives,orthesoothinghumoftheirplayful
hours,inasummer'safternoon,areamongthemostdelightfulassociationsofrural
lifeandasaluxurytothesight,andtheear,theyshouldbeassociatedwithevery
farmer'shome,andwitheverylaborer'scottage,whenpracticable.Andastheirdue
accommodationistobetheobjectofourpresentwriting,aplanispresentedforthat
object.
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Inmanyofthemodernstructuresheldoutforimitation,thebeehouse,orapiary,isan
expensive,pretentiousaffair,gotupinanambitiousway,witheffortsatstyle,inthe
semblanceofatemple,apagoda,orotherabsurdity,theveryappearanceofwhich
frightensthesimplebeefromitspropriety,andinwhichweneveryetknewacolony
ofthemtobecome,andremainsuccessful.Theinsectis,aswehaveobserved,wild
anduntamableasavageinitshabits,andrudeinitstemper.Itrejectsallcultivated
appearances,andseeksonlyitsowntemporaryconvenience,togetherwith
comfortableroomforitsstores,andtheincreaseofitskindandtherefore,themore
rusticandsimpleitshabitation,thebetterisitpleasedwithitsposition.
Thebeehouseshouldfrontuponashelteredandsunnyaspect.Itshouldbenearthe
ground,inacleanandquietspot,freefromtheintrusionofothercreatures,either
humanorprofane,andundisturbedbynoisomesmells,anduncouthsoundsforit
loathesalltheseinstinctively,andlovesnothingsomuchasthewildbeautyofnature
itself.Theplanherepresentedisoftheplainestandleastexpensivekind.Nineposts,
orcrutches,aresetintothegroundsufficientlydeeptoholdthemfirm,andtosecure
themfromheavingoutbythefrost.Thedistanceofthesepostsapartmaybe
accordingtothesizeofthebuilding,andtogiveitstrengthenoughtoresisttheaction
ofthewind.Thefrontpostsshouldbe9feethigh,abovethegroundtherearposts
shouldbe7feetthataman,withhishaton,maystanduprightunderthemand
6feetfromthefrontline.Thetwoendpostsdirectlyintherearofthefrontcorner
posts,shouldbe3feetbackfromthem,andonalinetoaccommodatethepitchofthe
rooffromthefronttotherear.Alightplateistobefittedonthetoplineofthefront
postsaplateateachendshouldrunbacktothepostsinrear,andthenanothercross
plate,orgirt,fromeachoneofthesemiddleposts,tothepostinrearofall,tomeetthe
platewhichsurmountsthisrearlineofpostsandaparallelplate,orrafter,shouldbe
laidfromthetwointermediatepostsattheends,toconnectthem,andforacentral
supporttotheroof.Intermediatecentralpostsshouldalsobeplacedoppositethosein
front,tosupportthecentralplate,andnotexceeding12feetapart.Ashedroof,of
boards,orshingles,tightlylaid,shouldcoverthewhole,sufficientlyprojectingover
thefront,rear,andsides,togivethehouseabundantshelter,andmakeit
architecturallyagreeabletotheeyesay12to18inches,accordingtoitsextent.
Acornerboardshoulddroptwofeetbelowtheplate,withsuchfinish,bywayof
ornament,asmaybedesirable.Theendsshouldbetightlyboardedupagainstthe
weather,frombottomtotop.Therearshouldalsobetightlyboarded,fromthebottom
uptoalevelwiththestandinside,forthehives,andfrom15to18inchesabovethat
totheroof.Fittedintothespacethusleftintherear,shouldbealight,though
substantial,swingdoor,hungfromtheupperboarding,madeinsections,extending
fromoneposttotheother,asthesizeofthehousemaydetermine,andsecuredwith
hooks,orbuttons,asmaybeconvenient.Theoutsideofthestructureisthus
completed.
250
251
Theinsidearrangementforthehives,maybemadeintwodifferentways,asthe
choiceoftheapiarianmaygoverninthemodeinwhichhishivesaresecured.The
mostusualisthestandmethod,whichmaybemadethus:Ateachangle,equidistant,
say18to24inches,inside,fromtherearsideandendsofthebuildingasshownin
thegroundplanandoppositetoeachrearandendpost,suspendperpendicularlya
lineofstoutpiecesoftwoinchplank,4incheswide,wellspikedontotherafters
above,reachingdownwithintwofeetofthegroundwhichistoholdupthebottom
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ofthestandonwhichthehivesaretorest.Fromeachbottomendofthesesuspended
strips,secureanotherpieceoflikethicknessandwidth,horizontallybacktothepost
inrearofit,atthesideandends.Then,lengthwisethebuilding,andturningtheangles
attheends,andrestingonthesehorizontalpiecesjustdescribed,layotherstrips,32
inches,setedgewiseoneinfront,andanotherinrear,insideeachpostand
suspendedstrip,andclosetoit,andsecuredbyheavynails,sothatthereshallbea
doublelineofthesestripsonalevel,extendingentirelyaroundtheinterior,fromthe
frontateachend.Thisformsthehangingframeworkfortheplanksorboardson
whichthehivesaretorest.
252
Nowforthehives.First,letasmanypiecesofsoundoneandahalf,ortwoinchplank
asyouhavehivestosetuponthem,becutlongenoughtoreachfromtheboardingon
therearandendsofthebuilding,tooneinchbeyond,andprojectingoverthefrontof
theouterstriplastdescribed.Letthesepiecesofplankbewellandsmoothlyplaned,
andlaidlengthwiseacrosstheaforesaidstrips,notlessthanfourinchesapartfrom
eachotherifalessnumberofhivesbeinthebuildingthanitwillaccommodateat
fourinchesapart,nomatterhowfaraparttheymaybethesepiecesofplankarethe
fermsforthehives,onwhichtheyaretosit.And,aswehaveformanyyearsadopted
theplannowdescribed,withentiresuccess,abriefdescriptionisgivenofourmode
ofhive,andtheprocessforobtainingthesurplushoney.Wesaysurplus,for
destroyingthebeestoobtaintheirhoney,isamodenotatallaccordingtoournotions
ofeconomy,ormercyandweprefertotakethathoneyonlywhichtheswarmmay
make,aftersupplyingtheirownwants,andthestoresfortheirincreasingfamily.This
processisgiveninthereportofacommitteeofgentlemenappointedbytheNewYork
StateAgriculturalSociety,onahivewhichweexhibitedonthatoccasion,withthe
followingnoteattached,attheirshowatBuffalo,in1848:
"Ihaveseen,examined,andusedseveraldifferentplansofpatenthive,ofwhich
thereareprobablythirtyinvented,andused,moreorless.IhavefoundallwhichI
haveeverseen,unsatisfactory,notcarryingoutinfull,thebenefitsclaimedforthem.
"Thebeeworks,andlives,Ibelieve,solelybyinstinct.Idonotconsideritan
inventive,orveryingeniousinsect.Tosucceedwell,itsaccommodationsshouldbeof
thesimplestandsecurestform.Therefore,insteadofadoptingthecomplicatedplans
ofmanyofthepatenthives,Ihavemade,andusedasimplebox,likethatnowbefore
you,containingacubeofonefootsquareinsidemadeofoneandaquarterinch
soundpineplank,welljointedandplanedonallsides,andputtogetherperfectlytight
atthejoints,withwhiteleadgroundinoil,andtheinsideofthehiveatthebottom
champeredofftothreeeighthsofaninchthick,withadoorforthebeesinfront,of
fourincheslongbythreeeighthsofaninchhigh.Idothis,thattheremaybeathin
surfacetocomeincontactwiththeshelfonwhichtheyrest,thuspreventingaharbor
forthebeemoth.(Ihaveneverusedapatenthivewhichwouldexcludethebee
moth,noranyonewhichwouldsowelldoitasthis,havingneverbeentroubledwith
thatscourgesinceIusedthistighthive.)Onthetopofthehive,aninchortwofrom
thefront,ismadeapassageforthebees,ofaninchwide,andsixtoeightinches
long,toadmitthebeesintoanupperhiveforsurplushoney,(whichpassageis
covered,whennovesselforthatpurposeisonthetop.)Forobtainingthehoney,Iuse
acommontenortwelvequartwaterpail,inverted,withthebailturnedover,inwhich
thebeesdeposittheirsurplus,likethesamplebeforeyou.Thepailwillholdabout
twentypoundsofhoney.Thisissimple,cheap,andexpeditiousthepailcostingnot
exceedingtwentyfivecents,istakenoffinamoment,thebailreplaced,andthe
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honeyreadyfortransportation,ormarket,andalwaysinplace.Ifthereistimefor
morehoneytobemade,(mybeesmadetwopailsfullinsuccessionthisyear,)
anotherpailcanbeputonatonce.
"Such,gentlemen,inshort,ismymethod.Ihavekeptbeesabouttwentyyears.
Isucceedbetteronthisplanthanwithanyother."
Inadditiontothis,ourhivesarepaintedwhite,orotherlightcolor,ontheoutside,to
protectthemfromwarping,andasafurthersecurityagainstthebeemoth,ormiller,
whichinfestsanddestroyssomanycarelesslymadehives,astodiscouragetheefforts
ofequallycarelesspeopleinkeepingthem.Insidethehive,oneachend,wefasten,by
shinglenails,abouthalfwaybetweenthebottomandtop,asmallpieceofhalfinch
board,aboutthesizeofacommonwindowbutton,andwithalikenotchinit,set
upward,butstationary,onwhich,whenthehiveistoreceivetheswarm,astickislaid
across,tosupportthecombasitisbuilt,fromfallinginhotweather.Atsuchtime,
also,whennew,andusedforthefirsttime,theundersideofthetopisscratchedwith
thetinesofatablefork,oranail,soastomakearoughsurface,towhichthenew
combcanbefastened.Inadditiontothepailsonthetopofthehives,toreceivethe
surplushoney,wesometimesuseaflatbox,thesizeofthehiveindiameter,andsix
orsevenincheshighinside,whichwillholdtwentyfivetothirtypoundsofhoney.
Thepailsweadoptedasanarticleofgreaterconveniencefortransportingthehoney.
Theotherplanofarrangingthehivesalludedto,issuspendingthembetweenthe
stripsbeforedescribed,bymeansofcleatssecuredontothefrontandrearsidesofthe
hive,saytwothirdsthewayupfromthebottom.Insuchcase,thestripsrunning
lengthwisethehousemustbebroughtnearenoughtogethertoreceivethehivesas
hungbythecleats,andthebottomboards,orforms,mustbemuchsmallerthanthose
alreadydescribed,andhungwithwirehooksandstaplestothesides,withabuttonon
therear,tocloseup,orletthemdownasufficientdistancetoadmittheairtopass
freelyacrossthem,andupintothehiveWeeks'plan,infact,forwhichhehasa
patent,togetherwithsomeotherfanciedimprovements,suchaschamberstoreceive
theboxesforthedepositofsurplushoney.This,bytheway,isthebest"patent"we
haveseenandMr.Weekshavingwrittenaningeniousandexcellenttreatiseonthe
treatmentofthebee,wefreelyrecommendhisbooktotheattentionofeveryapiarian
whowishestosucceedintheirmanagement.Asarule,wehavenoconfidencein
patenthives.Wehaveseenscoresofthem,ofdifferentkinds,havetriedseveralof
greatpretensiontosundryvirtuessuchasexcludingmoths,andothermarvelous
benefitsand,afterbecomingthevictimofbeeempiricstothetuneofmanyadollar,
havethrownasidethegimcracks,andtakenagaintoacommonsensemethodof
keepingourbees,asheredescribed.Thebeesthemselves,wefeelboundtosay,seem
toholdthesepatentrighthabitationsinquiteassovereigncontemptasourself,
reluctantlygoingintothem,andgettingoutofthematthefirstsafeopportunity.But,
asatreatiseonbeekeepingisnotapartofthispresentwork,wemust,forfurther
information,commendtheinquireronthatsubjecttosomeofthevaluabletreatises
extant,onsoprolificasubject,amongwhichwenamethoseofBevan,Weeks,and
Miner.
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256
Thebeehouseshouldbethoroughlywhitewashedinsideeveryspring,andkeptclean
ofcobwebs,wasp'snests,andverminanditmaybepaintedoutside,asoftand
agreeablecolor,inkeepingwiththeotherbuildingsofthefarm.Itspremisesshould
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beclean,andsweet.Thegrassaroundshouldbekeptmowedclose.Lowtrees,or
shrubbery,shouldstandwithinafewyardsofit,thatthenewswarmsmaylightupon
themwhencomingout,andnot,forwantofsuchsettlingplaces,beliabletolossfrom
flyingaway.Itshould,also,bewithinsightandhearing,andatnogreatdistancefrom
acontinuallyfrequentedroominthedwellingperhapsthekitchen,ifconvenient,
that,intheirswarmingseason,theymaybesecuredastheyleavetheparenthive.The
apiaryisabeautifulobject,withitsbusytenantryandtotheinvalid,oronewholoves
tolookuponGod'stinycreatures,itmaywhileawaymanyanagreeablehour,in
watchingtheirlaborsthusaddingpleasuretoprofit.
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Thecostofabeehouse,ontheplangiven,maybefromtentofiftydollars,according
tothepriceofmaterial,andtheamountoflaborexpendeduponit.Itshouldnotbean
expensivestructure,inanyevent,asitspurposedoesnotwarrantit.Ifagimcrack
affairbewanted,forthepurposesofornament,orexpense,anysumofmoneymaybe
squandereduponitwhichthefancyofitsbuildermaychoosetospare.
(260)
ICEHOUSE.
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GROUNDPLAN.
258
ANICEHOUSE.
Amongtheusefulandconvenientappendagestothefarmandcountryfamily
establishment,istheicehouse.Differentfromthegeneralopinionwhichprevailedin
ourcountrybeforeicebecamesoimportantanarticleofcommerce,andofhome
consumption,thebuildingwhichcontainsitshouldstandaboveground,insteadof
belowit.Andtheplainerandmoresimpleitcanbeconstructed,thebetter.
Thepositionoftheicehousemaybethatwhichismostconvenienttothedwelling,or
tothewantsofthosewhouseit.Ifitcanbeplacedbeneaththeshadeoftrees,itwill
sofarberelievedfromtheinfluenceofthesunbutitshouldbesoconstructedthat
sunshinewillnotaffecttheicewithinit,evenifitstandunshelteredandasithas,by
theicemerchantsofoureasterncities,whoputuplargequantitiesforexportation
abroad,andothersintheinterior,whofurnishiceinquantityforhomeconsumption,
beenprovedtobealtogetherthebetterplantobuildtheicehouseentirelyabove
ground,weshallpresentnoothermodeofconstructionthanthis.Itmaybeadded,
thatfiveyears'experiencewithoneofourownbuilding,hasconfirmedouropinionof
thesuperiorityofthisoveranyotherplanwhichmaybeadopted.
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Thedesignherepresentedisofthemosteconomicalkind,yetsufficientlyornamental
tomakeitanagreeableappendagetoanyfamilyestablishment.Thesizemaybe
12feetsquarelessthanthatwouldbetoosmallforkeepingicewellandfromthat
uptoanyrequiredextent.Theideaheregivenissimplytheprincipleofconstruction.
Thepostsshouldbefulleightfeethighabovetheground,towheretheplateofthe
roofisattached,andbuiltthus:
Markoutyourgroundthesizeyourequireforthehousethen,commencingatone
corner,dig,oppositeeachother,adoublesetofholes,onefootdeep,andtwoanda
halffeetapart,oneachsideoftheintendedbuilding,saythreefeetequidistant,sothat
whenthepostsstanduptheywillpresentadoubleset,oneandahalffeetapart.Then
setinyourposts,whichshouldbeofoak,chestnut,orsomelastingwood,andpack
theearthfirmlyaroundthem.Ifthepostsaresawed,theymaybe46inchesinsize,
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setedgewaystowardeachother.Ifnotsawed,theymayberoundstickscutfromthe
woods,orsplitfromthebodyofatree,quarteredbutsizable,soastoappeardecent
andtheinsidesfacingeachotherastheystandup,linedtoasurfacetoreceivethe
planking.Ofcourse,whenthepostsaresetintheground,theyaretoshowasquare
form,orskeletonofwhatthebuildingistobewhencompleted.Whenthisisdone,
squareoffthetopofeachposttoalevel,allroundthenframe,orspikeontoeach
lineofpostsaplate,saysixincheswide,andfourtosixinchesdeep,andstaythetwo
platestogetherstrongly,soastoformadoubleframe.Now,plank,orboardup
closelytheinsideofeachlineofposts,thatthespacebetweenthemshallbeafair
surface.Cutout,orleaveoutaspaceforadoorinthecenterofthesidewhereyou
wantit,twoandahalforthreefeetwide,andsixandahalffeethigh,andboardup
theinnerpartitionsidesofthisopening,soastoformadoorcasingoneachside,that
thespacebetweenthetwolinesofpostsmaybeacontinuousboxallaround.Thenfill
upthisspacebetweenthepostswithmoisttanbark,orsawdust,wellpackedfrom
thegrounduptotheplatesandthebodyofthehouseisinclosed,sunproof,andair
proof,toguardtheice.
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Nowlaydown,insidethebuilding,somesticksnotmuchmatterwhat,sothatthey
belevelandonthemlaylooseplanksorboards,forafloor.Coverthisfloorwitha
coatingofstraw,afootthick,anditisreadytoreceivetheice.
Fortheroof,takecommon34joists,asraftersor,inplaceofthem,polesfromthe
woods,longenough,inapitchoffull35fromahorizontalline,tocarrytheroofat
leastfourfeetovertheoutsideoftheplates,andsecuretherafterswell,bypinsor
spikes,tothem.Thenboardoverandshingleit,leavingasmallapertureatthetop,
throughwhichrunasmallpipe,sayeightinchesindiameterastovecrockwilldo
foraventilator.Thensetin,4littleposts,saytwofeethighasinthedesignthrow
alittlefoursided,pointedcapontothetopoftheseposts,andtheroofisdone.Ifyou
wanttoornamenttheundersideoftheroof,inarudewayandwewouldadviseit
takesomepiecesof34scantling,suchaswereusedfortheroof,ifthepostsareof
sawedstuffifnot,roughlimbsoftreesfromthewoods,tomatchtheroughpostsof
thesamekind,andfastenthemtothepostsandtheundersideoftheroof,bywayof
brackets,asshowninthedesign.
262
Whentheiceisputintothehouse,aclosefloorofboardsshouldbelaidonjoists,
whichrestontheplates,loosely,sothatthisfloorcanberemovedwhenputtinginice,
andthatcoveredfiveorsixinchesdeepwithtan,orsawduststrawwilldo,ifthe
othercannotbehadandtheinsidearrangementiscomplete.Twodoorsshouldbe
attachedtotheopening,wheretheiceisputinandtakenoutoneontheinnersideof
thelining,andtheotherontheouterside,bothopeningout.Tan,sawdust,orstraw
shouldalsobeplacedonthetopoftheice,whenputin,soastokeeptheairfromitas
muchaspossibleandastheiceisremoved,itwillsettledownupon,andstill
preserveit.Caremustbetakentohaveadrainunderthefloorofthehouse,topassoff
thewaterwhichmeltsfromtheice,asitwould,ifstandingthere,injureitskeeping.
Itwillbeseen,that,byanerrorinthecutofthegroundplan,theinsidelineofposts
doesnotshow,asintheouterline,whichtheyshoulddonoristheoutsidedoor
inserted,asisshownintheelevation.Thesedefects,however,willberectifiedbythe
builder.
Wehavegivenconsiderablethoughttothissubject,andcandevisenoshapetothe
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buildingmoreappropriatethanthis,noronecheaperinconstruction.Itmaybebuilt
forfiftytoahundreddollars,accordingtothecostofmaterialandlabor,andthe
degreeoffinishgiventoit.
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Itishardlyworthwhiletoexpatiateupontheconvenienceandeconomyofanice
house,toanAmerican.Thosewholovewellkeptmeats,fruits,butter,milk,and
variousetceterasforthetable,understanditsutilitywelltosaynothingofthecooling
draughts,inthewayofdrinks,inhotweather,towhichitaddswhennottakento
extremessuchpositiveluxury.Wecommendtheicehouse,wellfilled,most
heartily,toeverygoodcountryhousekeeper,asamatterofconvenience,economy,
andluxury,addingnexttonothingtothelivingexpenses,and,asanappendagetothe
mainbuildings,anitemoflittlecost,andaconsiderabledegreeofornament.
Ifanundergroundicehousebepreferredtotheplanhereshown,asidehill,orbank,
withanortherlyexposure,isthebestlocationforitandthemannerofbuilding
shouldbemainlylikethis,forthebodyofthehouse.Theroof,however,shouldbe
onlytwosided,andthedoorforputtinginandtakingouttheicemaybeinthegable,
onthegroundlevel.Thedrainageunderthefloor,andprecautionsforkeepingtheice,
shouldbequiteasthoroughaswehavedescribedas,otherwise,theearthsurrounding
itonthreesides,atleast,ofthehouse,willbeareadyconductorofwarmth,andmelt
theicewithgreatrapidity.Iftheundergroundplanisadopted,butlittlemorethanthe
roofwillshow,andofcourse,beoflittleornamentinthewayofappearance.
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ASHHOUSEANDSMOKEHOUSE.
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THEASHHOUSEANDSMOKEHOUSE.
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Thesetwoobjectsmay,bothforconvenienceandeconomy,bewellcombinedunder
oneroofandwehavethusplacedtheminconnection.Thebuildingisanexceedingly
simplestructure,madeofstone,orbrickthebody10feethigh,andofsuchsizeas
maybedesirable,withasimpleroof,andaplain,hoodedchimney.
Inthegroundplanwillbeseenabrick,
orstonepartitionwhichmayextendto
suchheightasmaybenecessaryto
containthebulkofashesrequiredforstoragewithinit
ononesideofthebuilding,towhichadoorgives
access.Theoppositeside,andoverhead,isdevotedto
thesmokehouse,inwhichthevariousgirtsandhooks
maybeplaced,forsustainingthemeatstobesmoked.
Thebuildingshouldbetiedtogetherbyjoistsatthe
plates,properlyanchoredintothewalls,topreventtheir
spreading.Astove,orpans,orneither,asthemethodof
GROUNDPLAN.
keepingthesmokealivemaygovern,canbeplaced
inside,towhichthechimneyintheroofmayserveasa
partialescape,ornot,asrequired.Thewholeprocessissosimple,andsoeasily
understood,thatfurtherexplanationisunnecessary.
