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UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

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DESKIX, NO, XVII.

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MEMORIAL LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

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Cottagts.

THE REQUIPwEMENTS OF

AMERICAN VILLAGE HOMES

CONSIDERED AND SUGGESTED;

WITH DESIGNS FOR SUCH HOUSES

OF MODERATE COST.

BY

HENRY W. CLEAVELAXD, WHLLIAiVI BACKUS, AND SAMUEL

D.

NEW YORK
D.

APPLE

4 6

&

AND COMPANY,

48

BROADWAY.
1856.

BACKUS.

Entered, according

By

to Act of Congress, in tbe year 1855,

CLEAVELAND & BACKUS BROTHERS,

in the Clerk's Office of the District

Cuurt of the United States, for the Suuihc-rn District

of

New

Tork.

PREFACE
IN

preparing

tlie

following pages of designs and hints,

we have had in.view

a class,

numerous and important in

every community, but specially so in ours

comprehend-

ing mechanics and tradesmen of moderate circumstances,

small

the

farmer,

and the

man

laboring

Fortunately for these, labor here

is

still

generally.

remunerative,

while land and building material are abundant and cheap.

A modest

home, which he

may

call his

own,

beyond

is

the reach of no capable and industrious man.

laudable ambition which prompts

him

an object; and in no way, perhaps, can

family more effectually than

his

It is a

to strive for such

we

serve

him and

by encouraging

his

efforts.

We have
ited

endeavored to provide the villager of lim-

means with a plan

strict

economy

looks,

and substantial

shall

for his small house, in

which

be combined with comfort, good

value.


PREFACE.

iv

doing the family work, and

iiu-ility in

Convenience,

and arrangements, were

l)leasantness of internal aspect

our

surely,

In the huilding and furnishing of a house,

aim.

first

any where, charity should begin at home.

if

other considerations, the pleasure and advantage

Over

all

of

future occupants claim undeniable precedence.

its

But

true charity does not stop

where

the minor, as well as greater moralities,

rights of others,

and

To improve

finish of the exterior,

though

surroundings

is

])y

no means an unimportant one.

this point

the form, decora-

a secondary consideration

its

We l)elieve

respects the

and the general character

of

have given to

it

In

begins.

and gladly ministers not only to their

wants, but to their tastes.

tion,

it

And, hence, we

very careful attention.

that every improvement in the abodes of

men, which renders them more neat, comfortable, and

pleasing, contributes not only to physical enjoyment,