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Agreatadvantagethatahouseofthisconstructionhas,istheconvenienceofstoring
thesmokedmeatsforanindefinitetime,eventhroughthewholeseason,keepingthem
dark,dry,andcoolandpermitting,atanytime,asmoketobemade,todriveoutthe
flies,iftheyfindtheirwayintoit.
Theashescan,ofcourse,beremovedatanytime,bythedooratwhichtheyare
thrownin.
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POULTRYLAWN.
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THEPOULTRYHOUSE.
Aspoultryisanindispensableappendagetothefarm,inallcases,thepoultryhouseis
equallyindispensable,fortheiraccommodation,andforthemostprofitable
managementofthefowlsthemselves,andmostconvenientfortheproductionoftheir
eggsandyoung.Indeed,withoutwellarrangedquartersforthefowlsofthefarm,they
areexceedinglytroublesome,andofdoubtfulprofitbutwiththeproperbuildings
devotedtothemexclusively,theybecomeoneofthemostinterestingandagreeable
objectswithwhicheitherthefarmorthecountryhouseisassociated.
Itishardlyworthwhiletoeulogize
poultry.Theirmeritsandvirtuesare
writtenintheheartsofallprovident
housekeepersandtheirbeautyand
goodnessarefamiliartoeverysonand
daughteroftheruralhomestead.We
shall,then,proceedatoncetodiscuss
theirproperaccommodation,inthe
cheapestandmostfamiliarmethodwith
whichweareacquainted.
Thehenhouseforhens(barndoor
fowls,wemean)arethefirstandchief
GROUNDPLAN.
stock,ofthekind,tobeprovidedfor,
andwiththemmostoftheother
varietiescanbeassociatedshouldbelocatedinawarm,sheltered,andsunnyplace,
withabundantgroundsaboutit,wheretheycangrazehenseatgrassandscratch,
andenjoythemselvestotheirheart'scontent,inallseasons,whenthegroundisopen
andtheycanscratchinto,orrangeoveritssurface.Somepeopleindeed,agood
manypeoplepicketintheirgardens,tokeephensoutbutwepreferanenclosureto
keepthehensin,atallseasonswhentheyaretroublesome,which,afterall,isonly
duringshortseasonsoftheyear,whenseedsareplanted,orsown,andgrainand
vegetablesareripening.Otherwise,theymayrangeatwill,onthefarm,doinggoodin
theirdestructionofinsects,andderivingmuchenjoymenttothemselvesforhens,on
thewhole,arehappythings.
Weherepresenttheelevationofapoultryhouseinperspective,toshowtheprinciple
whichwewouldadoptinitsconstruction,andwhichmaybeextendedtoanyrequired
length,andtowhichmaybeaddedanygivenareaofground,oryardroom,whichthe
circumstancesoftheproprietormaydevotetoit.Itis,aswillbeseen,ofamostrustic
appearance,andbuiltascheaply,yetthoroughly,asthesubjectmayrequire.Its
length,wewillsay,is20feet,itsbreadth16,anditsheight10feet,madeofpostsset
intothegroundforwedonotlikesills,andfloorsofwood,becauseratsareaptto
burrowunderthem,whicharetheirworstenemiesandboardedup,eitherinsideor
outside,asinthecaseoftheicehousepreviouslydescribed,thoughnotdouble.Plates
arelaidontheseposts,toconnectthemfirmlytogetherandtheraftersrestonthe
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plates,asusual.Thechamberflooris9feethigh,abovetheground,andmaybeused
eitherforlayingpurposesbythefowls,orreservedasastorageroomfortheirfeed.
Theroofisbroadlydrawnoverthebodyofthebuilding,toshelterit,andthroughthe
pointoftheroof,inthecenter,isaventilator,withacoveredtop,andavane
significantofitspurpose.Itisalsosufficientlylighted,withglasswindows,into
whichourdraughtsmanhasputthediamondpanedglass,contrarytoournotionsbut,
ashehad,nodoubt,aneyetothe"picturesque,"weletitpass,onlyremarking,thatif
wewerebuildingthehouseonourownaccount,thereshouldbenosuchnonsense
aboutit.Thefrontwindowsarelarge,toattractthewarmthofthewinter'ssun.
Asectionofpicketfenceisalsoattached,andtreesintherearbothofwhichare
necessarytoacompleteestablishmentthefirst,tosecurethepoultryinthe
contiguousyards,andthetreestogivethemshade,andevenroostingplaces,ifthey
prefersuchlodgingsinwarmweatherforwhichweconsiderthememinently
wholesome.
Thewoodenfloorisdispensedwith,aswasremarked,tokeepridofthevermin.Ifthe
groundbegravelly,orsandy,itwillbesufficientlydry.Ifaheavyordampsoilbe
used,itshouldbeunderdrained,whichwilleffectuallydryit,andbebetterforthe
fowlsthanafloorofeitherwood,brick,orstone.Doorsofsufficientsizecanbemade
ontheyardsidesofthehouse,neartheground,forthepoultrytoentereitherthe
livingorroostingapartments,atpleasure,andhungwithbuttsontheupperside,tobe
closedwhennecessary.
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Thefrontdooropensintothemainlivingroom.Ateachend,andintherear,aretiers
ofboxes,onefootwide,oneandahalffeetlong,andoneandahalffeethighthe
lowesttierelevatedtwofeetabovethegroundandbuiltonetierabovetheother,and
snuglypartitionedbetween,withaholeatonecornerofeach,tenincheshigh,and
eightincheswide,forpassingintothemandashelf,orpassageboard,nineinches
wide,infront.Thesearethenestingboxes,andshouldbekeptsuppliedwithshort,
softstraw,orhayorts,forthatpurpose.Henslovesecrecyintheirdomesticeconomy,
andarewonderfullypleasedwiththeopportunitytohideaway,andconceal
themselveswhilelaying.Indeed,suchconcealment,orthesuppositionofit,wehave
nodoubtpromotesfecundity,asitiswellknownthatahencanstoplaying,almostat
pleasure,whendisturbedinherregularhabitsandsettledplansoflife.Burnssays
"Thebestlaidschemesofmiceandmen
Gangaftagley"
andwhynothen's?Wethinkso.Ifturkeysbekeptinthepremises,thefemalescan
alsobeaccommodatedintheseboxes,astheyarefondoflayingincompanywiththe
hens,andfrequentlyinthesamenests,onlythattheyrequirelargerentrancesinto
themor,atierofboxesmaybemadeontheground,fortheirconvenience.
Adoorleadsfromtherearofthisroomintotheroostingapartment,throughwhichis
apassagetothebacksideofthebuilding,andadooropposite,leadingoutintothe
yard.Oneachsideofthispassageareroosts,rising,eachbehindandabovetheother,
18inchesapart.Thelowestroostsmaybethreefeetfromtheground,andthehighest
sixfeet,thattheymayeasilyflyfromonetotheotherandinthiswaytheymayallbe
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approached,tocatchthefowls,whenrequired.Fortheroosts,slenderpoles,twoto
threeinchesindiametersmalltrees,cutfromthewoods,withthebarkon,arethe
bestmaybeusedandtheyshouldbesecuredthroughaugurholesinboardslats
suspendedfromthefloorjoistsoverhead.Thisapartmentshouldbecleanedoutas
oftenasonceafortnight,bothforcleanlinessandhealthforfowlsliketobeclean,
andtohavepureair.Aflightofstairsmaybemadeinonecornerofthefrontroom,to
gointothechamber,ifpreferredbutaswingladder,hungbyoneend,withhinges,to
thejoistsabove,is,forsuchpurpose,amorecleanlymodeofaccesswhich,whennot
inuse,maybehookeduptotheundersideoftheflooraboveandatrapdoor,
shuttingintothechamberfloor,andalsohungonhinges,willaccommodatethe
entrance.
Forfeedingtroughs,wehaveseenmanyingeniouscontrivances,andamongthem,
possibly,aYankeepatent,ortwobutalltheseweputaside,asoflittleaccount.
Acommonsegarbox,oranyothercastoffthing,thatwillholdtheirfood,isjustas
goodasthemostcomplicatedinventionand,incommonfeeding,thereisnobetter
modethantoscatterabroadtheircorn,andletthempickitupattheirpleasurewhen
spreadonacleansurface.Wethink,also,that,exceptforfatteningpoultry,stated
hoursoffeedingarebestforthebirdsthemselves,andthattheybefedonlysuch
quantityastheywillpickupclean.Watershould,ifpossible,bekeptconstantlyby
themandifasmallrunningstreamcouldpassthroughtheyard,allthebetter.
273
Ifitbedesirabletohavefresheggsduringwinterandthatiscertainlyaconvenience
aboxstovemaybesetinthelivingroom,andproperlyprotectedbyagrating
aroundit,forwarmingthelivingapartment.Itmayberemarked,however,thatthis
winterlayingofhensisusuallyaforcingbusiness.Ahenwilllaybutaboutagiven
numberofeggsinayearsayahundredwebelievethisisaboutthenumberwhich
themostobservantofpoultrykeepersallowthemandwhatshelaysinwintermust
besubtractedfromthenumbershewouldotherwiselayinthespring,summer,or
autumn.Yetawarmhousewill,laying,aside,keepthefowlswithlessfood,andin
greatercomfort,thanifcold,andlefttotheirownnaturalwarmth.
Thereisusuallylittledifficultyinkeepinghens,turkies,ducks,andgeesetogether,in
thesameinclosure,duringwinterandearlyspring,beforethegrassgrows.Butgeese
andturkiesrequiregreaterrangeduringthewarmseasonthantheothers,andshould
haveit,bothforconveniencetothemselvesandprofittotheirowners.Forwinter
quarters,lowsheltersmaybemadeforthewaterfowlsintheyards,andtheturkies
willfrequentlyprefertosharetheshelterofthehens,ontheroostsinthehouse.
Guineahenscruel,vindictivethings,astheyareshouldneverbeallowedwithina
commonpoultryyard.Alwaysquarrelsome,andneverquiet,theyshouldtaketothe
farmyard,withthecattle,wheretheymayrangeatwill,andtaketheiramusementin
fisticuffswitheachother,atpleasure.Neithershouldpeacocksbeallowedtocome
intothepoultryinclosures,duringthebreedingseasontheyareanythingbutamiable
intheirmannerstootherbirds.
274
Withthecareandmanagementofthepoultrydepartment,afterthusprovidingfor
theiraccommodation,itisnotourprovincetointerferethatisasubjecttoogenerally
understood,torequirefurtherremark.Norneedwediscussthemanyvarietiesof
poultrywhich,atthepresenttime,soarresttheattentionofmanyofourgoodcountry
peopleandwewillleavesoimportantasubjecttothemeditationsofthe"New
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EnglandPoultrySociety,"whohavetakenthegallinaceous,andothertribesunder
theirspecialcognizance,andwill,doubtless,induetime,illuminetheworldwith
variousknowledgeinthisdepartmentofruraleconomy,notyet"dreamtofinour
philosophy."Therecentlypublishedpoultrybooks,too,withanamplitudeand
particularityinthediscussionofthedifferentbreedsandvarieties,whichshutsall
suspicionsofselfinterestintothecorner,havegivensuchafundofinformationon
thesubject,thatanyfurtherinquirymay,withentiregoodwill,beturnedovertotheir
pages.
275
THEDOVECOTE.
Thisisadepartment,initself,notcommonamongthefarmbuildings,intheUnited
Statesandforthereason,probably,thatthedomesticpigeon,orhousedove,is
usuallykeptmoreforamusementthanforprofittherebeinglittleactualprofitabout
themandisreadilyaccommodatedinthespareloftsofshedsandoutbuildings
devotedtootherpurposes.Pigeons,however,addtothevarietyandinterestofthe
poultrydepartmentandastherearemanydifferentbreedsofthem,theyaregeneral
favoriteswiththejuvenilesofthefamily.
Ourpresentobjectis,nottoproposeanydistinctbuildingforpigeonaccommodation
buttogivethemalocationinotherbuildings,wheretheywillbeconveniently
providedwithroom,andleastannoyingbytheirpresencefor,beitknown,theyare
ofttimesamostseriousannoyancetomanycropsofthefarm,whenkeptinany
considerablenumbers,aswellasinthewasteandhavoctheymakeinthestoresofthe
barnsandgranaries.Althoughgracefulandbeautifulbirds,generallycleanandtidyin
theirpersonalhabitsoutofdoors,theyarethefilthiesthousekeepersimaginable,and
nobuildingcanbeespeciallydevotedtotheiruse,ifnotoftensweptandcleaned,but
whatwillsoonbecomeanintolerablenuisancewithin,andnotmuchbetterwithout,
andthegroundimmediatelyaroundthepremisesadirtyplace.Thecommonpigeonis
apugnaciouscavalier,warringapparentlyuponmerepunctilio,aswehaveoftenseen,
inthedistantstrutandcooofastrangerbirdtohismate,evenifshebethevery
incarnationof"rejectedaddresses."Onalltheseaccounts,wewouldlocateunlessa
smallandselectfamilyoffancybirds,perhapsthepigeonstockattheprincipal
farmyard,andintheloftsofthecattlesheds,orthechambersofthestable.
Whereverthepigeonaccommodationsaredesignedtobe,aclosepartitionshould
separatetheirquartersfromtheroomoccupiedforotherpurposes,withdoorsfor
admissiontothosewhohavetodowiththem,incleaningtheirpremises,ortotake
thebirds,whenneeded.Alineofholes,fiveincheshigh,andfourincheswidethe
topoftheholeslightlyarchedshouldbemade,say18inchesapart,forthedistance
ofroomtheyaretooccupyinthebuilding.Afootabovethetopofthese,anotherline
maybemadeandsoon,tieringthemuptotheheightintendedtodevotetothem.
Alineofshelves,orlightingboards,sixtoeightincheswide,shouldthenbeplaced
oneinchbelowthebottomoftheseholes,andfirmlybracedbeneath,andnailedtothe
weatherboardingofthehouse.Inside,arangeofboxshouldbemade,of
correspondinglengthwiththelineofholes,toembraceeveryentrancefromthe
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outside,18incheswide,andpartitionedequidistantbetweeneachentrance,soasto
giveasquareboxof18inchestoeachpairofbirds.Thebottomboardofeach
ascendingtierofboxeswill,ofcourse,bethetopoftheboxesbelow,andthesemust
bemadeperfectlytight,topreventtheoffaloftheupperonesfromfallingthrough,to
theannoyanceoftheirneighborsbelow.Thebackoftheseboxesshouldhavealineof
swingdoors,hungwithbutts,orhinges,fromthetop,andfastenedwithbuttons,or
hooks,atthebottom,toallowadmission,orexamination,atanytime,tothosewho
havethecareofthem.Thisplanofdoorisindispensable,tocleanthemoutwhich
shouldbedoneasoftenasonceaweek,orfortnight,atfarthestandtosecurethe
birdsastheymaybewantedforthetable,orotherpurposesforitwillberecollected
thatsquabs,justfeatheredout,areconsideredadeliciousdish,atthemostsumptuous
tables.Itwillbeunderstood,thattheseboxesabovedescribed,arewithinapartitioned
room,withafloor,intheirrear,withsufficientspaceforthepersoninchargeofthem
topassalong,andtoholdthebaskets,orwhateveristoreceivetheoffaloftheir
boxes,asitistakenout.Thisoffalisvaluable,asahighlystimulatingmanure,andis
soughtforbythemoroccotanners,atahighpricefrequentlyattwentyfivecentsa
bushel.
Aspigeonsareprolificbreeders,layingandhatchingsixorseventimesayear,andin
warmclimatesoftener,theyrequireagoodsupplyoflittershortcut,softstrawisthe
bestwhichshouldbefreelysuppliedateverynewincubation,andtheoldlitter
removed.Theboxes,too,shouldbeinawarmplace,snuglymade,andwellsheltered
fromthewindanddrivingstormsforpigeons,althoughhardybirdswhengrown,
shouldbewellprotectedwhileyoung.
278
Thecommonfoodofthepigeonisgrain,ofalmostanykind,andworms,andother
insects,whichtheypickupinthefield.Onthewhole,theyareapleasantbird,when
theycanbeconvenientlykept,andareworththetriflingcostthattheirproperhousing
maydemand.
Ifouropinionwereasked,astothebest,andleasttroublesomekindofpigeontobe
kept,weshouldsay,thefinestandmosthardyofthecommonkind,whichareusually
foundinthecollectionsthroughoutthecountry.Buttherearemanyfancybreeds
suchasthefantail,thepowter,thetumbler,theruffler,andperhapsanothervarietyor
twoallprettybirds,andeachdistinctintheirappearance,andinsomeoftheir
domestichabits.Themostbeautifulofthepigeonkind,however,istheCarrier.They
aretheveryperfectionofgrace,andsymmetry,andbeauty.Theircolorsarealways
brilliantandchanging,andintheirflighttheycleavetheairwitharapiditywhichno
othervarietyindeed,whichscarceanyotherbird,ofanykind,canequal.Historyis
fullofexamplesoftheirusefulness,incarryingtidingsfromonecountrytoanother,
inletters,ortokens,fastenedtotheirnecksorlegs,forwhichtheyaretrainedbythose
whohavethususedthembutwhich,now,thewellknowntelegraphwirehasnearly
superseded.
Allthesefancybreedsrequiregreatcareintheirmanagement,tokeepthempurein
blood,astheywillallmix,moreorless,withthecommonpigeon,astheycomein
contactwiththemandtheselectionofwhateverkindiswantedtobekept,mustbe
lefttothosewhoarewillingtobestowthepainswhichtheirnecessarycaremay
demand.
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PIGGERY.
APIGGERY.
Thehogisananimalforwhichwehavenoespecialliking,beheeitheratender
suckling,nosingandtuggingatthewellfilledudderofhisdam,orawell
proportionedporker,baskinginalltheplenitudeofswinishluxuryalbeit,intheuse
ofhisflesh,weaffectnottheJew,butlikingitmoderatelywell,initsvarious
preparations,asasubstantialandsavoryarticleofdiet.Still,thehogisanimportant
itemofouragriculturaleconomy,andhisproductionandpropertreatmentisa
valuablestudytoallwhorearhimasacreatureeitherofprofitorconvenience.Inthe
westernandsouthernstates,amildclimatepermitshimtobeeasilyrearedandfedoff
formarket,withlittleheedtoshelterorprotectionwhileinthenorth,herequirescare
andcoveringduringwinter.Notonlythisinallplacesthehogisanunruly,
mischievouscreature,andhasnobusinessreallyinanyotherplacethanwherehecan
hecontrolled,andkeptatamoment'scall.
280
But,astastesandcustomsdifferessentially,withregardtohistraininganddestiny,to
suchasagreewithusinopinion,thathisproperplaceisinthesty,particularlywhen
feedingforpork,aplanofpiggeryisgiven,suchasmaybeeconomicalin
construction,andconvenientinitsarrangement,bothfortheswineitself,andhim
whohaschargeofhim.
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GROUNDPLAN.
Thedesignheregiven,isforabuilding,36feetlong,and24feetwide,withtwelve
feetpoststhelower,orlivingroomfortheswine,9feethigh,andastoragechamber
above,forthegrainandotherfoodrequiredforhiskeeping.Theroofhasapitchof
40fromahorizontalline,spreadingoverthesidesandgablesatleast20inches,and
coarselybracketed.Theentrancefrontprojects6feetfromthemainbuilding,by
12feetinlength.Overitsmaindoor,inthegable,isadoorwithahoistingbeamand
tackleaboveit,totakeinthegrain,andaflooroverthewholeareareceivesit.
Awindowisineachgableend.Aventilatorpassesupthroughthischamberandthe
roof,toletoffthesteamfromthecookingvatsbelow,andthefoulairemittedbythe
swine,bythesideofwhichisthefurnacechimney,givingit,onthewhole,as
respectableanappearanceasapigstyneedpretendto.
282
Attheleftoftheentranceisaflightofstairs,(b,)leadingtothechamberabove.On
therightisasmallarea,(a,)withawindowtolightit.Adoorfromthisleadsintothe
mainroom,(c,)wherestandsachimney,(d,)withafurnacetoreceivethefuelfor
cookingthefood,forwhicharetwokettles,orboilers,withwoodenvats,onthetop,
iftheextentoffooddemandsthemthesearesecuredwithbroadwoodencovers,to
keepinthesteamwhencooking.Anironvalveisplacedinthebackflueofthe
furnace,whichmayfalluponeitherside,toshutoffthefirefromeitherofthekettles,
aroundwhichthefiremayrevolveor,thevalvemaystandinaperpendicular
position,atwill,ifbothkettlesbeheatedatthesametime.But,asthemost
economicalmodeistocookonekettlewhiletheotherisinprocessoffeedingout,and
viceversa,scarcelymorethanoneatatimewillberequiredinuse.Overeachkettleis
aslidingdoor,withashortspouttoslidethefoodintothem,whenwanted.If
necessary,anditcanbeconvenientlydone,awellmaybesunkunderthisroom,anda
pumpinsertedataconvenientplaceorifequallyconvenient,apipemaybringthe
waterinfromaneighboringstream,orspring.Onthreesidesofthisroomarefeeding
pens,(e,)andsleepingpartitions,(f,)fortheswine.Theseseveralapartmentsare
accommodatedwithdoors,whichopenintoseparateyardsonthesidesandinrear,or
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alargeonefortheentirefamily,asmaybedesired.
283
CO N S TRU CTIO N .
Theframeofthisbuildingisofstrongtimber,andstoutforitssize.Thesillsshould
be8inchessquare,thecornerpostsofthesamesize,andtheintermediateposts86
inchesindiameter.Inthecenteroftheseposts,groovesshouldbemade,2inches
wide,anddeep,toreceivetheplanksides,whichshouldbe2inchesthick,andletin
fromthelevelofthechamberbyaflushcuttingforthatpurpose,outofthegrooves
inside,thususingnonailsorspikes,andholdingtheplankstightintheirplace,that
theymaynotberootedout,orrubbedoffbythehogs,andtheinnerprojectionofthe
mainpostslefttoserveasrubbingpostsforthemfornocreaturesolovestorubhis
sides,whenfatting,asahog,andthisverynaturalandpraiseworthypropensityshould
beindulged.Theseplanks,liketheposts,should,particularlythelowerones,beof
hardwood,thattheymaynotbeeatenoff.Abovethechamberfloor,thinnerplanks
maybeused,butallshouldbewelljointed,thattheymayliesnug,andshutoutthe
weather.Thecenterpostinthefloorplanoftheengravingisomitted,bymistake,but
itshouldstandthere,liketheothers.Insidepostsatthecorners,andinthesidesofthe
partitions,liketheoutsideones,shouldbealsoplacedandgroovedtoreceivethe
planking,fourandahalffeethigh,andtheirupperendsbesecuredbytenonsinto
morticesinthebeamsoverhead.Thetroughsshouldthen,ifpossible,bemadeofcast
iron,or,indefaultofthat,thehardestofwhiteoakplank,stronglyspikedontothe
floorandsidesandtheapartmentmaythenbecalledhogproofforamoreunquiet,
destructivecreature,toabuildinginwhichheisconfined,doesnotlive,thanthehog.
Theslide,orspouttoconducttheswillandotherfeedfromthefeedingroomintothe
trough,shouldbeinsertedthroughthepartitionplanks,withasteepslantthewhole
lengthofthetrough,thatthefeedmaybereadilythrownintoanyorallpartsofit.
Thisslideshouldbeoftwoinchwhiteoakplank,andboundalongthebottombya
stripofhoopiron,topreventthepigsfromeatingitoffahabittheyareproneto
then,firmlyspikeddowntothepartitionplanks,andthroughtheends,tothe
adjoiningstuds,andtheaffairiscomplete.Withwhatexperiencewehavehadwith
thehog,andthatbynomeansanagreeableone,wecandevisenobettermethodof
accommodationthanthisheredescribed,anditcertainlyisthecheapest.Butthe
timberandlumberusedmustbesoundandstrongandthen,properlyputtogether,it
maydefytheirmostdestructiveingenuity.Oftheseparateusestowhichthevarious
apartmentsmaybeput,nothingneedbesaid,asthecircumstancesofeveryfarmer
willbestgovernthem.
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One,tothreehundreddollars,accordingtopriceofmaterialandlabor,willbuildthis
piggery,besidesfittingitupwithfurnaceandboilers.Itmaybecontracted,or
enlargedinsize,asnecessitymaydirectbutnoone,withsixtotwentyporkersinhis
fattingpens,ayear,willregrettheexpenseofbuildingaconvenientappurtenanceof
thiskindtohisestablishment.
Awordmaybepardoned,inrelationtothetoouniversalpracticeofpermittingswine
toprowlalongthehighways,andintheyardsandlawnsofthefarmhouse.Thereis
nothingsoslovenly,wasteful,anddestructivetoone'sthrift,andsodemoralizing,ina
smallway,asisthispractice.Whatsorevoltingtoone,oftheleasttidynature
whatever,asavillainousbrute,withalitteroffilthypigsatherheels,andtheslimy
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oozeofamudpuddlereekinganddrippingfromtheirsides?Seethedaubsofmud
markingeveryfencepost,farandnear,alongthehighway,orwhereevertheyrun!A
burrowisrootedupateveryshadypoint,anuisanceateverycorneryouturn,and
theirabominablesnoutsintoeverythingthatisfilthy,orobscenealivingcursetoall
thatisdecentaboutthem.AnIshmaeliteamongthefarmstock,theyareshunnedand
hatedbyeverylivingthing,whenatlarge.But,putthecreatureinhispen,witharing
inhisnose,ifpermittedtogointotheadjoiningyard,andcomfortablyfed,yourpig,
ifofacivilizedbreed,isaquiet,inoffensiveindeed,gentlemanlysortofanimaland
assuch,heisentitledtoourtolerationregard,wecannotsayforinallthepagesof
ourreading,welearn,bynocreditablehistory,ofanyvirtuoussympathiesinahog.
286
FARMBARNS.
Thefarmbarn,nexttothefarmhouse,isthemostimportantstructureofthefarm
itself,intheNorthernandMiddleStatesandevenatthesouthandsouthwest,where
lessused,theyareofmoreimportanceintheeconomyoffarmmanagementthanis
generallysupposed.Indeed,toourowneyes,afarm,oraplantationappears
incomplete,withoutagoodbarnaccommodation,asmuchaswithoutgoodhousehold
appointmentsandwithoutthem,noagriculturalestablishmentcanbecompleteinall
itspropereconomy.
Themostthoroughbarnstructures,perhaps,tobeseenintheUnitedStates,arethose
ofthestateofPennsylvania,builtbytheGermanfarmersofthelowerandcentral
counties.Theyarelarge,andexpensiveintheirconstructionand,inastrictly
economicalview,perhapsmorecostlythanrequired.Yet,thereisasubstanceand
durabilityinthem,thatisexceedinglysatisfactory,and,wherethepecuniaryabilityof
thefarmerwillpermit,maywellbeanexampleforimitation.
Inthestructureofthebarn,andinitsinterioraccommodation,muchwilldependupon
thebranchesofagriculturetowhichthefarmisdevoted.Afarmcultivatedingrain
chiefly,requiresbutlittleroomforstablingpurposes.Storageforgraininthesheaf,
andgranaries,willrequireitsroomwhileastockfarmrequiresabarnwithextensive
haystorage,andstablesforitscattle,horses,andsheep,inallclimatesnotadmitting
suchstocktolivethroughthewinterinthefield,likethegreatgrazingstateswestof
theAlleghanies.Again,therearewidedistrictsofcountrywhereamixedhusbandry
ofgrainandstockispursued,whichrequirebarnsandoutbuildingsaccommodating
bothandtosupplytheexigenciesofeach,weshallpresentsuchplansasmaybe
appropriate,andthatmay,possibly,byaslightvariation,beequallyadaptedtoeither,
oralloftheirrequirements.
287
Itmaynotbeoutofplacehere,toremark,thatmanydesignersofbarns,sheds,and
otheroutbuildingsfortheaccommodationoffarmstock,haveindulgedinfanciful
arrangementsfortheconvenienceandcomfortofanimals,whicharesocomplicated
thatwhenconstructed,astheysometimesare,thepractical,commonsensefarmer
willnotusethemand,inthelearningrequiredintheiruse,arealtogetherunfitforthe
useandtreatmenttheyusuallygetfromthosewhohavethedailycareofthestock
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whichtheyareintendedfor,andfortheroughusagetheyreceivefromtheanimals
themselves.Averypretty,andaveryplausiblearrangementofstabling,andfeeding,
andalltheetceterasofabarnestablishment,maybethusgotupbyaningenious
theoristatthefireside,whichwillworktoacharm,ashedilatesuponitsgood
qualities,untriedbut,whensubjectedtoexperimentwillbeutterlyworthlessfor
practicaluse.Allthiswe,inourpractice,havegonethroughandaftermanyyears
experience,havecometotheconclusionthatthesimplestplanofconstruction,
consistentwithaneconomicalexpenditureofthematerialoffoodfortheconsumption
ofstock,isbyfarthemostpreferable.
Anotheritemtobeconsideredinthisconnection,isthecomparativevalueofthe
stock,theforagefedtothem,andthelaborexpendedinfeedingandtakingcareof
them.Wewillillustrate:Supposeafarmtolieinthevicinityofalargetown,orcity.
Itsvalueis,perhaps,ahundreddollarsanacre.Thehaycutuponitisworthfifteen
dollarsaton,atthebarn,andstraw,andcoarsegrainsinproportion,andhiredlabor
tenortwelvedollarsamonth.Consequently,themanagerofthisfarmshoulduseall
theeconomyinhispower,bytheaidofcuttingboxes,andothermachinery,tomake
theleastamountofforagesupplythewantsofhisstockandtheinternaleconomyof
hisbarnarrangedaccordinglybecauselaborishischeapestitem,andfoodthe
dearest.Then,foranycontrivancetoworkuphisforagetheclosestbywayof
machinery,ormanuallaborbywhichitwillservethepurposesofkeepinghisstock,
istrueeconomyandthemaking,andsavingofmanuresisanitemofthefirst
importance.Hisbuildings,andtheirarrangementsthroughout,should,onthese
accounts,beconstructedinaccordancewithhispractice.If,ontheotherhand,lands
arecheapandproductive,andlaborcomparativelydear,adifferentpracticewill
prevail.Hewillfeedhishayfromthemow,withoutcutting.Thestrawwillbeeither
stackedout,andthecattleturnedtoit,topickwhattheylikeofit,andmaketheirbeds
ontheremainderor,ifitishoused,hewillthrowitintoracks,andthestockmayeat
whattheychoose.Itisbutonethird,oronehalfthelabortodothis,thattheother
moderequires,andthesavinginthismakesup,andperhapsmorethanmakesupfor
theincreasedquantityofforageconsumed.Again,climatemayequallyaffectthe
modeofwinterfeedingthestock.Thewintersmaybemild.Thehaymaybestacked
inthefields,whengathered,orputintosmallbarnsbuiltforhaystoragealoneand
themanure,scatteredoverthefieldsbythecattle,astheyarefedfromeitherofthem,
maybeknockedtopieceswiththedungbeetle,inthespring,orharrowedandbushed
overthegroundandwiththeverysmallquantityoflaborrequiredinallthis,such
practicewillbemoreeconomicalthananyotherwhichcanbeadopted.Itis,therefore,
asubjectofdeliberatestudywiththefarmer,intheconstructionofhisoutbuildings,
whatplansheshalladoptinregardtothem,andtheirfittingupandarrangement.
288
289
Withtheseconsiderationsbeforeus,weshallsubmitsuchplansofbarnstructuresas
maybeadaptedforgeneraluse,wheresheltersforthefarmcrops,andfarmstock,are
requiredandwhichmay,intheirinteriorarrangement,befittedforalmostany
localityofourcountry,asthejudgmentandthewantsofthebuildermayrequire.
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(291)
(292)
290
DESIGNI.
ThisisadesignofbarnpartiallyonthePennsylvaniaplan,withundergroundstables,
andastonewalledbasementonthreesides,withalineofpostsstandingopenonthe
yardfront,andawall,piercedbydoorsandwindows,retreating12feetunderthe
building,giving,infront,ashelterforstock.Twosheds,bywayofwings,arerunout
toanydesiredlength,oneachside.Thebodyofthisbarn,whichisbuiltofwood,
abovethebasement,is6046feettheposts18feethigh,abovethesillstheroofis
elevatedatanangleof40fromahorizontalline,andthegableshooded,ortruncated,
14feetwideattheverge,soastocoverthelargedoorsattheends.Themainroof
spreads3to4feetoverthebodyofthebarn,andrunsfromthesideeavesinastraight
line,differentfromwhatisshownintheengraving,whichappearsofagambrelor
hippedfashion.Thesidesarecoveredwithboardslaidvertically,andbattenedwith
narrowstrips,3incheswide.Thelargedoorsintheendsare14feetwide,and14feet
high.Aslattedblindwindowisineachgable,forventilation,andadoor,96feet,on
theyardside.
293
Amainfloor,A,12feetwide,runsthewholelengththroughthecenterofthebarn.S,
S,arethelargedoors.H,H,aretrapdoors,tolethayorstrawdowntothealleysof
thestablesbeneath.B,istheprincipalbayforhaystorage,16feetwide,andrunsup
totheroof.C,isthebay,2616feet,forthegrainmow,ifrequiredforthatpurpose.
D,isagranary,1316feet,and8feethigh.E,astorageroomforfanningmill,
cuttingbox,orothermachinery,orimplements,ofsamesizeandheightasthe
granary.F,isapassage,8feetwide,leadingfromthemainfloortotheyarddoor,
throughwhichtothrowoutlitter.Overthispassage,andthegranary,andstoreroom,
maybestoredgraininthesheaf,orhay.Themainfloorwillaccommodatethe
thrashingmachine,horsepower,cuttingbox,&c.,&c.,whenatwork.Alineof
movablesleepers,orpoles,maybelaidacrossthefloor,10feetaboveit,onalineof
girtsframedintothemainposts,forthatpurpose,overwhich,whenthesidesofthe
barnarefull,eitherhayorgrainmaybedeposited,uptotheridgeoftheroof,andthus
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affordlargestorage.Andifthedemandsofthecropsrequireit,afterthesidesand
overtheflooristhusfilled,theflooritselfmay,apartofit,beusedforpackingaway
eitherhayorgrain,bytakingofftheteamaftertheloadisin,andpassingthemoutby
aretreatingprocess,onthesideofthecartorwagonandthevehicle,whenunloaded,
backedoutbyhand.Wehaveoccasionallyadoptedthismethod,whencrowdedfor
roomforincreasedcrops,togreatadvantage.Itrequiressomewhatmorelabor,tobe
sure,butitismuchbetterthanstackingoutandawellfilledbarnisagoodsightto
lookupon.
MAINFLOORPLAN.
Underneaththebodyofthebarnarethestables,rootcellar,calfhouses,oranyother
accommodationwhichthefarmstockmayrequirebut,forthemosteconomical
objects,isherecutupintostables.Attheends,l,l,arepassagesforthestocktogo
intotheirstallsandalso,onthesides,forthemenwhoattendtothem.Themain
passagethroughthecenterdoublelineofstallsis8feetwideandoneachsideare
doublestalls,6feetwide.Fromthetwoendwalls,thecattlepassagesare5feet
wide,thepartitionbetweenthestallsrunningbackinaslant,from5feethighatthe
mangerstothefloor,atthatdistancefromthewalls.Themangers,j,j,are2feetwide,
ormaybe2feet,bytakinganadditionalsixinchesoutoftherearpassage.The
passageis,betweenthemangers,3feetwide,toreceivethehayfromthetrapdoorsin
thefloorabove.
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UNDERGROUNDPLANANDYARD.
Themosteconomicalplan,forroomintyingcattleintheirstalls,istofastentherope,
orchain,whicheverisused,(thewoodenstanchion,orstanchel,asitiscalled,toopen
andshut,enclosingtheanimalbytheneck,wedonotlike,)intoaring,whichis
securedbyastrongstapleintothepostwhichsustainsthepartition,justatthetopof
themanger,oneachsideofthestall.Thispreventsthecattleinthesamestallfrom
interferingwitheachother,whilethepartitioneffectuallypreventsanycontactfrom
theanimalsoneachsideofit,intheseparatestalls.Thebottomofthemangers,for
growncattle,shouldbeafootabovethefloor,andthetoptwoandahalffeet,which
makesitdeepenoughtoholdtheirfoodandthewhole,bothsidesandbottom,should
bemadeoftwoinch,sound,strongplank,thattheymaynotbebrokendown.The
backsidesofthestalls,nextthefeedingalleys,shouldbefull3feethighandifthe
cattlearelarge,anddisposedtoclimbintotheirmangerswiththeirforefeet,asthey
sometimesdo,apole,of2or3inchesindiameter,shouldbesecuredacrossthe
frontofthestall,nextthecattle,andoverthemangerssay4feetabovethefloor,
tokeepthemoutofthemanger,andstillgivethemsufficientroomforputtingtheir
headsbetweenthatandthetopofthemanger,togettheirfood.Cattlethussecuredin
doublestalls,takeuplessroom,andliemuchwarmer,thanwheninsinglestalls
besides,theexpenseoffittingthemupbeingmuchlessanexperienceofmanyyears
hasconvincedusonthispoint.Thedoorsforthepassageofthecattleinandoutofthe
stables,shouldbefivefeetwide,thattheymayhaveplentyofroom.
Infrontofthesestables,ontheoutside,isalineofposts,thefeetofwhichreston
largeflatstones,andsupporttheoutersillofthebarn,andformarecess,before
named,of12feetinwidth,underwhichmaybeplacedalineofracks,ormangersfor
outsidecattle,toconsumetheorts,orleavingsofhayrejectedbytheindoorstockor,
themanuremaybehousedunderit,whichisremovedfromthestablesbywheel
barrows.Thelowlineofshedswhichextendfromthebarnoneachsideoftheyard,
maybeusedforthecarts,andwagonsoftheplaceor,racksandmangersmaybe
fittedupinthem,foroutsidecattletoconsumethestrawandcoarseforageor,they
maybecarriedhigherthaninourplan,andflooredoverhead,andhay,orotherfood
storedinthemforthestock.Theyaresoplacedmerelytogivetheidea.
296
297
Theremaybenomorefittingoccasionthanthis,perhaps,tomakearemarkortwoon
thesubjectofmanagingstockinstablesofanykind,whenkeptinanyconsiderable
numbersandawordmaynotbeimpertinenttothesubjectinhand,asconnectedwith
theconstructionofstables.
Thereisnogreaterbenefittocattle,aftercomingintowinterquarters,thanastraight
forwardregularityineverythingappertainingtothem.Everyanimalshouldhaveits
ownparticularstallinthestable,whereitshouldalwaysbekept,andinnoother.The
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cattleshouldbefedandwateredatcertainhoursoftheday,asnearasmaybe.When
letoutofthestablesforwater,unlesstheweatherisverypleasant,whentheymaybe
permittedtolieoutanhourortwo,theyshouldbeimmediatelyputback,andnot
allowedtorangeaboutwiththeoutsidecattle.Theyaremorequietandcontentedin
theirstablesthanelsewhere,andeatlessfood,thanifpermittedtorunoutandare
everywaymorecomfortable,ifproperlybeddedandattendedto,aseveryonewill
find,ontryingit.Thehabitofmanypeople,inturningtheircattleoutofthestablesin
themorning,inallweatherslettingthemrangeaboutinacoldyard,hookingand
thorningeachotherisofnopossiblebenefit,unlesstoridthemselvesofthetrouble
ofcleaningthestables,whichpaystwiceitscostinthesavingofmanure.Theoutside
cattle,whichoccupytheyard,areallthebetter,thatthestabledonesdonotinterfere
withthem.Theybecomehabituatedtotheirownquarters,astheothersdototheir's,
andallarebetterforbeingeachintheirownproperplace.Itmayappearasmall
mattertonoticethisbutitisasubjectofimportance,whicheveryonemayknowwho
triesit.
298
Itwillbeseenthatadrivingwayisbuiltuptothebarndoorsattheendsthisneednot
beexpensive,andwilladdgreatlytotheeaseandconvenienceofitsapproach.Itis
needlesstoremark,thatthisbarnisdesignedtostandonashelvingpieceofground,
oronaslope,whichwilladmitofitscellarstableswithoutmuchexcavationofthe
earthandinsuchapositionitmaybeeconomicallybuilt.Noestimateisgivenofits
cost,whichmustdependuponthepriceofmaterials,andtheconvenienceofstoneon
thefarm.Thesizeisnotarbitrary,butmaybeeithercontractedorextended,according
totherequirementsofthebuilder.
(299)
(300)
301
DESIGNII.
Hereispresentedthedesignofabarnbuiltbyourself,aboutsixteenyearssince,and
standingonthefarmweownandoccupyandwhichhasprovedsosatisfactoryinits
use,that,saveinoneortwosmallparticulars,whicharehereamended,wewouldnot,
forastockbarn,alteritinanydegree,norexchangeitforoneofanydescription
whatever.
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Forthefarmerwhoneedsoneofbuthalfthesize,orgreater,orless,itmaybe
remarkedthattheextentofthisneedbenohindrancetothebuildingofoneofany
sizeasthegeneraldesignmaybeadopted,andcarriedout,eitherinwholeorin
part,accordingtohiswants,andtheeconomyofitsaccommodationpreserved
throughout.Theprincipleofthestructureiswhatisintendedtobeshown.
Themainbodyofthisbarnstandsontheground,10050feet,witheighteenfeet
posts,andabroad,shelteringroof,of40pitchfromahorizontalline,andtruncatedat
thegablestothewidthofthemaindoorsbelow.Thesillsstand4feetabovethe
ground,andaraiseddrivingwaytothedoorsadmitstheloadsofgrainandforageinto
it.Themannerofbuildingthewholestructurewouldbe,toframeandputupthemain
buildingasifitwastohavenoattachmentwhatever,andputontheroof,andboard
upthegableends.Thenframe,andraiseadjoiningit,onthelongsides,andonthe
rearendfortheoppositegableendtothat,istheentrancefronttothebarna
continuousleanto,16feetwide,attachingittothepostsofthebarn,strongly,by
girts.Theserangesofleantostandonthegroundlevel,nearlyhighenough,
however,toletaterrierdogunderthefloors,tokeepouttheratsbutquite3feet
belowthesillsofthebarn.Theouterpostsoftheleanto'sshouldbe12feethigh,and
12feetapart,fromcentertocenter,exceptattheextremecorners,whichwouldbe
16feet.Onefootbelowtheroofplatesofthemainbuilding,andacrossthereargable
end,alineofgirtsshouldbeframedintotheposts,asarestfortheupperendsofthe
leantorafters,thattheymaypassunder,andafootbelowthelowerendsofthemain
roofrafters,tomakeabreakintheroofofonefoot,andallowalineofeavegutters
underit,ifneeded,andtoshowtheleantolineofroofasdistinctfromtheother.The
stablesare7feethigh,fromthelowerfloortothegirtsoverhead,whichconnectthem
withthemainlineofbarnpoststhusgivingaloftof4feetinheightattheeaves,and
of12feetatthejunctionwiththebarn.Inthisloftislargestorageforhay,andcoarse
forage,andbeddingforthecattle,whichisputinbysidewindows,levelwiththeloft
floorasseenintheplate.Inthecenteroftherear,endleanto,isalargedoor,
correspondingwiththefrontentrancetothebarn,asshowninthedesign,12feet
high,and14feetwide,topassoutthewagonsandcartswhichhavedischargedtheir
loadsinthebarn,havingenteredatthemainfrontdoor.Alineofboard,onefoot
wide,betweenthelineofthemainandleantoroofs,isthennailedon,toshutupthe
spaceandthereargableendboardeddowntotheroofoftheleantoattachedtoit.
Thefrontend,andthestablesonthemverticallyboarded,andbattened,asdirectedin
thelastdesigntheproperdoorsandwindowsinserted,andtheoutsideisfinished.
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FLOORPLAN.
Enteringthelargedoor,(a,)atthefrontend,14feetwide,and14feethigh,themain
floor(g,)passesthroughtheentirelengthofthebarn,andrearleanto,116feetthe
last16feetthroughtheleantoandsloping3feettotheoutersill,anddoor,(a,)of
thatappendage.Ontheleftoftheentranceisarecess,(e,)of2018feet,tobeusedas
athrashingfloor,andformachinery,cuttingfeed,&c.,&c.5feetnexttheendbeing
cutoffforapassagetothestable.Beyondthisisabay,(b,)1870feet,forthestorage
ofhay,orgrain,leavingapassageatthefurtherend,of5feetwide,togointothe
furtherstables.Thisbayisboundedontheextremeleft,bythelineofoutsidepostsof
thebarn.Ontherightofthemaindoorisagranary,(d,)1018feet,twostorieshigh,
andaflightofstepsleadingfromthelowerintotheupperroom.Beyondthisis
anotherbay,(b,)correspondingwiththeonejustdescribedontheoppositeside.The
passagesattheendsofthebays,(e,e,)havestepsof3feetdescent,tobringthem
downontoalevelwiththestablefloorsoftheleanto.Apassageineachofthetwo
longsideleanto's,(e,e,)3feetwide,receivesthehayforageforcattle,orotherstock,
thrownintothemfromthebays,andtheloftsoverthestablesandfromthemis
thrownintothemangers,(h,h.)Thetwoapartmentsintheextremeendleanto,(f,f,)
3416feeteach,maybeoccupiedasahospitalforinvalidcattle,orpartitionedofffor
calves,oranyotherpurpose.Acalvinghouseforthecowswhichcomeinduringthe
winter,isalwaysconvenient,andoneofthesemaybeusedforsuchpurpose.The
stalls,(i,i,)arethesameasdescribedinDesignI,andbackofthemisthepassagefor
thecattle,astheypassinandoutoftheirstalls.Thestabledoors,(j,j,)aresixin
number.Smallwindows,forventilation,shouldbecutintherearofthestalls,as
marked,andforthrowingoutthemanure,withslidingboardshutters.Thiscompletes
thebarnaccommodationgivingtwentyeightdoublestalls,wherefiftysixgrown
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cattlemaybetiedup,withroomsfortwentytothirtycalvesintheendstables.Ifa
largerstockiskept,youngcattlemaybetiedup,withtheirheadstothebays,onthe
mainfloor,beyondthethrashingfloor,whichwepractice.Thiswillholdfortyyoung
cattle.Themanureistakenoutonawheelbarrow,andnoinjurydonetothefloor.
Theywillsooneatoutaplacewheretheirforagecanbeput,anddonoinjurybeyond
thattothehayinthebays,asitistoocloselypackedforthemtodrawitoutany
farther.Inthiswaywecanaccommodatemorethanahundredheadofcattle,of
assortedages.
Thehayinthebaysmaydropthreefeetbelowthelevelofthemainfloor,byplacinga
tierofroughtimbersandpolesacrossthem,tokeepitfromtheground,andmanytons
ofadditionalstoragebethusprovided.Wehaveoftenstoredonehundredandfifty
tonsofhayinthisbarnanditwillholdevenmore,ifthoroughlypacked,andthe
movablegirtsoverthemainfloorbeused,asdescribedinDesignI.
Thechiefadvantagesinabarnofthisplanare,theexceedingconvenienceofgetting
theforagetothestock.Whenthebarnisfull,andfeedingisfirstcommenced,witha
hayknife,wecommenceoneachsidenextthestables,onthetopofthebays,cuta
welldowntothealleywayinfrontofthemangers,whichisleftopenuptothestable
roof.Thisopensapassageforthehaytobethrownintothealleys,andinashorttime
itissofedoutoneachside,that,thesidesofthemainbarnbeingopentothem,the
haycanbethrownalongtheirwholedistance,andfedtothecattleaswantedandso
attherearendstables,inthefivefootalleyadjoiningthem.Ifarootcellarbe
required,itmaybemadeunderthefrontpartofthemainfloor,andatrapdoorleadto
it.Foramilkdairy,thisarrangementisanadmirableonewesouseditforfour
yearsorforstallfeeding,itisequallyconvenient.Onemanwilldomorework,sofar
asfeedingisconcerned,inthisbarn,thantwocandoinoneofalmostanyother
arrangementandtheyardsoutsidemaybedividedintofiveseparateinclosures,with
butlittleexpense,andstillbelargeenoughforthecattlethatmaywanttousethem.It
mattersnotwhatkindofstockmaybekeptinthisbarnitisconvenientforallalike.
Evensheepmaybeaccommodatedinitwithconvenience.Butlow,opensheds,
inclosedbyayard,arebetterforthemwithstorageforhayoverhead,andracksand
troughsbeneath.
Thisbarnisbuiltofwood.Itmaybewellconstructed,withstoneunderpinning,
withoutmortar,for$1,000to$1,500,asthepriceofmaterialsmaygovern.Andifthe
collectionofthewaterfromtheroofsbeanobject,cheapgutterstocarryitintooneor
morecisternsmaybeadded,atanexpenseof$200to$300.
306
307
Asbeforeobserved,abarnmaybebuiltonthisprinciple,ofanysize,andthestables,
orleanto'smayonlyattachtoonesideorendortheymaybebuiltasmeresheds,
withnostorageroomoverthecattle.Thechiefobjectiontostablingcattleinthebody
ofthebarnis,thecontinualdecayofthemostimportanttimbers,suchassills,
sleepers,&c.,&c.,bytheleakageofthestale,andmanureofthecattleontothem,
andthelossofsomuchvaluablestorageastheywouldoccupy,forhayandgrain.By
theplandescribed,thestableshavenoattachmenttothesills,andotherdurablebarn
timbersbelowandifthestablesillsandsleepersdecay,theyareeasilyandcheaply
replacedwithothers.Takingitaltogether,wecanrecommendnobetter,nor,aswe
think,sogood,andsocheapaplanforastockbarn,asthis.
Wedeemitunnecessarytodiscussthesubjectofwatertocattleyards,aseveryfarm
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hasitsownparticularaccommodations,orinconveniencesinthatregardandthe
subjectofleadingwaterbypipesintodifferentpremises,istoowellunderstoodto
requireremark.Wherethesecannotbehad,andspringsorstreamsarenotathand,
wellsandpumpsmustbeprovided,inasmuchconvenienceasthecircumstancesof
thecasewilladmit.Waterisabsolutelynecessary,andthatinquantity,forstockuses
andeverygoodmanagerwillexercisehisbestjudgmenttoobtainit.
308
BARNATTACHMENTS.
Itmaybeexpected,perhaps,thatintreatingsofullyaswehaveoftheseveralkindsof
farmbuilding,afullclusterofoutbuildingsshouldbedrawnandexhibited,showing
theirrelativepositionsandaccommodation.Thiscannotbedone,however,exceptas
amatterof"fancy"andifattempted,mightnotbesuitedtothepurposesofasingle
individual,byreasonoftheparticularlocationwheretheywouldbesituated,andthe
accommodationwhichthebuildingsmightrequire.Convenienceofaccesstothe
barns,fromthefieldswherethecropsaregrown,alikeconveniencetogetout
manuresuponthosefields,andareadycommunicationwiththedwellinghouse,area
partoftheconsiderationswhicharetogoverntheirposition,orlocality.Economyin
labor,inthevariousavocationsatthebarn,anditsnecessaryattachmentsandthe
greatestconvenienceinstorage,andthehousingofthevariousstock,grains,
implements,andwhateverelsemaydemandaccommodation,areotherconsiderations
tobetakenintotheaccount,alltohaveabearinguponthem.Compactnessisalways
anobjectinsuchbuildings,whennotobtainedatasacrificeofsomegreater
advantage,andshouldbeoneoftheitemsconsideredinplacingthemandintheir
construction,nexttothearrangementoftheminthemostconvenientpossiblemanner
fortheirvariousobjects,adueregardtotheirarchitecturalappearanceshouldbe
studied.Suchappearance,wheretheirobjectsareapparent,caneasilybesecured.
Utilityshouldbetheirchiefpointofexpressionandnostyleofarchitecture,orfinish,
canbereallybad,wherethisexpressionisdulyconsulted,andcarriedout,eveninthe
humblestwayofcheapness,orrusticity.
309
Wehaveheretoforesufficientlyremarkedonthefollyofunnecessarypretensionin
thefarmbuildings,ofanykindandnothingcanappear,andreallybemoreoutof
place,thanambitiousstructuresintendedonlyforthestock,andcrops.Extravagant
expenditureonthese,anymorethananextravagantexpenditureonthedwellingand
itsattachments,doesnotaddtothesellingvalueofthefarm,nortoitseconomical
management,inaproductivecapacityandhewhoisabouttobuild,shouldmakehis
proposedbuildingsastudyformonths,inalltheirdifferentrequirementsand
conveniences,beforehecommencestheirerection.Mistakesintheirdesign,and
location,havecostmenawholeafterlifeofwearandtearoftemper,patience,and
labor,tothemselves,andtoallwhowereaboutthemanditisbettertowaiteventwo
orthreeyears,tofullymaturethebestplansofbuilding,thanbyhurrying,tomis
locate,misarrange,andmiss,infact,theverybestapplicationintheirstructureof
whichsuchbuildingsarecapable.
Awordmightalsobeaddedaboutbarnyards.Theplanningandmanagementof
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these,also,dependsmuchuponthecoursethefarmerhastopursueinthekeepingof
hisstock,theamountofwastelitter,suchasstraw,&c.,whichhehastodisposeof,
andthedemandsofthefarmforanimalandcompostedmanures.Therearedifferent
methodsofconstructingbarnyards,indifferentpartsofthecountry,accordingto
climateandsoils,andthefarmermustbestconsulthisownexperience,themost
successfulexamplesabouthim,andthepublicationswhichtreatofthatsubject,inits
connectionwithfarmhusbandry,towhichlastsubjectthisitemmoreproperly
belongs.
311
RABBITS.
Itmayappearthatweareextendingour"RuralArchitecture"toanunduelength,in
noticingasubjectsolittleattendedtointhiscountryasRabbitaccommodations.But,
aswithothersmallmatterswhichwehavenoticed,thismaycreateanewsourceof
interestandattachmenttocountrylife,weconcludetogiveitaplace.
ItisamatterofsurprisetoanAmericanfirstvisitingEngland,toseethequantitiesof
gamewhichaboundatcertainseasonsoftheyearintheLondonandothermarketsof
thatcountry,incontrastwiththescantysupply,orrathernosupplyatall,existingin
themarketsofAmericancities.Thereasonforsuchdifferenceis,thatinEngland,
Scotland,Wales,andIreland,everyacreofthesoilisappropriatedtosomeprofitable
use,whilewe,fromtheabundanceoflandinAmerica,selectonlythebestfor
agriculturalpurposes,andlettheremaindergobarrenanduncaredfor.Lands
appropriatedtotherearingofgame,whenfitforfarmpasturageortillage,is
unprofitable,generally,withusbuttherearethousandsofacresbarrenforother
purposes,thatmightbedevotedtothebreedingandpasturageofrabbits,andwhich,
bythusappropriatingthem,mightbeturnedtoprofitableaccount.Allthepreparation
requiredis,toenclosethegroundwithahighandnearlyclosepalingfence,andthe
erectionofafewrudehutchesinside,forwintershelterandthestorageoftheirfood.
Theywillburrowintotheground,andbreedwithgreatrapidityandinthefalland
winterseasons,theywillbefatformarketwiththefoodtheygatherfromthe
otherwiseworthlesssoiloverwhichtheyrun.Rocky,bushy,andevergreengrounds,
eitherhill,dale,orplain,aregoodforthem,whereverthesoilsaredryandfriable.
Therabbitisagrossfeeder,livingwellonwhatmanygrazinganimalsreject,and
gnawingdownallkindsofbushes,briars,andnoxiousweeds.
312
Thecommondomesticrabbitsareprobablythebestformarketpurposes,andwere
theytobemadeanobjectofattention,immensetractsofmountainlandinNew
Jersey,Pennsylvania,andtheNewYorkandNewEnglandhighlandscouldbemade
availableforthisobject.
Somemaythinkthisasmallbusiness.Soismakingpins,andrearingchickens,and
bees.Butthereareanabundanceofpeople,whoseageandcapacityarejustfittedfor
it,andforwantofotheremploymentareachargeupontheirfriendsorthepublicand
now,whenourcitiesandlargetownsaresoreadilyreachedbyrailroadsfromallparts
ofthecountry,ourfarmersshouldstudytoapplytheirlandtotheproductionof
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everythingthatwillfindaprofitablemarket.Thingsunthoughtof,afewyearsago,
nowfindalargeconsumptioninourlargecitiesandtowns,bytheaidofrailroads
andweknowofnogoodreason,whythisproductionandtrafficshouldnotcontinue
toanindefiniteextent.Whenthebreedingofrabbitsiscommenced,getagood
treatiseonthebreedingandrearingofthem,whichmaybefoundatmanyofthe
bookstores.
313
Astherearingofrabbits,andtheirnecessaryaccommodation,isnotasubjectto
whichwehavegivenmuchpersonalattention,weappliedtoFrancisRotch,Esq.,of
Morris,Otsegocounty,NewYork,whoisprobablythemostaccomplishedrabbit
"fancier"intheUnitedStates,forinformation,withwhichhehaskindlyfurnishedus.
Hisbeautifulandhighbredanimalshavewonthehighestpremiums,attheshowsof
theNewYorkStateAgriculturalSociety.Hethusanswers:
"InowforwardyouthepromisedplanfromMr.AlfredRodman,ofDedham,
Massachusetts,which,Ithink,willgiveyoutheinformationyouwishuponthese
subjects.
"Rabbitskeptforprofitinthevicinityofacity,andwheretherearemills,maybe
raisedataverysmallcostandwhenonceknownasanarticleoffood,willbe
liberallypaidforbytheepicure,fortheirmeatisasdelicateasachicken's,andtheir
fatmild,andveryrich.
"Iamsurprisedtheyarenotmoregenerallykept,asasourceofamusement,andfor
thepurposesofexperiment.
"Thereis,Ithink,inmany,anaturalfondnessforanimals,butnoteasilyindulged
withoutmoreroomthanisoftentobefoundincityresidences.Fowls,andpigeons,
trespassonourneighbors,andareafrequentcauseoftrouble.Thisobjectiondoesnot
holdgoodagainsttherabbit,whichoccupiessosmallaspace,thatwherethereisan
outhousetheremaybearabbitry.Englishchildrenareencouragedintheirfondness
foranimals,astendingtogoodmoralsandgoodfeelings,andasofferingahome
amusement,incontradistinctiontostreetassociations."
314
(315)
(316)
Drawnfromlife,byMr.FRANCIS ROTCH.
Mr.Rotchcontinues:
"Ihavejustfinishedtheencloseddrawingofa'fancyrabbit,'whichIhopewill
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answeryourpurpose,asanillustrationofwhatthelittleanimalshouldbeinform,
color,marking,andcarriage,accordingtothedecisionsofthevarioussocietiesin
andoutofLondon,whoareitsgreatestadmirersandpatrons.Theseamateurshold
frequentmeetingsforitsexhibition,atwhichpremiumsareawarded,andlargeprizes
paidforsuchspecimensascomeuptotheirstandardofexcellence.Thisstandardis,
ofcourse,conventionaland,asmightbeexpected,isacombinationofformand
colorverydifficulttoobtainbased,itistrue,onthemostcorrectprinciplesof
generalbreedingbutmuchoffancyandbeautyisaddedtocompletetherequisitesof
aprizerabbit.Forinstance,theheadmustbesmallandcleantheshoulderswideand
fullthechestbroadanddeepthebackwide,andtheloinlarge.Thusfar,theseare
thecharacteristicsofallreallygoodandimprovedanimalstowhicharetobeadded,
onthescoreof'fancy,'aneyeround,full,andbrightanearlong,broad,andpendant,
ofasoft,delicatetexture,droppingnearlyperpendicularlybythesideofthehead
thisistermedits'carriage.'Thecolormustbeinrich,unmixedmassesonthebody,
spreadingitselfovertheback,side,andhaunch,butbreakingintospotsandpatches
ontheshoulder,calledthe'chain'whilethatonthebackisknownasthe'saddle.'
Theheadmustbefullofcolor,brokenwithwhiteontheforeheadandcheeksthe
markingoverthebridgeofthenoseanddownonbothsidesintothelips,shouldbe
dark,andinshapesomewhatresemblingabutterfly,fromwhichthismarktakesits
nametheear,however,mustbeuniformincolor.Addtoallthis,alarge,full
dewlap,andyouwillhavearabbitfitto'goinandwin.'
317
"Themostesteemedcolorsareblackandwhiteyellowandwhitetortoiseshelland
whiteblueandwhite,andgrayandwhite.Thesearecalled'brokencolors,'while
thoseofoneuniformcolorarecalled'selfs.'"
ItwillbeobservedthatMr.Rotchheredescribesabeautiful"fancy"varietyof"lop
eared"rabbits,whichhebroughtfromEnglandafewyearssince.Theywere,
originally,nativesofMadagascar.Hecontinues:
"Thedomesticrabbit,inallitsvarieties,hasalwaysbeen,andstillis,agreat
favorite,inmanypartsoftheEuropeancontinent:
"InHolland,itisbredwithreferencetocoloronly,whichmustbeapurewhite,with
darkears,feet,legs,andtailthisdistributionhasasingulareffect,but,withal,itisa
prettylittlecreature.TheFrenchbreedalong,rangyanimal,ofgreatapparentsize,
butdeficientindepthandbreadth,andofcourse,wantinginconstitutionnoattention
ispaidtocolor,anditsmarkingismatterofaccident.TheWhiteAngola,withits
beautifullongfurandredeyes,isalsoagreatfavoriteinFrance.
318
"InEngland,therabbitformerlyheldtherankof'farmstock!'andthousandsofacres
wereexclusivelydevotedtoitsproductionfamiliesweresupported,andrents,rates,
andtaxeswerepaidfromitsincreaseandsale.The'grayskins'wenttothehatter,
the'silverskins'wereshippedtoChina,andweredressedasfurswhiletheflesh
wasafavoritedishathome.ThiswasthecoursepursuedinYorkshire,Lincolnshire,
andmanyothercounties,withtheirlightsandysoils,beforethemoregeneral
introductionofrootculture,andtherotationofcrops,gaveanincreasedvaluetosuch
land.Sincethen,however,IremembervisitingafarmofLordOnslow's,inSurrey,
containingabout1,400acres.Itwasintheoccupationofaneminentflockmasterand
agriculturist,whokeptsomehundredsofhutchedrabbitsforthesakeoftheirmanure,
whichheappliedtohisturnepcropaddedtothis,theirskinsandcarcasseswere
quiteanitemofprofit,notwithstandingthecareofthemrequiredanoldmanandboy,
withadonkeyandcart.Thefoodusedwaschieflybrewer'sgrains,miller'swaste,
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branandhay,withcloverandroots,thecostofkeepingnotexceedingtwopencea
week.Thehutchesstoodunderalongshed,openonallsides,forthegreater
convenienceofcleaningandfeeding.Iwastoldthatthemanurewasmuchvaluedby
themarketgardenersroundLondon,whoreadilypaid2s.6d.abushelatthe
rabbitries.TheserabbitriesareverynumerousinallthetownsandcitiesofEngland,
andformasourceofamusementorprofittoallclasses,fromthemanoffortuneto
thedaylaborer.Norisitunfrequentthatthislatterproducesarabbitfromanoldtea
chest,ordrygoodsbox,thatwinstheprizefromitscompetitorofthemahogany
hutchorornamentalrabbitry.
319
"Thefoodoftherabbitembracesgreatvariety,includinggrainofallkinds,bran,pea
chaff,miller'swaste,brewer'sgrains,cloverandotherhay,andthevariousweeds
knownasplantain,dock,mallow,dandelion,purslain,thistles,&c.,&c.
"Therabbitthuseasilyconformsitselftothemeans,condition,andcircumstancesof
itsowneroccupiesbutlittlespace,breedsoften,comesearlytomaturity,andis
withal,ahealthyanimal,requiringhowever,tobekeptclean,andtobecautiouslyfed
withsucculentfood,whichmustalwaysbefreefromdeworrainwateris
unnecessarytothemwhenfedwith'greens.'Myowncourseoffeedingis,onegillof
oatsinthemorning,withamediumsizedcabbageleaf,orwhatImayconsiderits
equivalentinanyothervegetablefood,fortherabbitinconfinementmustbe,as
alreadystated,cautiouslyfedwithwhatissucculent.Atnoon,Ifeedahandfullofcut
hayorcloverchaff,andintheeveningthesameasinthemorning.Todoes,when
suckling,Igivewhattheywilleatofbothgreenanddryfood.Thecosttomeisabout
threecentsperweek,perhead.
320
"Ibynomeansrecommendthisasthebest,orthemosteconomicalmodeoffeeding,
butithappenstosuitmyconvenience.WereIinatown,ornearmills,Ishouldmake
useofotherandcheapersubstitutes.Myyoungrabbits,whentakenfromthedoe,say
ateight,ten,ortwelveweeksold,areturnedouttogethertillaboutsixmonthsold,
whenitbecomesnecessarytotakethemup,andputtheminseparatehutches,to
preventtheirfightinganddestroyingeachother.Thedoeatthatageisreadytobreed
herperiodofgestationisaboutthirtyoneortwodays,andsheproducesfromthreeor
fourtoadozenyoungata'litter'.Itisnotwelltoletherraisemorethansix,oreven
fouratoncethefewer,thelargerandfinertheproduce.
"Youngrabbitsarekilledforthetableatanyage,fromtwelveweekstotwelve
monthsold,andareaveryacceptableadditiontothecountrylarder.Themaleisnot
allowedtoremainwiththedoe,lestheshoulddestroytheyoungones.
"Hutchesaremadesingly,orinstacks,tosuittheapartment,whichshouldbe
capableofthoroughventilation.Thebestsizeisaboutthreefeetlong,twofeetdeep,
andfourteenincheshigh,withasmallapartmentpartitionedofffromoneend,nearly
afootwide,asabreedingplaceforthedoe.Awiredoorformsthefront,andan
openingisleftbehindforcleaningthefloorshouldhaveadescenttothebackofthe
hutchoftwoinches.Alledgesshouldbetinned,tosavethemfrombeinggnawed.
321
"Havingnowgiventheleadingcharacteristicsandqualitieswhichconstituteagood
'fancylopearedrabbit,'anditsgeneralmanagement,allowmetoremarkonthe
strikingdifferenceobservablebetweenAmericansandthepeopleofmanyother
countries,astoafondnessforanimals,orwhataretermed'fancypets,'ofandfor
whichwe,asapeople,knowandcareverylittle.Indeed,wescarcelyadmitmore
thanaselfishfellowshipwiththedog,andbuttooseldomdoesourattachmenteven
forthisfaithfulcompanion,placehimbeyondthereachoftheomnipotentdollar.
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"Theoperatives,mechanics,andlaborers,inothercountries,seemtohaveaperfect
passionforsuchpursuits,andtakethegreatestinterestandprideinbreedingand
perfectingthelesseranimals,thoughoftenobligedtotoilfortheveryfoodtheyfeed
tothem.Here,too,homeinfluencesareperceivedtobegood,andareencouragedby
theemployer,assupplyingtheplaceofotherandmuchmorequestionablepursuits
andtastes."
Weherepresenttheelevation,andfloorplanofMr.Rodman'srabbitry,togetherwith
thefrontandrearviewsofthehutcheswithinthem:
(322)
NO.I.ELEVATION.
No.1isthegableendelevationof
thebuilding,withadoorand
window.
323
No.2isthemainfloorplan,or
livingroomfortherabbits.
EX P LA N A TIO N .
A,thedoe'shutches,withnest
boxesattached.B,hutchesthree
feetlong,withmovablepartitions
fortheyoungrabbitsthetwolower
hutchesareusedforthestock
bucks.C,atierofgrainboxeson
thefloorforfeedingtherabbits
NOII.MAINFLOORPLAN.
thecoversslopingouttowardthe
room.D,smalltrapdoor,leading
intothemanurecellarbeneath.E,largetrapdoorleadingintorootcellar.F,troughs
forleadingoffurinefromrearofhutchesintothemanurecellaratK,K.G,wooden
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trunkleadingfromchamberaboveNo.3,throughthisintomanurecellar.H,trap
openingintomanurecellar.I,stairsleadingintoloftNo.3,withhingedtrapdoor
overheadwhenopen,itwillturnupagainstthewall,andleaveapassagetoclearout
thehutches.
NOTE.Thegrainboxesareonefoothighinfront,andfifteeninchesattheback,with
slopingbottoms,andslopingcovers.Thefloorsofthehutcheshaveaslopeoftwo
inchesback.Thehutchesarefurnished,atthebackofthefloor,withpiecesofzinc,to
keepthemfreefromthedrippingsfromabove.Thehutchesare16incheshigh,3feet
long,and2feetdeep.
Theforegoingplansandexplanationsmightperhapsbesufficientfortheguidanceof
suchaswishtoconstructarabbitryfortheirownusebutasacompletearrangement
ofalltheroomswhichmaybeconvenientlyappropriatedtothisobject,tomakeita
completething,maybeacceptabletothereader,weconclude,evenattheriskof
prolixity,toinserttheupperloft,andcellarapartments,withwhichwehavebeen
furnishedhopingthatouryouthfulfriendswillsetthemselvesabouttheconstruction
ofabranchofruralemploymentsohomeattachinginitsassociations.
324
No.3istheloftorchamberstory,next
abovethemainfloor.
EX P LA N A TIO N .
NO.III.LOFTORGARRET.
A,placeforstoringhay.B,stairs
leadingfrombelow.C,roomforyoung
rabbits.D,trapdoorintotrunkleadingto
manurecellar.E,partitionfourfeet
high.Thisallowsofventilationbetween
thetwowindows,insummer,which
wouldbecutoff,werethepartition
carriedallthewayup.
No.4isthecellarundertherabbitry.
325
EX P LA N A TIO N .
A,manurecellar.B,rootcellar.C,stairsleading
tofirst,ormainfloor.D,stairsleadingoutside.
E,windowlightingbothroomsofcellar.
(326)
NO.IV.CELLAR.
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No.5isafrontsectionofrabbithutches,eightinnumber,twoinaline,fourtiers
high,oneaboveanother,withwirescreeneddoors,hinges,andbuttonsforfastening.
A,thegraintrough,isatthebottom.
No.6isthefloorsectionofthehutches,falling,asbeforementioned,twoinchesfrom
fronttorear.
A,isthedoortoliftup,forcleaningoutthefloors.B,isthezincplate,tocarryoffthe
urineandrunningwashofthefloors.C,isthetroughforcarryingoffthisoffalinto
themanurecellars,throughthetrunk,asseeninNo.2.
327
No.7isarearsectionofhutches,sameasinNo.5,withthewastetroughatthe
bottomleadingintothetrenchbeforedescribed,withthecrosssection,No.8,before
describedinNo.6.
A,agrateddooratthebackofthehutch,forventilationinsummer,andcoveredwith
athinboardinwinter.B,aflapdoor,fourincheswide,whichisraisedforcleaning
outthefloorunderthisdoorisaspaceofoneinch,forpassingouttheurineofthe
rabbits.C,arebuttonsforfasteningthedoors.D,thebacksofthebedrooms,without
anypassageoutonbackside.
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Thismatteroftherabbitry,anditsvariousexplanations,maybeconsideredbythe
plain,matteroffactman,asbelowthedignityofpeoplepursuingtheusefuland
moneymakingbusinessoflife.Verypossible.Butmanyboysforwhosebenefit
theyarechieflyintroducedandmen,even,maydoworsethantospendtheirtimein
suchapparenttrifles.Itisbetterthangoingtoahorserace.Itisbettereventhangoing
toatrottingmatch,wherefastmen,aswellasfasthorsescongregate.Itisbetter,too,
thanathousandotherplaceswhereboyswanttogo,whentheyhavenothingto
interestthemathome.
Onehalfofthefarmer'sboys,who,discontentedathome,leaveitforsomethingmore
congenialtotheirfeelingsandtastes,dososimplybecauseoftheexcessivedullness,
andwantofinterestinobjectstoattractthemthere,andkeepthemcontented.Boys,in
Americaatleast,areapttobesmart.Sotheirparentsthink,atalleventsandtoo
smarttheyprove,tostayathome,andfollowthebeatentrackoftheirfathers,astheir
continualmigrationfromthepaternalrooftooplainlytestifies.This,inmanycases,is
thefaultoftheparentsthemselves,becausetheyneglectthoselittleobjectsofinterest
towhichthemindsandtastesoftheirsonsareinclined,andforwantofwhichthey
imaginemoreattractiveobjectsabroad,althoughinthesearchtheyoftenfailin
findingthem.Weareaprogressivepeople.Ourchildrenarenotalwayscontenttobe
whattheirfathersareandparentsmustyieldalittleto"thespiritoftheage"inwhich
theylive.Andboyspaytoo,astheygoalong,ifproperlytreated.Theyshouldbe
madecompanions,notservants.Manyajoyous,heartyspirit,who,whenproperly
encouraged,comesoutawholemanatoneandtwenty,ifkeptincurb,andharnessed
downbyahardparent,leavesthehomestead,withacurseandakick,determined,
whetherinwealorinwoe,nevertoreturn.Underadifferentcourseoftreatment,he
wouldhavefixedhishomeeitherathisbirthplace,orinitsimmediatevicinity,andin
alifeoffrugality,usefulness,andcomparativeease,blessedhisparents,his
neighborhood,andpossiblytheworld,withausefulexampleall,perhaps,grownout
ofhisyouthfulindulgenceinthepossessionofarabbitwarren,orsomeliketrifling
matter.
Thismayappeartobesmallmorals,aswellassmallbusiness.Weadmitit.Butthose
whohavebeenwell,andindulgently,aswellasmethodicallytrained,maylookback
andseetheinfluencewhichallsuchlittlethingshadupontheirearlythoughtsand
inclinationsandthusrealizetheimportanceofprovidingfortheamusementsand
pleasuresofchildrenintheirearlyyears.Thedovecote,therabbitry,thepoultryyard,
thesheepfold,thecalfpen,thepiggery,theyoungcoltofafavoritemare,theyokeof
yearlingsteers,orafruittreewhichtheyhaveplanted,andnursed,andcalledit,orthe
fruititbears,theirown,anything,infact,whichtheycancalltheirsaresomany
objectstobindboystotheirhomes,andhallowitwithathousandnamelessblessings
andassociations,knownonlytothosewhohavebeenitsrecipients.Heaven's
blessingsbeonthefamilyhomestead!
328
329
"Beiteversohumble,there'snoplacelikehome!"
sungtheimaginarymaidofMilan,thebeautifulcreationofJohnHowardPayne,
whenreturningfromtheglareandpompoftheworld,tohernativecottageinthe
mountainsofSwitzerland.And,althoughalloutofdate,andconventionallyvulgar
thissentimentmaybenowconsidered,suchis,orshouldbethesubdued,
unsophisticatedfeelingofallnativesofthefarmhouse,andthecountrycottage.We
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mayleavethequietroofofourchildhoodwemaymixinthebustlingcontentionsof
theopenworldwemaygainitstreasureswemayenjoyitsgreatness,itshonors,and
itsapplausebuttherearetimeswhentheywillallfadeintonothing,incomparison
withthepeace,andquietude,andtranquilhappinessofafewacresofland,
acomfortableroof,andcontentmenttherewith!
330
DAIRYBUILDINGS.
Whereverthedairyismadeanimportantbranchoffarmproduction,buildingsforits
distinctaccommodationareindispensable.Thedairyisasmuchamanufactoryasa
cottonmill,andrequiresasmuchconveniencesinitsownpeculiarline.Wetherefore
setapartabuilding,onpurposeforitsobjectsandeitherforcheese,orbutter,
separateconveniencesarealikerequired.Wecommencewiththe
(331)
(332)
CHEESEDAIRYHOUSE.
Thisbuildingisoneandahalfstorieshigh,withabroad,spreadingroofof45pitch
thegroundplanis10feetbetweenjoists,andtheposts16feethigh.Anicehouse,
madeontheplanalreadydescribed,isatoneend,andawoodshedattheopposite
end,ofthesamesize.Thisbuildingissupposedtobeerectednearthemilkingsheds
ofthefarm,andincontiguitytothefeedingtroughsofthecows,orthepiggery,and
adaptedtotheconvenienceoffeedingthewheytowhicheveroftheseanimalsthe
dairymanmayselect,asboth,oreitherarerequiredtoconsumeitandtowhichit
maybeconveyedinspoutsfromthedairyroom.
333
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GROUNDPLAN.
TheGroundPlanwasprintedupsidedown.
Thefrontdoorisprotectedbyalightporch,(a,)enteringbyadoor,(b,)themain
dairyroom.Thecheesepresses,(c,c,)occupytheleftendoftheroom,between
whichapassageleadsthroughadoor,(l,)intothewoodshed,(h,)openonallsides,
withitsroofrestingonfourpostssetintheground.Thelargecheesetable,(d,)stands
ontheoppositeend,andis3feetwide.Inthecenteroftheroomisachimney,(e,)
withawheyandwaterboiler,andvatsoneachside.Aflightofstairs,(f,)leadinginto
thestorageroomabove,isintherear.Adoor,(b,)ontheextremeright,leadsintothe
icehouse,(g.)Therearefourwindowstotheroomtwooneachside,frontandrear.
Intheloftareplacedtheshelvesforstoringthecheese,assoonassufficiently
preparedonthetemporarytablebelow.Thisloftisthoroughlyventilatedbywindows,
andtheheatofthesunuponitripensthecheeserapidlyformarket.Atrapdoor,
throughthefloors,overwhichishungatackle,admitsthecheesefrombelow,or
passesitdown,whenpreparedformarket.
Thecheesehouseshould,ifpossible,beplacedonaslopingbank,whenitisdesigned
tofeedthewheytopigsandevenwhenitisfedtocows,itismoreconvenienttopass
ittothemonalowerlevel,thantocarryitoutinbuckets.Itmay,however,ifonlevel
ground,bedischargedintovats,inacellarbelow,andpumpedoutaswanted.Acellar
isconvenientindeed,almostindispensableunderthecheesedairyandwater
shouldbesonearastobeeasilypumped,ordrawn,intothevatsandkettlesusedin
runningupthecurd,orforwashingtheutensilsusedinthework.Whenthemilkis
keptovernight,forthenextmorning'scurd,temporarytablesmaybeplacednearthe
iceroom,toholdthepansortubsinwhichitmaybeset,andtheiceusedtotemper
themilktotheproperdegreeforraisingthecream.Ifthedairybeofsuchextentasto
requirelargeraccommodationthantheplanheresuggested,aroomortwomaybe
partitionedofffromthemainmilkandpressingroom,forwashingthevesselsand
otherarticlesemployed,andforsettingthemilk.Everyfacilityshouldbemadefor
neatnessinalltheoperationsconnectedwiththework.
334
Differentaccommodationsarerequired,formakingthedifferentkindsofcheese
whichourvariedmarketsdemand,andinthefittingupofthedairyhouse,nopositive
planofarrangementcanbelaiddown,suitedaliketoalltheworkwhichmaybe
demanded.Thedairyman,therefore,willbestarrangeallthesefortheparticular
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conveniencewhichherequires.Themainplan,andstyleofbuildinghowever,we
thinkwillbegenerallyapproved,asbeinginanagreeablearchitecturalstyle,andof
convenientconstructionandshapefortheobjectsintended.
335
THEBUTTERDAIRY.
This,ifpursuedonthesamefarmwiththecheesedairy,andatdifferentseasonsof
theyear,maybecarriedoninthelowerpartsofthesamebuilding.Butasitisusually
adistinctbranchofbusiness,whenprosecutedasthechiefobjectonafarm,itshould
haveaccommodationsofitsownkind,whichshouldbefittedupspeciallyforthat
purpose.
Wecannot,perhaps,suggestabettermodelofabuildingforthebutterdairy,thanthe
onejustsubmittedforthecheesehouse,onlythatthereisnonecessityfortheupper
storyandthepostsofthemainbuildingshouldnotstandmorethanninefeetabove
thesills.Agood,walledcellar,welllighted,asaroomforsettingthemilk,is
indispensable,withabroad,openflightofsteps,fromthemainfloorabove,intoit.
Here,too,shouldstandthestoneslabs,wherethebutterisworked,andthechurns,to
bedrivenbyhand,orwater,oranimalpower,asthetwolattermaybeprovided,and
introducedintothebuildingbybelt,shaft,orcrank.Ifrunningwatercanbebrought
ontothemilkshelves,fromahigherlevel,which,forthispurpose,shouldhavecurbs
twoorthreeincheshighontheirsides,itcanflowinaconstantgentlecurrentover
them,amongthepans,fromareceivingvat,inwhichiceisdeposited,tokeepthe
milkatthepropertemperatureabout55Fahrenheitforraisingthecreamandif
thequantityofmilkbelarge,theshelvescanbesoarranged,byplacingeachtierof
shelflowerthanthelast,likesteps,thatthewatermaypassamongthemallbeforeit
escapesfromtheroom.Suchamodeofapplyingwaterandice,renderstheentire
processofcreamrisingalmostcertaininallweathers,andishighlyapproved
whereverithasbeenpracticed.Thelowtemperatureoftheroom,bytheaidofwater
andice,isalsobeneficialtothebutterpackedinkegs,keepingitcoolandsweetas
muchlikeaspringhouseaspossible,initsoperation.
336
Thewashinganddryingofpans,buckets,churns,andtheheatingofwater,shouldall
bedoneintheroomabove,wherethenecessarykettlesareset,andkeptfromcontact
withthecoolatmosphereofthelowerroom.Thelatterapartmentshouldhaveawell
laidstoneorbrickfloor,filledandcoveredwithastrongcementofwaterlime,and
slopinggraduallytotheouterside,whereallthewatermaypassoffbyadrain,and
everythingkeptsweetandclean.Thebuttermilkmay,asinthecaseofthewhey,in
thecheesedairy,bepassedoffinspoutstothepigsty,whichshouldnotbefardistant.
Asallthisprocessofarrangement,however,mustconformsomewhattotheshapeof
theground,thelocality,andthefacilitiesathandwhereitmaybeconstructeditis
hardlypossibletogiveanyonesystemofdetailwhichisapplicabletoanuniform
modeofstructureandmuchwillbelefttothedemandsandtheskillofthedairyman
himself,intheplanhemayfinallyadopt.
337
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THEWATERRAM.
Aswater,andthatofagoodquality,andinabundantquantity,isindispensabletothe
variousdemandsofthefarm,itisworthsomepainstoprovideitinthemost
economicalmanner,andatthemostconvenientpointsforuse.Inlevelgrounds,wells
aregenerallydug,andthewaterdrawnupbybucketsorpumps.Inahillycountry,
springs,andstreamsfromhighergrounds,maybebroughtinbytheaidofpipes,the
waterflowingnaturally,underitsownhead,whereveritmaybewanted,awayfrom
itsnaturalstream.
But,ofallcontrivancesto
elevatewaterfromalower
fountain,orcurrent,toa
higherlevel,byitsown
action,theWaterRamis
themostcompleteinits
operation,andperfectinits
construction,ofanything
withinourknowledge.And
asitmaynotbegenerally
knowntoourreaders,atour
request,Messrs.A.B.
ALLEN&CO.,ofNewYork
whokeepthemofall
sizesforsale,attheir
agriculturalwarehouse,
No's.189and191,Water
streethavekindly
furnisheduswiththe
followingdescriptionofthemachine,givenbyW.&B.Douglass,ofMiddletown,
Connecticut,manufacturersofthearticle:
338
"H,springorbrook.C,drive,orsupplypipe,frombrooktoram.G,dischargepipe,
conveyingwatertohouseorotherpointrequiredforuse.B,D,A,E,I,theRam.J,
theplankorotherfoundationtowhichthemachineissecuredforuse.
"Thevarioususesoftheramareatonceobvious,viz.,forthepurposesofirrigating
lands,andsupplyingdwellings,barnyards,gardens,factories,villages,engines,
railroadstations,&c.,withrunningwater.
"Thesimplicityoftheoperationofthismachine,togetherwithitseffectiveness,and
veryapparentdurability,rendersitdecidedlythemostimportantandvaluable
apparatusyetdevelopedinhydraulics,forforcingaportionofarunningstreamof
watertoanyelevation,proportionatetothefallobtained.Itisperfectlyapplicable
wherenomorethaneighteeninchesfallcanbehadyet,thegreaterthefallapplied,
themorepowerfultheoperationofthemachine,andthehigherthewatermaybe
conveyed.Therelativeproportionsbetweenthewaterraised,andwasted,is
dependententirelyupontherelativeheightofthespringorsourceofsupplyabovethe
ram,andtheelevationtowhichitisrequiredtoberaised.Thequantityraisedvarying
inproportiontotheheighttowhichitisconveyed,withagivenfallalso,thedistance
whichthewaterhastobeconveyed,andconsequentlengthofpipe,hassomebearing
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onthequantityofwaterraisedanddischargedbytheramas,thelongerthepipe
throughwhichthewaterhastobeforcedbythemachine,thegreaterthefrictionto
beovercome,andthemorethepowerconsumedintheoperationyet,itiscommonto
applytheramforconveyingthewaterdistancesofoneandtwohundredrods,andup
elevationsofoneandtwohundredfeet.Tenfeetfallfromthespring,orbrook,tothe
ram,isabundantlysufficientforforcingupthewatertoanyelevationundersayone
hundredandfiftyfeetinheight,abovethelevelofthepointwheretheramislocated
andthesametenfeetfallwillraisethewatertoamuchhigherpointthanabovelast
named,althoughinadiminishedquantity,inproportionastheheightisincreased.
Whenasufficientquantityofwaterisraisedwithagivenfall,itisnotadvisableto
increasesaidfall,asinsodoingtheforcewithwhichtheramworksisincreased,
andtheamountoflaborwhichithastoperformgreatlyaugmented,thewearandtear
ofthemachineproportionablyincreased,andthedurabilityofthesamelessenedso
thateconomy,intheexpenseofkeepingtheraminrepair,woulddictatethatno
greaterfallshouldbeapplied,forpropellingtheram,thanissufficienttoraisea
requisitesupplyofwatertotheplaceofuse.Toenableanypersontomakethe
calculation,astowhatfallwouldbesufficienttoapplytotheram,toraisea
sufficientsupplyofwatertohispremises,wewouldsay,thatinconveyingitany
ordinarydistance,ofsayfiftyorsixtyrods,itmaybesafelycalculatedthatabout
oneseventhpartofthewatercanberaisedanddischargedatanelevationabovethe
ramfivetimesashighasthefallwhichisappliedtotheram,oronefourteenthpart
canberaisedanddischarged,saytentimesashighasthefallappliedandsointhat
proportion,asthefallorriseisvaried.Thus,iftherambeplacedunderaheadorfall
offivefeet,ofeverysevengallonsdrawnfromthespring,onemayberaisedtwenty
fivefeet,orhalfagallonfiftyfeet.Orwithtenfeetfallappliedtothemachine,of
everyfourteengallonsdrawnfromthespring,onegallonmayberaisedtotheheight
ofonehundredfeetabovethemachineandsoinlikeproportion,asthefallorriseis
increasedordiminished.
"Itispresumedthattheaboveillustrationsofwhatthemachinewilldoundercertain
headsandrise,willbesufficientforallpracticalpurposes,toenablepurchasersof
thearticletodetermine,withasufficientdegreeofnicety,astotheheadorfallto
applytotheramforagivenriseanddistance,whichtheymaywishtoovercomein
raisingwaterfromspringsorbrookstotheirpremises,orotherplaceswherewateris
required.Yet,wehavethepleasureofcopyingthefollowingarticle,whichwefind
inthe'AmericanAgriculturist,'averyvaluablejournalpublishedbyC.M.Saxton,
152Fultonstreet,NewYork,whichmayservetocorroborateourstatementsasto
whatourramwillaccomplishundergivencircumstances:
340
341
"'ThefollowingisacorrectstatementofawaterramIhavehadinsuccessful
operationforthelastsixmonths:
"'1.Thefallfromthesurfaceofthewaterinthespringisfourfeet.2.Thequantityof
waterdeliveredpertenminutes,atmyhouse,isthreeandaquartergallons,andthat
dischargedattheramtwentyfivegallons.Thus,nearlyoneseventhpartofthewater
issaved.3.Theperpendicularheightoftheplaceofdeliveryabovetheramis
nineteenfeetsayfifteenfeetabovethesurfaceofthespring.4.Thelengthofthe
pipeleadingfromtheramtothehouseisonehundredandninetyfeet.5.Thepipe
leadingfromtheramtothehousehasthreerightangles,roundedbycurves.6.The
ramisofDouglass'make,ofasmallsize.7.Thelengthofthedriveorsupplypipeis
sixtyfeet.Itsinnerdiameteroneinch.8.Thedepthofwaterinthespring,overthe
drivepipe,issixinches.9.Theinnerdiameterofthepipe,conductingthewaterfrom
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theramtothehouse,isthreeeighthsofaninch.
"'Iconsideritveryessentialthatthedriveorsupplypipeshouldbelaidasstraightas
possible,asinthemotionofthewaterinthispipeconsiststhepoweroftheram.
342
V.H.HALLOCK.
NORTHEASTCENTER,N.Y.,April2d,1849.'"
Wehaveseenseveraloftheseramsatworkandinanyplacewheretherequired
amountoffallcanbehad,withsufficientwatertosupplythedemand,weareentirely
satisfiedthatnoplansocheapandefficientcanbeadopted,bywhichtothrowittoa
higherlevel,andatadistancefromthepointofitsflow.Weheartilycommenditto
allwhoneedathingofthekind,andhaveathandthefacilitiesinthewayofastream
foritsuse.
Itishardlyworthwhiletoadd,thatbytheaidoftheram,watercanbethrowninto
everyroominthedwellinghouse,aswellasintothevariousbuildings,andyards,and
fieldsofthefarm,whereveritmayberequired.
343
RATPROOFGRANARY.
Thisplan,anddescription,wetakefromanagriculturalperiodicalpublishedinNew
York"ThePlow."Wecanrecommendnoplanofabetterkindfortheobjects
required.Itisanoldfashionedstructure,whichmanyofourreaderswillrecognize
only,thatitisimprovedinsomeofitsdetails.
GRANARY.
Theillustrationaboveneedsbutlittledescription.Thepostsshouldbestone,if
procurable,onefootsquare,andfourfeetlong,setonethirdintheground,and
cappedwithsmoothflatstones,fourtosixinchesthick,andtwofeet,atleast,across.
Ifwoodenpostsareused,makethemsixteeninchessquare,andsettheminahole
previouslyfilled,sixinchesdeep,withcharcoal,orrubblestoneandlimegrouting,
andfillaroundthepostswiththesame.Fourinchesfromthetop,nailonaflangeof
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tinorsheetiron,sixincheswide,theprojectingedgeofwhichmaybeserrated,asa
furtherpreventiveagainstthedepredatingrascalscreepingaround.Thestepsare
hingedtothedoorsill,andshouldhaveacordandweightattachedtothedoor,sothat
wheneveritisshut,thestepsshouldbeupalsothiswouldpreventthepossibilityof
carelessnessinleavingthemdownfortheratstowalkup.Thesidesshouldbemade
ofslats,withlargecracksbetween,andthefloorunderthecorncrib,withnumerous
openjointsnomatterifshatteredcornfallsthrough,letthepigsandchickenshaveit
thecirculationoftheairthroughthepileofcorn,willmorethanpayforallyouwill
losethroughthefloor.Ifyouintendtohavesweetgrain,besuretohaveaventilatorin
theroof,andyoumayseebythevaneonthetopofit,howthewindwillalwaysblow
favorablyforyou.
345
IMPROVEDDOMESTICANIMALS.
Havingcompletedtheseriesofsubjectswhichwehaddesignedforthiswork,weare
hardlycontenttosenditouttothepublic,withoutinvitingtheattentionofour
farmers,andotherswhodwellinthecountryandoccupyland,totheimportanceof
surroundingthemselveswiththebestbreedsofdomesticanimals,asanitemof
increasedprofitintheirfarmmanagement,andasasubjectofinterestandsatisfaction
tothemselvesintheembellishmentoftheirgrounds.
Wehaveaddressedourselvesthroughthesepagestothegoodsenseofmenwho,in
theirgeneralcharacterandpursuits,comprisethemoststableclassofourpopulation.
Wehaveendeavoredtoimpressuponthemtheimportanceofprovidingallthe
conveniencesandcomfortstothemselves,intheirdwellings,aswellasthedue
provisionfortheiranimalsandcrops,intherougherfarmbuildings,whichtheir
circumstanceswilladmitandwetrusttheyhavebeenshownthatitisproper
economysotodo.Wehave,inadditiontothese,somewhatdilateduponobjectsof
embellishment,inthewayofgroundstosurroundthem,andtreestobeautifythem,
whichwillinnowayinterferewithajusteconomy,andaddgreatlytothepleasure
andinterestoftheiroccupation.Wenowwantthemtointroduceintothosegrounds
suchdomesticanimalsasshalladdtotheirornament,andbefarmoreprofitableto
themselves,thantheinferiorthingswhicharecalledthecommon,ornativestockof
thecountry.Withoutthislastlesson,halfourobjectwouldbelost.Ofwhatavailwill
bethebestprovisionfortheconveniencesofafamily,andthelaborsofthefarm,if
thefarmbebadlycultivated,andaworthlessorinferiorstockbekeptuponit?The
workisbuthalfdoneatbestandtheinferiorityofthelastwillonlybecomemore
conspicuousandcontemptible,incontrastwiththesuperiorconditionofthefirst.
346
Itisnotintendedtogointoanexaminationofthefarmstockofourcountryatlarge,
norintotheirmodesoftreatmentbut,torecommendsuchvarietiesofanimalsasare
profitableintheirbreedingandkeeping,bothtotheprofessionalfarmerinhis
vocation,andtosuchas,beyondthis,findthemanobjectofconvenience,orof
pleasure.
We,inAmerica,arecomparativelyayoungpeople.Yet,wehavesurmounted
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necessity.Wehavearrivedattheperiodwhenweenjoythefruitsofcompetence
someofus,theluxuriesofwealth.Atasteforsuperiordomesticanimalshasbeen
increasing,andspreadingovertheUnitedStatesformanyyearspastsothatnow,
aportionofourfarmersandcountrypeopleunderstandsomewhatofthesubject.It
hasbeenthoroughlydemonstrated,thatgoodfarmstockisbetter,andmoreprofitable
thanpoorstock.Still,atasteforgoodstock,andtheadvantagesofkeepingthem,over
thecommonstockofthecountry,isnotgenerallyunderstoodandthattastehastobe
cultivated.Itisnotaltogetherathingofnature,anymorethanotherfacultieswhich
requiretheaidofeducationtodevelope.Wehaveknownmanypeoplewhohadafine
perceptioninmanythings:aneyeforafinehouse,pleasantgrounds,beautifultrees,
andallthesurroundingswhichsuchaplacemightcommandandwhenthesewere
complete,wouldplaceaboutittheveriestbrutes,inthewayofdomesticanimals,
imaginable.Theresidentofthecity,wholivesathiscountryhouseinsummer,and
selectsapictureofmeanorinferiorquality,tohangupinhishousebywayof
ornament,wouldbelaughedatbyhisfriendsyethemaydriveintohisgroundsthe
meanestpossiblecreature,intheshapeofacow,apig,orasheep,anditisallvery
wellforneitherhenortheyknowanybetteryet,theoneisquiteasmuchoutof
placeastheother.Theman,too,who,ingoodcircumstances,willkeepanddrivea
miserablehorse,istheridiculeofhisneighbors,becauseeverybodyknowswhata
goodhorseis,andthatheshouldbewellkept.Yet,theotherstockonhisfarmmaybe
themeanesttrashinexistence,anditcreatesnoremark.Onthecontrary,onewhoat
anyextracosthassuppliedhimselfwithstockofthechoicerkinds,lettheir
superioritybeeversoapparent,hasoftenbeenthesubjectofribaldry,byhis
unthinkingassociates.Andsuch,wearesorrytosay,isstillthecaseintoomany
sectionsofourcountry.But,onthewhole,bothourpublicspirit,andourintelligence,
isincreasing,insuchthings.
Now,weholdittobeapracticalfact,thatnofarm,orcountryplace,canbecomplete
initsappointments,withoutgoodstockuponitanditisuselessforanyoneto
supposethathisfarm,orhisplace,isfinished,withoutit.Themanwhohasafine
lawn,ofanyextent,abouthishouse,oraparkadjoining,shouldhavesomethingto
grazeitforhecannotaffordtoletitlieidlenorisitworthwhile,evenifhecan
affordit,tobemowingthegrassiniteveryfortnightduringthesummer,tomakeit
sightly.Besidesthis,grasswillgrowunderthetrees,andthattoothin,andshort,for
cutting.Thisgroundmust,ofcourse,bepastured.Now,willhegoandgetaparcelof
meanscrubsofcattle,orsheep,tograzeit,surroundinghisverydoor,anddisgracing
himbytheirvulgar,plebeianlooks,andyieldinghimnoreturn,ineithermilk,beef,
mutton,orwool?Ofcoursenot,ifhebeawise,oraprovidentman,oronewhohas
anytruetasteinsuchmatters.Hewillrathergoandobtainthebeststockhecanget,
ofbreedssuitedtotheclimate,andsoil,whichwillgivehimaprofitablereturn,either
inmilk,orflesh,ortheirincrease,forhisoutlayandwhichwillalsoembellishhis
grounds,andcreateaninterestinhisfamilyfortheircare,andarresttheattentionof
thosewhovisithim,orpassbyhisgrounds.Oftheproperselectionofthisbranchof
hisstock,weshallnowdiscourse.
347
348
(349)
(350)
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(351)
(352)
Incattle,ifyourgroundsberich,andyourgrassabundant,theshorthornsarethe
stockforthem.Theyare"theheadandfront,"inappearance,size,andcombinationof
goodqualitiestheveryaristocracyofallneatcattle.Awellbred,andwell
developedshorthorncow,fullinthequalitieswhichbelongtohercharacter,isthe
veryperfectionofherkind.Herlarge,squareformfineorange,russet,ornutcolored
muzzlebright,prominent,yetmild,expressiveeyesmall,lighthornthinearsclean
neckprojectingbrisketdeep,andbroadchestlevelback,andloinbroadhipslarge,
andwellspreadudder,withitssilkycoveringofhair,andclean,taper,widestanding
teats,givingtwentytothirtyquartsofrichmilkinadaydeepthigh,andtwistlight
tailsmall,shortlegsand,addedtothis,herbrilliantandevervaryingcolorsofall,
andeveryinterminglingshadesofred,andwhite,oreitherofthemalonesuch,
singly,oringroups,standingquietlyundertheshadeoftrees,grazingintheopen
field,orquietlyrestinguponthegrass,aretheveryperfectionofacattlepicture,and
giveagraceandbeautytothegroundswhichnolivingthingcanequal.Herestandsa
shorthorncow,inallthemajestyofherstyleandcharacter!
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Weadd,also,ashorthornbull,whichexhibits,inahighdegree,thevigor,stamina,
andexcellenceofhiskind.
Nor,inthislaudationoftheshorthorns,areweatallmistaken.Gointotheluxuriant
bluegrasspasturesofKentuckytherich,andwidespreadgrazingregionsofcentral,
andlowerOhiotheprairiesofIndiana,andIllinois,justnowbeginningtoreceive
themthesweet,andsucculentpasturesofcentralandwesternNewYork,oronthe
Hudsonriverandnowandthen,afinelycultivatedfarminothersectionsofthe
UnitedStates,wheretheirworthhasbecomeestablishedandtheypresentpicturesof
thrift,ofexcellence,ofbeauty,andofprofit,thatnootherneatcattlecanpretendto
equal.
354
Asafamilycow,nothingcanexceltheshorthorn,intheabundanceandrichnessof
hermilk,andintheprofitshewillyieldtoherownerand,oneveryplacewhereshe
canbesuppliedwithabundanceoffood,shestandswithoutarival.Fromtheshort
horns,springthosemagnificentfatoxenandsteers,whichattractsomuchadmiration,
andcarryofftheprizes,atourgreatcattleshows.Thousandsofthem,oflessorhigher
gradeinblood,arefedeveryyear,intheScioto,theMiami,andtheothergreat
feedingvalleysofthewest,andinthefertilecornregionsofKentucky,andtakento
theNewYorkandPhiladelphiamarkets.Asaprofitablebeasttothegrazier,andthe
feeder,nothingcanequaltheminearlymaturityandexcellence.Forthispurpose,the
shorthornsaresteadilyworkingtheirwayalloverthevastcattlebreedingregionsof
thewestand,fortherichnessandabundanceofhermilk,thecowiseagerly
introducedintothedairy,andmilkproducingsectionsoftheotherstates,whereshe
willfinallytakerank,andmaintainhersuperiorityoverallothers,onrichand
productivesoils.
(355)
(356)
DEVONCOW.
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DEVONBULL.
Onlightersoils,withshorterpasturesoronhillyandstonygrounds,anotherraceof
cattlemaybekept,betteradaptedtosuchlocalities,thanthosejustdescribed.They
aretheDevonsalsoanEnglishbreed,andclaimedthereasanaboriginalracein
Englandandifanyvarietyofcattle,exhibitingthebloodlikebeauty,andfinenessof
limb,thedeep,uniformityofcolor,andthegazellelikebrilliancyoftheireye,can
claimaremoteancestry,andapuredescent,theDevonscanmakesuchclaim,beyond
almostanyother.Theywereintroducedsavenowandthenanisolatedanimalatan
earlierdayintotheUnitedStatessomethirtytwoorthreeyearsago,aboutthesame
timewiththeshorthornsandlikethem,havebeenaddedto,andimprovedby
frequentimportationssinceuntilnow,probablyourcountrywillshowsome
specimensequalinqualitytotheirhighgeneralcharacterinthelandoftheirnativity.
Unliketheshorthorn,theDevonisamuchlighteranimal,withalikefineexpression
ofcountenanceanelevatedhornmoreagileinformyetfinerinlimb,andbone
adeepmahoganyredincolorandofagrace,andbeautyinfigureexcelledbyno
otherbreedwhatever.TheDevoncowisusuallyagoodmilker,forhersizeofquiet
temperdocileinherhabitsaquickfeederandamostsatisfactoryanimalinall
particulars.FromtheDevons,springthosebeautifullymatchedredworkingoxen,so
muchadmiredinoureasternstatesthesuperiorstowhich,inkindness,docility,
endurance,quickness,andhonestyoflabor,nocountrycanproduce.Inthequalityof
theirbeef,theyareunrivaledbyanybreedofcattleintheUnitedStatesbutintheir
earlymaturityforthatpurpose,arenotequaltotheshorthorns.
WeherepresentacutofaDevoncowbutwiththeremark,thatshepresentsa
deficiencyofbag,andstandshigherontheleg,thansheoughttodoandherleanness
infleshgivesheralessgracefulappearancethanisherwont,wheningoodcondition.
357
358
Wepresent,also,thecutofaDevonbull.Thisfiguredoesnotdohimfulljustice,the
headbeingdrawnin,togivethecutroomonthepage.
SeveralbeautifulherdsofDevonsaretobefoundinNewYork,inMaryland,in
Connecticut,andinMassachusettsandsomefewinotherstates,wheretheycanbe
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obtainedbythosewhowishtopurchase.Anditisagratifyingincident,tolearnthat
boththebreedswehavenamedareincreasingindemand,whichhascreateda
correspondingspiritinthosewhobreedthem,tobestowtheirbestattentionin
perfectingtheirgoodqualities.
Anotherbranchofdomesticstockshouldalsoexcitetheattentionofthosewhowish
toembellishtheirgrounds,aswellastoimprovethequalityoftheirmutton
obtaining,withal,afleeceofvaluablewool.ThesearetheSouthdown,andthe
Cotswold,Leicester,orotherimprovedbreedsoflongwooledsheep.Thereisno
morepeaceful,orbeautifulsmallanimaltobeseen,inanopenpark,orpleasure
ground,orinthepaddockofafarm,thantheseandastheyhavebeenoflatemuch
soughtafter,theywillbebrieflynoticed.
(359)
(360)
SOUTHDOWNRAM.
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SOUTHDOWNEWE.
TheSouthdown,acutofwhichwepresent,isafine,compact,andsolidsheep,with
darkfaceandlegsquietinitshabits,mildindisposition,ofamediumquality,and
mediumweightoffleeceandyieldingakindofmuttonunsurpassedinflavorand
delicacyequal,intheestimationofmany,tothefinestvenison.Thecarcassofa
Southdownwether,whenwellfatted,islarge,weighing,attwotothreeyearsold,
ahundredtoahundredandtwentypounds.Theeweisaprolificbreeder,andagood
nurse.Theyareexceedinglyhardy,andwillthriveequallywellinallclimates,andon
alloursoils,wheretheycanlive.Thereisnoothervarietyofsheepwhichhasbeen
bredtothathighdegreeofperfection,inEngland.ThegreatSouthdownbreeder,Mr.
Webb,ofBatraham,hasoftenreceivedashighasfifty,toonehundredguineas,ina
season,fortheuseofasingleram.Suchpricesshowtheestimationinwhichthebest
Southdownsareheldthere,aswellastheirgreatpopularityamongtheEnglish
farmers.Theyareextensivelykeptintheparks,andpleasuregroundsofthewealthy
people,wherethingsofprofitareusuallyconnectedwiththosedevotedtoluxury.
363
ForthiscutoftheSouthdownewe,weareindebtedtothekindnessofLutherTucker,
Esq.,oftheAlbany"Cultivator."
(361)
(362)
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LONGWOOLEDRAM.
LONGWOOLEDEWE.
TheCotswold,NewOxford,andLeicestersheep,ofthelongwooledvariety,arealso
highlyesteemed,inthesamecapacityastheSouthdowns.
TheyarelargenotsocompactlybuiltastheSouthdownsproducingaheavyfleeceof
longwool,mostlyusedforcombing,andmakingintoworstedstuffs.Theyare
scarcelysohardy,either,astheSouthdownsnoraretheysoprolific.Still,theyhave
manyexcellentqualitiesandalthoughtheirmuttonhasnotthefinegrain,nor
delicacy,oftheother,itisofenormousweight,whenwellfattened,andamost
profitablecarcass.Ithassometimesreachedaweightoftwohundredpounds,when
dressed.Theyaregentle,andquietintheirhabitswhiteinthefaceandlegsand
showafineandstatelycontrasttotheSouthdowns,intheirincreasedsize,and
breadthoffigure.Theyrequire,also,asomewhatricherpasturebutwillthriveonany
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goodsoil,yieldingsweetgrasses.ForthecutoftheCotswoldewe,wearealso
indebtedtoMr.Tucker,of"TheCultivator."
Toshowthecontrastbetweenthecommonnativesheep,andtheimprovedbreeds,of
whichwehavespoken,atrueportraitoftheformerisinserted,whichwillbereadily
recognizedasthecreaturewhichembellishes,insohighadegree,manyofthewild
nooks,andruggedfarmsofthecountry!
Thatthekeepingofchoicebreeds
ofanimals,andthecultivationofa
hightasteforthem,isnovulgar
matter,witheventhemostexalted
intellects,andofmenoccupying
themosthonorablestationsinthe
state,andinsocietyandthatthey
concerntheretiredgentleman,as
wellasthepracticalfarmer,itis
onlynecessarytorefertothemany
prominentexamplesinGreat
Britain,andourowncountry,
withinthelastfiftyyears.
365
ACOMMONSHEEP.
Themostdistinguishednoblemen
ofEngland,andScotland,havelongbredthefinestofcattle,andembellishedtheir
homeparkswiththem.ThelateEarlSpencer,oneofthegreatpatronsofagricultural
improvementinEngland,athisdeathownedaherdoftwohundredofthehighest
bredshorthorns,whichhekeptonhishomefarm,atWiseton.TheDukesofBedford,
forthelastcenturyandahalf,havemadeextraordinaryexertionstoimprovetheir
severalbreedsofcattle.ThelateEarlofLeicester,betterknown,perhaps,asMr.
Coke,ofHolkham,andthemostcelebratedfarmerofhistime,hasbeenlong
identifiedwithhislargeandselectherdsofDevons,andhisflocksofSouthdowns.
TheDukeofRichmondhashisgreatparkatGoodwoodstockedwiththefinest
Southdowns,Shorthorns,andDevons.PrinceAlbert,even,hascaughttheinfection
ofsuchliberalandusefulexample,andtheroyalparkatWindsoristenantedwiththe
finestfarmstock,ofmanykindsandheisaconstantcompetitoratthegreat
Smithfieldcattleshows,annuallyheldinLondon.Besidesthese,hundredsofthe
nobility,andwealthycountrygentlemenofGreatBritain,everyyearcompetewiththe
intelligentfarmers,intheirexhibitionsofcattle,attheroyalandprovincialshows,in
England,Scotland,andIreland.
366
IntheUnitedStates,Washingtonwasagreatpromoterofimprovementinfarmstock,
andintroducedontohisbroadestate,atMountVernon,manyforeignanimals,which
hehadsentouttohimatgreatexpenseanditwashispridetoshowhisnumerousand
distinguishedguests,hishorses,cattle,sheep,andpigs.HenryClay,ofKentucky,was
amongthefirstpromotersoftheimprovementofdomesticanimalsinthefertile
region,ofwhichhisownfavoriteAshlandisthecenterandtohiscontinuedeffortsin
thebreedingofthefinestshorthorns,andmules,isthestateofKentuckygreatly
indebtedforitsreputationinthesedescriptionsofstock.DanielWebsterhas
introducedontohisestate,atMarshfield,thefinestcattle,andsheepsuitedtoitssoil
andclimate,andtakesmuchprideinshowingtheirgoodqualities.Indeed,wehave
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neverheardeitherofthesetwolastremarkablemenmoreeloquent,thanwhen
discoursingoftheircattle,andoftheirpleasureinrangingovertheirpastures,and
examiningtheirherdsandflocks.Theyhavebothbeenimportersofstock,andliberal
intheirdisseminationamongtheiragriculturalfriendsandneighbors.Publicspirited,
patrioticmen,inalmosteveryoneofourstates,haveeitherimportedfromEurope,or
drawnfromadistanceintheirowncountry,choiceanimals,tostocktheirownestates,
andbredthemfortheimprovementoftheirseveralneighborhoods.Merchants,and
generousmenofotherprofessions,haveshowngreatliberality,andthefinesttaste,in
importing,rearing,anddistributingoverthecountrythebestbreedsofhorses,cattle,
sheep,andpigs.Theirownbeautifulhomegroundsareembellishedwiththem,ina
stylethatallthedumbstatuaryinexistencecannotequalininterestmodelsof
grace,andbeauty,andutility,whichareinvainsoughtamongthesculpture,or
paintingsofancienttime.Andmanyaplainandunpretendingfarmerofourcountry,
emulatingsuchlaudableexamples,nowshowsinhisluxuriantpastures,andwell
filledbarnsandstables,thechoicestspecimensofimportedstockandtheirprizes,
wonatthecattleshows,arethelaudableprideofthemselves,andtheirfamilies.
Noristhislaudabletaste,confinedtomenalone.Femalesofthehighestworth,and
domesticexample,bothabroadandathome,cultivatealoveforsuchobjects,and
takemuchinterestinthewelfareoftheirfarmstock.Wewereattheannualstate
cattleshow,inoneofourlargestates,butashorttimesince,andinloiteringaboutthe
cattlequarterofthegrounds,metaladyofouracquaintance,withapartyofher
femalefriends,onatourofinspectionamongthebeautifulshorthorns,andDevons,
andtheselectvarietiesofsheep.Shewasthedaughterofadistinguishedstatesman,
whowasalsoalargefarmer,andapatronofgreatliberality,inthepromotionoffine
stockinhisownstate.Shewasbreduponthefarm,and,torareaccomplishmentsin
education,waspossessedofadeeploveforallruralobjectsandinthestockofthe
farmshetookapeculiarinterest.Herhusbandwasanextensivefarmer,andanoted
breederoffineanimals.Shehadherownfarm,too,andcattleuponit,equallyas
choiceashis,inherownrightandtheywerebothcompetitorsattheannual
exhibitions.Introducedtoherfriends,atherrequest,weaccompaniedthemintheir
roundofinspection.Therewerethebeautifulcows,andtheyoungercattle,andthe
sheepallnoticed,criticised,andremarkeduponandwithajudgment,too,intheir
variousproperties,whichconvincedusofhersoundknowledgeoftheirphysiology,
andgoodqualities,whichsheexplainedtoherassociateswithallthefamiliaritythat
shewouldatambouringframe,orapieceofembroidery.Therewasnosqueamish
fastidiousnessnoaffectationofprudery,inthisbutallnaturalasthepureflowof
admirationinawellbredladycouldbe.Athermostcomfortable,andhospitable
residence,afterward,sheshowedus,withpride,theseveralcups,andotherarticlesof
plate,whichherfamilyhadwonasprizes,attheagriculturalexhibitionsandwhich
sheintendedtopreserve,asheirloomstoherchildren.Thisisnotasolitaryexample
yet,atoorareone,amongourfaircountrywomen.Suchaspiritiscontagious,andwe
witnesswithrealsatisfaction,theirgrowingtasteinsuchlaudablesourcesof
enjoyment:contrarytotheparvenueaffectationofavastmanyotherwisesensibleand
accomplishedfemalesofourcitiesandtownscomprisingeventhewivesand
daughtersoffarmers,toowhocansaunteramongthenotoverselect,andequivocal
representations,amongthepaintingsandstatuaryofourpublicgalleriesanddescant
withentirefreedom,onthevariousattitudes,andartisticalmeritsoftheworksbefore
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368
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themorgazewithapparentadmirationuponthebrazenpirouettesofapublicdancing
girl,amidalltheequivoqueofacrowdedtheaterandyet,whosedelicacyisshocked
attheexhibitionsofacattleshow!Suchfemalesaswehavenoticed,canadmirethe
living,movingbeautyofanimallife,withthenaturalandeasygraceofpurityitself,
andwithouttheslightestsuspicionofastainofvulgarity.Fromthebottomofour
heart,wetrustthatareformationisatworkamongourAmericanwomen,inthe
promotionofataste,andnotonlyataste,butagenuineloveofthingsconnectedwith
countrylife.Itwasnotso,withthemothers,andthewives,ofthesternandearnest
men,wholaidthefoundationsoftheircountry'sfreedomandgreatness.Theywere
womenofsoul,character,andstaminawhograppledwiththerealitiesoflife,intheir
laborsandenjoyeditspleasureswithtruthandhonesty.Thisovernice,mincing
delicacy,andsentimentality,inwhichtheirgranddaughtersindulge,isbuttheoff
throwoftheboardingschool,thenovelist,andtheprudemere"leatherand
prunella."Suchremarksmaybethoughttoliebeyondthelineofourimmediatelabor.
Butinthediscussionofthecollateralsubjectswhichhaveabearinguponcountrylife
andresidence,weinclinetomakeacleanbreastofit,anddropsuchincidentalremark
asmaytendtopromotetheenjoyment,aswellasinstruction,ofthosewhosesphere
ofaction,andwhosechoiceinlifeisamidthepureatmosphere,andthepure
pleasuresofthecountry.
370
WATERFOWLS.
Ifastreamflowthroughthegrounds,inthevicinityofthehouseorapond,orasmall
lakebenear,afewvarietiesofchoicewaterfowlsmaybekept,addingmuchtothe
interestandamusementofthefamily.ManyoftheEnglishnobility,andgentry,keep
swansforsuchpurpose.Theyareesteemedabirdofmuchgraceandbeauty,although
silent,andofshy,unsocialhabits,andnotprolificintheproductionoftheiryoung.
ForsuchpurposesastheyarekeptinEngland,thegreatAfricangoose,resembling
theChina,butnearlydoubleinsize,isapreferablesubstituteinthiscountry.Itisa
morebeautifulbirdinitsplumageequallygracefulinthewatersocial,andgentlein
itshabitsbreedingwithfacility,andagreeableinitsvoice,particularlyatalittle
distance.TheAfricangoosewillattainaweightoftwentytotwentyfivepounds.Its
bodyisfinelyformed,heavilyfeathered,anditsfleshisofdelicateflavor.Thetopof
thehead,andthebackofitsneck,whichislong,high,andbeautifullyarched,isa
darkbrownitsbillblack,withahighprotuberance,orknob,atitsjunctionwiththe
headadarkhazeleye,withagoldenringaroundittheunderpartoftheheadand
neck,asoftashcolorandaheavydewlapatthethroat.Itslegsandfeetareorange
coloredanditsbellywhite.Takenaltogether,anobleandmajesticbird.
371
ThesmallbrownChinagooseisanothervarietywhichmaybeintroduced.Sheis
nearlythecoloroftheAfrican,butdarkerhasthesameblackbill,andhigh
protuberanceonit,butwithoutthedewlapunderthethroatandhasblacklegsand
feet.Sheisonlyhalfthesizeoftheotherisamoreprolificlayer,frequentlylaying
threeorfourclutchesofeggsinayearhasthesamecharacterofvoiceanequally
high,archedneck,andisquiteasgracefulinthewater.Theneckofthegooseinthe
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cutshouldbeonethirdlonger,tobean
accuratelikeness.
TheWhiteChinaisanothervariety,in
sizeandshapelikethelast,butperfectly
white,withanorangecoloredbilland
legs.Indeed,noswancanbemore
beautifulthanthis,whichisofthesame
pure,cleanplumage,and,initshabits
anddocility,equallyafavoritewiththe
otherswehavedescribed.
372
TheBremengooseisstillanother
variety,ofaboutthesamesizeasthe
African,butinshapeandappearance,
CHINAGOOSE.
notunlikethecommongoose,exceptin
color,whichispurewhite.Younggeese
ofthisbreed,atninemonthsold,frequentlyweightwentypounds,alive.Wehavehad
themofthatweight,andforthetable,nonecanbefiner.Theyareequallyprolificas
thecommongoose,but,asathingofornament,arefarbehindtheAfricanandthe
China.Still,theyareastatelybird,andanacquisitiontoanygroundswherewater
fowlsareasubjectofinterest,convenience,orprofit.
Allthesebirdsaremoredomestic,ifpossible,thanthecommongoose,andwehave
foundthemlesstroublesome,notinclinedtowanderabroad,and,inallthequalitiesof
suchabird,farmoreagreeable.Wehavelongkeptthem,andwithouttheirpresence,
shouldconsiderourgroundsasincomplete,inoneofthemostattractivefeaturesof
animatedlife.
Itistoomuchafaultofourfarmingpopulation,thattheydonotpaysufficient
attentiontomanylittlethingswhichwouldrendertheirhomesmoreinteresting,both
tothemselves,iftheywouldonlythinkso,andtotheirfamilies,mostcertainly.If
parentshavenotasteforsuchobjectsaswehaverecommended,orevenothersmore
common,theyshouldencouragetheirchildrenintheloveofthem,andfurnishthem
fortheiramusement.Theverysoulofafarmer'shomeistoclustereverythingabout
itwhichshallmakeitattractive,andspeakoutthecharacterofthecountry,andofhis
occupation,initsfullextent.Herdsandflocksuponthefarmareamatterofcourse
andsoarethehorses,andthepigs.Butthereareotherthings,quiteasindicativeof
householdabundance,anddomesticenjoyment.Thepigeons,andthepoultryofall
kinds,andperhapstherabbitwarren,whicharechieflyinchargeofthegood
housewife,andherdaughters,andtheyoungerboys,showoutthedomesticfeeling
andbenevolenceofcharacterinthefamily,nottobemistaken.Itisasignof
enjoyment,ofdomesticcontentment,andofmentalcultivation,even,thatwillleadto
somethinghigher,andmorevaluableinafterlifeanditisinsuchlightthatit
becomesanabsolutedutyofthefarmerwhoseekstheimprovementandeducationof
hischildren,toprovidethemwithalltheselittleobjects,toengagetheirleisurehours
andpromotetheirhappiness.Howdifferentahomelikethisfromonewhichis,
really,notahomewherenoattentionispaidtosuchminorattractionswhereafew
starvelingthings,bywayofgeese,perhaps,pickedhalfadozentimesayear,to
withinaninchoftheirlives,mopeaboutthedirtypremises,makingtheirnightly
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sittingsinthedooryard,ifthehousehasoneastrayturkey,ortwo,running,from
fearoftheuntutoreddogs,intothenearestwood,inthespring,tomaketheirrude
nests,andbringouthalfaclutchofyoung,andcreepingaboutthefieldsthroughthe
summerwithachickenortwo,whichthefoxes,orothervermin,havespared,and
thendoggeddowninthewinter,toprovideahalfgotupChristmasdinnerandthe
hensabouttheopenbuildingsalltheyear,committingtheirnuisancesinevery
possibleway!Thereneedbenosurerindicationthanthis,oftheutterhopelessnessof
progressforgood,insuchafamily.
374
AWORDABOUTDOGS.
Wealwayslovedadoganditalmostbrokeourlittleheart,whenbutatrudging
schoolboy,inourfirstjacketandtrowsers,ourkindmothermadeustakebackthe
youngpuppythathadhardlygotitseyesopen,whichweonedaybroughthome,tobe
keptuntilitwasfittobetakenfromitsnaturalnurse.Wearenowamongtheboys,
John,Tom,andHarryandintendtogivethemthebenefitofourownexperiencein
thisline,aswellastosayafewwordstotheelderbrothers,andfathers,even,if
theydonotturnuptheirnosesincontemptofourinstruction,onasubjectsomuch
beneaththeirnotice.
Wesaythatwelovedogs:notalldogs,however.Butwelovesomedogsofthe
rightbreeds.Thereisprobablynoothercivilizedcountrysodogriddenasthis,
bothin
375
"Mongrel,puppy,whelp,andhound,
Andcursoflowdegree."
Goldsmith,kindmanthathewas,musthavebeenacapitaljudgeofdogs,likemany
otherpoeticalgentlemen.Still,othermenthanpoetsaresometimesgoodjudges,and
greatloversofdogsbutthemassofpeoplearequiteaswellsatisfiedwithonekindof
dogaswithanother,sothatitbeadogandtheytoooftenindulgeintheir
companionship,muchtotheannoyanceofgoodneighborhood,goodmorals,and,
indeed,ofpropriety,thrift,andcommonjustice.Ofallthesewehavenothingtosay
here,atleast.Oursisa"freecountry"fordogs,iffornothingelse.Norshallwe
discussthevariousqualities,orthedifferentbreedsofdogsforsportingpurposes.We
nevergooutshootingnordowetakeahunthavingnotastethatway.Perhapsin
thiswearetobepitiedbutwearecontentasitis.Thereforeweshallletthehounds,
andpointers,andsetters,thespringers,andthelandandthewaterspaniels,allalone.
Themastiffs,andthebulldogs,too,weshallleavetothosewholikethem.The
poodle,andthelittlelapdogofotherkinds,also,weshallturnovertothekindnessof
thosewhowearesorryforthem,inhavingnothingbettertointerestthemselves
abouttakeapleasureinkeepingandtendingthem.
Wewanttomixinalittleusefulness,aswellasamusement,inthewayofadogand
afterawholelife,thusfar,ofdogcompanionship,andthetrialofprettymuchevery
thinginthelineofadogfromthegreatNewfoundland,ofahundredpoundsweight,
downtothesqueakinglittlewhiffet,ofsixwehave,formanyyearspast,settled
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downintothepracticalbeliefthatthesmallrattingterrieristheonlyone,exceptthe
shepherddog,wecaretokeepandofthese,chiefly,weshallspeak.
TherearemanyvarietiesoftheTerrier.Somearelarge,weighingfortyorfifty
pounds,roughhaired,andsavagelooking.Thereisthebullterrier,oflesssize,nota
kindly,welldisposedcreaturetostrangersbutirasciblyinclined,andunamiablein
hisdeportmentstillusefulasawatchdog,andadeterminedenemytoallvermin,
whatever.Then,again,arethesmallratterriers,astheyaretermed,weighingfroma
dozentotwentypoundssomewithrough,long,wiryhairafierce,whiskered
muzzleofprodigiousstrengthfortheirsizewonderfulinstinctandsagacitykindin
temperandpossessingvaluablequalities,batingalackofbeautyinappearance.They
areofallcolors,butaregenerallyuniformintheircolor,whateveritbe.Anotherkind,
still,isthesmoothterrier,ofthesamesizesasthelastaveryprettydogindeedwith
akinderdispositiontomankindyetequallydestructivetovermin,andwatchfultothe
premiseswhichtheyinhabit,orofwhateverelseisputundertheircharge.Thefidelity
oftheterriertohismasteriswonderfulequal,ifnotsuperiortoanyotherdog
whatever.Incourageandperseverance,inhardihood,andfeatsofdaring,hehas
hardlyanequalandingeneralusefulness,nodogcancomparewithhim.
377
THESMOOTHTERRIER.
SirWalterScott,whowasagreatfriendtodogs,aswellasaniceandcriticaljudgeof
theirqualities,usedtotellthisstory:Whenayoungman,firstattending,asan
advocate,theJedburghassizes,anotoriousburglarengagedSirWaltertodefendhim
onhistrialforhousebreakingintheneighborhood.Thecasewasahardonetheproof
directandconclusiveandnoingenuityofthedefencecouldavoidtheconvictionof
theculprit.Thematterwassettledbeyondredemptionandbeforeheleftforhis
imprisonment,ortransportation,thethiefrequestedSirWaltertocomeintohiscell.
Onmeeting,thefellowfranklytoldhiscounselthathefeltverygratefultohimforhis
effortstoclearhimthathehaddonethebesthecouldbuttheproofwastoopalpable
againsthim.HewouldgladlyrewardSirWalterforhisservicesbuthehadno
money,andcouldonlygivehimapieceofadvice,whichmight,perhaps,be
serviceablehereafter.SirWalterheardhim,nodoubt,withsomeregretatlosinghis
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feebutconcludingtohearwhathehadtosay."Youareahousekeeper,Mr.Scott.For
securitytoyourdoors,usenothingbutacommonlockifrustyandold,nomatter
theyarequiteashardtopickasanyothers.(NeitherChubbs'norHobbs'nonpickable
locksweretheninvented.)Thenprovideyourselfwithasmallratterrier,andkeep
himinyourhouseatnight.Thereisnosafetyinamastiff,orbulldog,orinalarge
dogofanybreed.Theycanalwaysbeappeasedandquieted,andburglarsunderstand
thembutaterriercanneitherbeterrifiednorsilencednordoweattempttobreakin
whereoneisknowntobekept."SirWalterheededtheadvice,and,inhis
housekeepingexperience,afterward,confirmedthegoodqualitiesoftheterrier,as
relatedtohimbytheburglar.Healsocommemoratedtheconversationbythe
followingnotexceedinglypoeticalcouplet:
"Aterrierdogandarustykey,
WasWalterScott'sfirstJedburghfee."
Theterrierhasaperfect,thorough,unappeasableinstinctfor,andhatredtoallkindsof
vermin.Hetakestoratsandmiceasnaturallyasacat.Hewillscentouttheirhaunts
andburrows.Hewilllieforhoursbytheirplacesofpassage,andpointthemwiththe
sagacityofapointeratabird.Heisasquickaslightning,inpouncinguponthem,
wheninsight,andrarelymissesthemwhenhesprings.Asinglebitesettlesthe
matterandwherethereareseveralratsfoundtogether,adogwillfrequentlydispatch
halfadozenofthem,beforetheycangettwentyfeetfromhim.Adogofourownhas
killedthatnumber,beforetheycouldgetacrossthestablefloor.Inthegrainfield,
withtheharvesters,aterrierwillcatchhundredsoffieldmiceinadayor,inthehay
field,heisequallydestructive.Withawoodchuck,araccoon,oranythingoftheirsize
evenaskunk,whichmanydogsavoidheengages,withthesamereadinessthathe
willarat.Thenightisnobartohisvigils.Hehasthesightofanowl,inthedark.
Minks,andweasels,arehisaversion,asmuchasothervermin.Hewillfollowthefirst
intothewater,tillheexhaustshimwithdiving,andovertakeshiminswimming.Heis
ahunter,too.Hewilltreeasquirrel,oraraccoon,asreadilyasthebestofsporting
dogs.Hewillcatch,andholdapig,oranythingnottoolargeorheavyforhim.He
willliedownonyourgarment,andwatchitforhoursorbyanythingelseleftinhis
charge.Hewillplaywiththechildren,andsharetheirsportsasjoyfullyasadumb
creaturecandoandnothingcanbemoreaffectionate,kind,andgentleamongthem.
Heiscleanly,honest,andseldomaddictedtotricksofanykind.
Wepreferthehighbred,smooth,Englishterrier,toanyothervariety.Theyarerather
moregentleintemper,andverymuchhandsomerinappearance,thantherough
hairedkindbutperhapsnobetterintheirusefulqualities.Wehavekeptthemfor
yearswekeepthemnowandnoreasonableinducementwouldletuspartwiththem.
Ayearortwoago,havingaccidentallylostourfarmterrier,andnothingremainingon
theplacebutourshepherddog,thebuildingssoonswarmedwithrats.Theywerein,
andabouteverything.Duringthewinter,themenwhotendedthehorses,andcattle,at
theirnightlyroundsofinspection,beforegoingtobed,wouldkill,withtheirclubs,
threeorfour,inthebarnsandstables,everyevening.Butstilltheratsincreased,and
theybecameunendurable.Theygotintothegrainmows,wheretheyburrowed,and
broughtforthwithafecunditysecondonlytothefrogsofEgypt.Theygnawedinto
thegranaries.Theydugintothedairy.Theyenteredthemeatbarrels.Theycarriedoff
theeggsfromthehennests.Theystoleaway,anddevoured,theyoungducks,and
chickens.Theyliterallycameintothe"kneadingtroughs"ofthekitchen.Oh!therats
379
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wereintolerable!Trapswerenouse.Arsenicwasinnocuoustheywouldn'ttouchit.
Opportunityfavoredus,andwegottwohighbred,smooth,Englishterriersadog,
andaslut.Thencommencedsuchaslaughterasweseldomsee.Theratshadgotbold.
Thedogscaughtthemdailybydozens,astheycameoutfromtheirhaunts,fearlessof
evil,asbefore.Astheygrewmoreshy,theirholeswerewatched,andeverymorning
deadratswerefoundaboutthepremises.Thedogs,duringtheday,pointedouttheir
holes.Plankswereremoved,nestswerefound,andtherats,youngandold,killed,
instanter.Hundredsonhundredswereslaughtered,inthefirstfewweeksandina
shorttime,theplacewasmostlyridofthem,untilenoughonlyarelefttokeepthe
dogs"inplay,"andtoshowthatinspiteofallprecaution,theywillharborwherever
thereisathingtoeat,andapossibleplaceofcovertforthemtoburrow.
381
Tohavetheterrierinfullperfection,itisimportantthatthebreedbepure.Weareso
pronetomixupeverythingweget,inthiscountry,thatitissometimesdifficulttoget
anythingexactlyasitshouldbebutalittlecarewillprovideus,inthisparticular.He
shouldbeproperlytrained,too,whenyoung.Thatis,tomindwhatissaidtohim.His
intelligencewillbeequaltoallyourwantsinthedoglinebutheshouldnotbefooled
with.Hisinstinctsaresure.And,withagoodeducation,theterrierwillproveallyou
needinafarm,andawatchdog.Wespeakfromlongexperience,andobservation.
THESHEPHERDDOG.
Theshepherddogisanotherusefulalmostindispensablecreature,onthesheep,or
dairyfarm.Thiscutisanaccuraterepresentationofthefinestofthebreed.Tothe
flockmaster,hesavesaworldoflabor,indrivingandgatheringtheflockstogether,
orfromonefield,orplace,toanother.Tothesheepdrover,also,heisworthaman,at
leastandinmanycases,candowithaflockwhatamancannotdo.Butforthis
labor,herequirestraining,andastrict,thorougheducation,bythosewhoknowhow
todoit.Heisapeaceable,quietcreaturegoodforlittleelsethandriving,andona
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stockfarmwillsavefiftytimeshiscostandkeeping,everyyear.Heisareasonably
goodwatchdog,alsobuthehasneithertheinstinct,norsagacityoftheterrier,inthat
duty.Tokeephiminhisbestestate,forhisownpeculiarwork,heshouldnotbe
troubledwithotherlabors,asitdistractshisattentionfromhispeculiarduties.Wehad
aremarkablygooddog,ofthiskind,afewyearssince.Hewasworththeservicesofa
stoutboy,inbringingupthecattle,andsheep,untilanidleboyortwo,inthe
neighborhood,decoyedhimoutin"cooning,"afewnightsduringoneautumnin
whichheprovedamostcapitalhunterandafterthat,hebecameworthless,asacattle
dog.Hewasalwaysrummagingaroundamongthetrees,barkingatbirds,squirrels,or
anylivethingthathecouldfindandnomancouldcoaxhimbacktothedullroutine
ofhisduty.Ashepherddogshouldnevergoahunting.
Wewouldnotbeunderstoodascondemningeverythingelse,exceptingthedogswe
havenamed,forfarmuse.TheNewfoundland,andthemastiff,areenormouslylarge
dogs,andpossessedofsomenoblequalities.Theyhaveperformedfeatsofsagacity
andfidelitywhichhaveattracteduniversaladmirationbut,threetoone,ifyouhave
themonyourfarm,theywillkilleverysheepuponitandtheirwatchfulnessisno
greaterthanthatoftheshepherddog,ortheterrier.Wehavespokenofsuchaswe
haveentireconfidencein,andsuchasweconsiderthebestforusefulservice.There
aresomekindsofcurdogthatareuseful.Theyareofnobreedatall,tobesurebut
have,nowandthen,goodqualitiesandwhennothingbettercanbegot,theywilldo
foramakeshift.Butasarule,wewouldbeequallyparticularinthebreedofourdog,
aswewouldinthebreedofourcattle,orsheep.Therearealtogethertoomanydogs
kept,inthecountry,andmostusuallybyaclassofpeoplewhohavenoneedofthem,
andwhichproveonlyanuisancetotheneighborhood,andadestructiontothegoods
ofothers.Thousandsofusefulsheepareannuallydestroyedbythemandinsome
regionsofthecountry,theycannotbekept,byreasonoftheirdestructionby
worthlessdogs,whichareownedbythedisorderlypeopleaboutthem.Inawestern
state,sometimeago,inconversingwithalargefarmer,whohadaflockofperhapsa
hundredsheeprunninginoneofhispastures,andwhoalsokeptadozenhounds,for
hunting,weaskedhimwhetherthedogsdidnotkillhissheep?"Tobesuretheydo,"
washisreply"butthedogsareworthmorethanthesheep,fortheygiveusgreat
sportinhuntingdeer,andfoxesandthesheeponlygiveusalittlemutton,nowand
then,andsomewoolforthewomentomakeintostockings!"Thisisamerematterof
taste,thoughtwe,andtheconversationonthatsubjectdropped.Yet,thismanhada
thousandacresoftherichestlandintheworldraisedthreeorfourhundredacresof
corn,ayearfedoffahundredheadofcattle,annuallyandsoldthreehundredhogs
everyyear,forslaughtering!
382
383
384
Punctuationofbooktitles,andarrangementofparagraphs,
isunchanged.
BooksPublished
{1}
BY
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C.M.SAXTON,
152FULTONSTREET,NEWYORK,
SUITABLEFOR
SCHOOL,TOWN,AGRICULTURAL,
AND
PRIVATELIBRARIES.
TheAmericanFarmBook
TheAmericanFarmBookor,aCompendofAmericanAgriculture,
beingaPracticalTreatiseonSoils,Manures,Draining,Irrigation,
Grasses,Grain,Roots,Fruits,Cotton,Tobacco,SugarCane,Rice,and
everystapleproductoftheUnitedStateswiththebestmethodsof
Planting,Cultivating,andPreparationforMarket.Illustratedbymore
than100engravings.ByR.L.Allen.Cloth,$1mailedition,paper,
75cts.
AmericanPoultryYard
TheAmericanPoultryYardcomprisingtheOrigin,Historyand
DescriptionofthedifferentBreedsofDomesticPoultry,withcomplete
directionsfortheirBreeding,Crossing,Rearing,Fattening,and
PreparationforMarketincludingspecificdirectionsforCaponizing
Fowls,andfortheTreatmentofthePrincipalDiseasestowhichtheyare
subjectdrawnfromauthenticsourcesandpersonalobservation.
Illustratedwithnumerousengravings.ByD.J.Browne.Clothor
sheep,$1mailedition,paper,75cts.
TheDiseasesofDomesticAnimals
BeingaHistoryandDescriptionoftheHorse,Mule,Cattle,Sheep,
Swine,Poultry,andFarmDogs,withDirectionsfortheirManagement,
Breeding,Crossing,Rearing,Feeding,andPreparationforaprofitable
Marketalso,theirDiseasesandRemediestogetherwithfullDirections
fortheManagementoftheDairy,andtheComparativeEconomyand
AdvantagesofWorkingAnimals,theHorse,Mule,Oxen,&c.By
R.L.Allen.Clothorsheep,75cts.mailedition,paper,50cts.
AmericanBeeKeeper'sManual
BeingaPracticalTreatiseontheHistoryandDomesticEconomyofthe
HoneyBee,embracingafullillustrationofthewholesubject,withthe
mostapprovedmethodsofManagingthisInsect,througheverybranch
ofitsCulture,theresultofmanyyears'experience.Illustratedwith
manyengravings.ByT.B.Miner.Clothorsheep,$1.
TheModernStairBuilder'sGuide:
BeingaPlain,PracticalSystemofHandRailing,embracingallits
necessaryDetails,andGeometricallyIllustratedbyTwentytwoSteel
EngravingstogetherwiththeUseofthemostimportantPrinciplesof
PracticalGeometry.BySimonDeGraff,Architect.$2.
164/181
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RuralArchitecture
PrizeEssayonManures.
AnEssayonManures,submittedtotheTrusteesoftheMassachusetts
SocietyforPromotingAgriculture,fortheirPremium.BySamuelL.
Dana.Paper.25cts.
{2}
AmericanBirdFancier.
ConsideredwithreferencetotheBreeding,Rearing,Feeding,
Management,&c.,ofCageandHouseBirds.Illustratedwith
engravings.ByD.J.Browne.Cloth,50cts.mailedition,paper,
25cts.
AmericanArchitect.
TheAmericanArchitectcomprisingOriginalDesignsofcheapCountry
andVillageResidences,withDetails,Specifications,Plans,and
Directions,andanestimateoftheCostofeachDesign.ByJohnW.
Ritch,Architect.FirstandSecondSeriesquarto,boundin2vols.,
sheep,$6.Mailedition,paper,$5.
DomesticMedicine.
Gunn'sDomesticMedicineor,PoorMan'sFriendintheHoursof
Affliction,Pain,andSickness.Raymond'snewrevisededition,
improvedandenlargedbyJohnC.Gunn,8vo.Sheep.$3.
Saxton'sAmericanFarmer'sAlmanacfor1852.
Per100,$3.
FamilyKitchenGardener.
ContainingPlainandAccurateDescriptionsofalltheDifferentSpecies
andVarietiesofCulinaryVegetableswiththeirBotanical,English,
French,andGermannames,alphabeticallyarranged,andthebestmode
ofcultivatingtheminthegarden,orunderglassalso,Descriptionsand
CharacterofthemostSelectFruits,theirManagementPropagation,&c.
ByRobertBuist,authoroftheAmericanFlowerGardenDirectory,
&c.clothorsheep,75cts.mailedition,paper,50cts.
PracticalAgriculture.
BeingaTreatiseontheGeneralRelationswhichSciencebearsto
Agriculture.DeliveredbeforetheNewYorkStateAgriculturalSociety,
byJamesF.W.Johnston,F.R.S.S.S.andE.,ProfessorofAgricultural
ChemistryinDurhamUniversity,andauthorofLecturesonAgricultural
Chemistry,withNotesandExplanationsbyanAmericanFarmer.
Cloth,75cts.mailedition,paper,50cts.
ElementsofAgriculturalChemistryandGeology.
ByJ.F.W.Johnston,M.A.,F.R.S.50cts.
YouattandMartinonCattle:
BeingaTreatiseontheirBreeds,Management,andDiseases
comprisingafullHistoryoftheVariousRacestheirOrigin,Breeding,
andMeritstheircapacityforBeefandMilk.ByW.Youattand
W.C.L.Martin.ThewholeformingacompleteGuidefortheFarmer,
theAmateur,andtheVeterinarySurgeon,with100illustrations.Edited
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RuralArchitecture
byAmbroseStevens.$1.25.
YouattontheHorse.
YouattontheStructureandDiseasesoftheHorse,withtheirRemedies.
Also,PracticalRulesforBuyers,Breeders,Breakers,Smiths,&c.
EditedbyW.C.Spooner,M.R.C.V.S.WithanaccountoftheBreeds
intheUnitedStates,byHenryS.Randall.$1.25.
YouattonSheep:
TheirBreed,Management,andDiseases,withillustrativeengravingsto
whichareaddedRemarksontheBreedsandManagementofSheepin
theUnitedStates,andontheCultureofFineWoolinSilesia.ByWm.
Youatt.75cts.
HoareontheGrapeVine.
APracticalTreatiseontheCultivationoftheGrapeVineonopenWalls,
withaDescriptiveAccountofanimprovedmethodofPlantingand
ManagingtheRootsofGrapeVines.ByClementHoare.Withan
AppendixontheCultivationofthesameintheUnitedStates.50cts.
{3}
TheAmericanAgriculturist:
BeingaCollectionofOriginalArticlesontheVariousSubjects
connectedwiththeFarm,intenvols.8vo.,containingnearlyfour
thousandpages.$10.
Johnston'sAgriculturalChemistry.
LecturesontheApplicationofChemistryandGeologytoAgriculture.
Newedition,withanAppendix.$1.25.
Stephens'BookoftheFarm.
ACompleteGuidetotheFarmer,Steward,Plowman,Cattleman,
Shepherd,FieldWorker,andDairyMaid.ByHenryStephens.With
FourHundredandFiftyIllustrationstowhichareaddedExplanatory
Notes,Remarks,&c.,byJ.S.Skinner.Reallyoneofthebestbooks
foraFarmertopossess.Cloth,$4leather,$4.50.
TheCompleteFarmerandAmericanGardener,
RuralEconomist,andNewAmericanGardener,containinga
CompendiousEpitomeofthemostImportantBranchesofAgricultural
andRuralEconomywithPracticalDirectionsontheCultivationof
FruitsandVegetablesincludingLandscapeandOrnamentalGardening.
ByThomasG.Fessenden.2vols.inone.$1.25.
ChemistryMadeEasy,
FortheUseofFarmers.ByJ.Topham,M.A.25cts.
BrandyandSalt,
ARemedyforvariousInternalaswellasExternalDiseases,
InflammationandLocalInjuries.ByRev.SamuelFenton.12cts.
SouthernAgriculture.
ComprisingEssaysontheCultivationofCorn,Hemp,Tobacco,Wheat,
166/181
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RuralArchitecture
&c.$1.
TheCottageandFarmBeeKeeper:
APracticalWork,byaCountryCurate.50cts.
ABookforEveryBoyintheCountry.
ElementsofAgriculture.TranslatedfromtheFrench,andadaptedto
GeneralUse,byF.G.Skinner.25cts.
RuralArchitecture
ComprisingFarmHouses,Cottages,CarriageHouses,SheepandDove
Cotes,Piggeries,Barns,&c.&c.ByLewisF.Allen.$1.25.
TheAmericanMuckBook.
TheAmericanMuckBooktreatingoftheNature,Properties,Sources,
History,andOperationsofalltheprincipalFertilizersandManuresin
CommonUse,withSpecificDirectionsfortheirPreservation,and
ApplicationtotheSoilandtoCropsdrawnfromAuthenticSources,
ActualExperience,andPersonalObservation,asCombinedwiththe
leadingPrinciplesofPracticalandScientificAgriculture.ByJ.D.
Browne.$1.
YouattonthePig.
ATreatiseontheBreeds,Management,andMedicalTreatmentof
SwinewithdirectionforSaltingPork,CuringBaconandHams.By
Wm.Youatt,R.S.Illustratedwithengravingsdrawnfromlife.60cts.
YouattontheDog.
ByWm.Youatt.Splendidlyillustrated.Edited,withAdditions,by
E.J.Lewis,M.D.$1.50.
ThePoultryBook.
ByJohnC.Bennett,M.D.84cts.
{4}
TheAmericanPoulterer'sCompanion,
Withillustrations.ByC.N.Bement.$1.
AmericanPoultryBook.
ByMicajahCook.38cts.
TheRoseCulturist.
APracticalTreatiseonitsCultivationandManagement.38cts.
APracticalTreatiseonHoneyBees,
TheirManagement,&c.ByEdwardTownley.50cts.
TheAmericanFruitBook.
ByS.W.Cole.50cts.
TheAmericanVeterinarian.
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RuralArchitecture
ByS.W.Cole.50cts.
TheGardener'sTextBook.
ByPeterAdamSchenck.50cts.
TheAmericanGardener.
ByWilliamCobbett.50cts.
TheFarmer'sLandMeasurer.
ByJamesPedder.50cts.
NewEnglandFruitBook.
ByJohnM.Ives.56cts.
PracticalTreatiseonFruits,
AdaptedtoNewEnglandCulture.ByGeorgeJaques.50cts.
FarmerandEmigrant'sHandBook.
AGuidetoClearingtheForestandPrairieLand,&c.,&c.ByJosiah
T.Marshall.75cts.
Farmer'sBarnBook.
ByYouatt,Clater,SkinnerandMills.$1.25.
Hind'sFarrieryandStudBook.
EditedbyJ.S.Skinner.$1.
Mason'sFarrierandStudBook.
EditedbyJ.S.Skinner.$1.25.
Stewart'sStableEconomy.
ATreatiseontheManagementofHorses.EditedbyA.B.Allen.$1.
SugarPlanter'sManual.
ByW.S.Evans,M.D.$1.25.
TreatiseonHothousesandVentilation.
ByR.B.Suckars.$1.25.
{5}
OrnamentalandDomesticPoultry.
ByRev.EdmundSaulDixon,A.M.WithLargeAdditionsbyJ.J.
Kerr,M.D.Withillustrations.$1.
CanfieldonSheep,
TheirBreeds,Management,Structure,andDiseases.WithIllustrative
EngravingsandanAppendix.EditedbyH.J.Canfield.$1.
BookofFlowers,
InwhicharedescribedthevariousHardyHerbaceousPerennials,
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Annuals,ShrubbyPlantsandEvergreenTreesdesirableforOrnamental
Purposes.ByJos.Breck.75cts.
ExperimentalResearchesontheFoodofAnimals,
TheFatteningofCattle,andRemarksontheFoodofMan.ByRobert
DundasThompson,M.D.75cts.
TheAmericanFlowerGardenCompanion,
Revisedandenlarged.ByEdwardSayres.75cts.
TheFarmer'sTreasure.
ATreatiseontheNatureandValueofManures,andProductive
Farming.ByF.FaulknerandJosephA.Smith.75cts.
ThePracticalFarrier.
ByRichardMason.75cts.
TheAmericanFarrier.
ByBarnum.75cts.
PrinciplesofPracticalGardening.
ByGeo.W.Johnston,Esq.$1.25.
TheAmericanFruitGardenCompanion.
ATreatiseonthePropagationandCultureofFruit.ByS.Sayres.
38cts.
SpoonerontheGrape.
TheCultivationofAmericanGrapeVines,andmakingofWine.By
AldenSpooner.38cts.
TheYoungGardener'sAssistant.
ByThomasBridgeman.$1.50.
TheFlorist'sGuide.
ByThos.Bridgeman.50cts.
TheKitchenGardener'sInstructor.
ByBridgeman.50cts.
TheFruitCultivator'sManual.
ByBridgeman.50cts.
TheHorse,
ItsHabits,DiseasesandManagement,intheStableandontheRoad,
&c.25cts.
{6}
TheFruit,Flower,andKitchenGarden.
ByPatrickNeill,LL.D.,F.R.S.,adaptedtotheUnitedStates.$1.25.
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RuralArchitecture
Ladies'CompaniontotheFlowerGarden.
ByMrs.Loudon.EditedbyA.J.Downing.$1.25.
TheFruitsandFruitTreesofAmerica.
Do.
do.
do.
ByA.J.Downing.$1.50.
do.
colored,15.00.
DictionaryofModernGardening.
ByGeo.W.Johnston.EditedbyDavidLandreth.$1.50.
TheRoseFancier'sManual.
ByMrs.Gore.$1.50.
ParsonsontheRose.
TheRose:itsHistory,Poetry,Culture,andClassification.ByS.B.
Parsons.$1.50.
Hovey'sFruitsofAmerica.
ContainingrichlycoloredFiguresandfullDescriptionsofallthe
ChoicestVarietiescultivatedintheUnitedStates,in12numbers.$12.
History,TreatmentandDiseasesoftheHorse,
WithaTreatiseonDraught,andCopiousIndex.$2.
RuralEconomy,
InitsRelationswithChemistry,Physics,andMeteorology.ByJ.B.
Boussingault.Translated,&c.,byGeorgeLaw.$1.
Liebig'sAgriculturalChemistry.
EditedbyLyonPlayfair,Ph.D.,F.G.S,andWilliamGregory,M.D.,
P.R.S.E.$1.
TheModernSystemofFarriery,
AsPracticedatthePresentTimeattheRoyalVeterinaryCollege,and
fromTwentyYears'PracticeoftheAuthor,GeorgeSkevington,
M.R.V.C.$5.
Ewbank'sHydraulics:
ADescriptiveandHistoricalAccountofHydraulicandotherMachines
forRaisingWater.$2.50.
TheFruitGarden.
ByP.Barry.$1.25.
TheAmericanFruitCulturist
ContainingDirectionsfortheCultureofFruitTreesintheNursery,
Orchard,andGarden.ByJohnJ.Thomas.$1.
TheRoseManual.
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RuralArchitecture
ByRobertBuist.75cts.
ThePlantsofBostonandVicinity.
ByJacobBigelow,M.D.$1.50.
{7}
TheIndianMealBook
ComprisingthebestReceiptsforthePreparationofthatArticle.By
MissLeslie.25cts.
TheHorse'sFoot,
AndHowtoKeepitSound.ByWilliamMiles.25cts.
CatechismofAgriculturalChemistryandGeology.
ByJ.F.W.Johnston.25cts.
ChemistryAppliedtoAgriculture.
ByLeCountChaptal.50cts.
BritishHusbandry.
ThreeVols.andSupplement.$5.
Loudon'sArboretum.
EightVols.$25.
LoudononGardening.
Loudon'sEncyclopediaofGardening.$10.
LoudononAgriculture.
Loudon'sEncyclopediaofAgriculture.$10.
LoudononTrees,&c.
Loudon'sEncyclopediaofTrees,Shrubs,&c.
LoudononPlants,&c.
Loudon'sEncyclopediaofPlants,&c.
TheFarmer'sLibrary.
Twovols.8vo.English.$5.
TheFarmer'sDictionary.
ByD.P.Gardner.$1.50.
PracticalTreatiseontheGrapeVine.
ByJ.FiskAllen.Boards,$1paper,88cts.
PracticalTreatiseontheVeterinaryArt.
ByJ.Briddon.75cts.
SheepHusbandry.
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RuralArchitecture
ByHenryS.Randall.$1.25.
AgriculturalChemistry.
ByJustusLiebig.Cloth,$1cheapedition,25cts.
AnimalChemistry.
ByJ.Liebig.Cloth,50cts.cheaped.paper,25cts.
Liebig'sCompleteWorks,
Inonevol.8vo.$1.
{8}
CottageandFarmHouses.
ByA.J.Downing.$2.
CountryHouses.
ByA.J.Downing.$4.
Sportsman'sLibrary.
ByT.B.Johnson.Englishedition.$5.
LandscapeGardening.
ByA.J.Downing.$3.50.
CottageResidences.
ByA.J.Downing$2.
Chaptal'sAgriculturalChemistry,
WithNotes.$1.
AmericanHusbandry.
ByGaylordandTucker.$1.
Gardener'sDictionary.
ByGeo.Don,F.L.S.4vols.quarto.$10.
JournalofAgriculture.
EditedbyJohnS.Skinner.3vols.$6.
Downing'sHorticulturist.
Halfmorocco.PerVol.yearlyVols.$3.75.
Do.
do.halfyearly"2.00.
TheCompleteProduceReckoner,
ShowingtheValuebyPoundorBushel.ByR.Robbins.75cts.
TheAmericanShepherd.
ByL.A.Morrill.$1.
ThePrinciplesofAgriculture.
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RuralArchitecture
ByAlbertD.Thaer.$2.50.
LecturestoFarmersonAgriculturalChemistry.
ByAlexanderPetzholdts.75cts.
TheCompleteFarrier.
ByJohnC.Knowlson.25cts.
TheCompleteCowDoctor.
ByJ.C.Knowlson.25cts.
MilchCows.
ByGuenon.38cts.
AHomeforAll
OraNew,Cheap,andSuperiormodeofBuilding.ByO.S.Fowler.
50cts.
{9}
ThePoultryBreeder.
ByGeorgeP.Burnham.25cts.
TheAmericanFowlBreeder.
25cts.
TheFarmer'sCompanion.
ByJudgeBuel.75cts.
TheFarmer'sInstructor.
ByJudgeBuel.$1.
EuropeanAgriculture,
FromPersonalObservation.ByHenryColeman.2vols.$5.00.
Do.
do.
do.
1vol.$4.50.
TheGardenerandFlorist.
25cts.
TheHoneyBee.
ByBevan.31cts.
ElementsofPracticalAgriculture.
ByJohnP.Norton.50cts.
Rogers'ScientificAgriculture.
75cts.
Mills'Sportsman'sLibrary.
$1.
StableTalkandTableTalk.
$1.
HawkerandPorteronShooting.
$2.75.
FieldSports.
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RuralArchitecture
ByFrankForrester.2vols.$4
FishandFishing.
ByFrankForrester.$2.50.
TheAmericanAngler'sGuide.
ByJ.J.Brown.$1.50.
Johnson'sFarmer'sEncyclopedia.
EditedbyG.Emerson,M.D.$4.
ScientificandPracticalAgriculture.
ByAlonzoGray.75cts.
TheoryandPracticeofAgriculture.
ByA.Partridge.12cts.
ArmstrongonAgriculture.
50cts.
{10}
Hovey'sMagazineofHorticulture.
Publishedmonthly.Perannum$2.
Downing'sHorticulturist.
Gilpin'sLandscapeGardening.
Englishedition.$2.50.
TheGardener'sCalendar.
ByM.Mahon.$3.50.
AgricultureforSchools.
ByRev.J.L.Blake,D.D.$1.
TextBookofAgriculture.
ByDavis.50cts.
TheAmericanAgriculturistandFarmer'sCabinet.
WeeksontheHoneyBee.
CottagesandCottageLife.
ByElliott.$2.25.
ChemicalAnalysis.
ByFresinusandBullock.$1.
AppliedChemistry.
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RuralArchitecture
ByA.Parnell.$1.
TheVegetableKingdom,
OrHandbookofPlants.ByL.D.Chapin.$1.25.
TheMuckManual.
Anewedition.BySamuelL.Dana.75cts.
YouattontheHorse.
EditedbyJ.SSkinner.$1.50.
Clater'sFarrier.
50cts.
TheDogandSportsman.
ByJ.S.Skinner.cts.
TheBirdKeeper'sManual.
50cts.
TheAmericanHerdBook.
ByLewisF.Allen.$
TheAmericanOrchardist.
ByJ.Kenrick.75cts.
Spelling
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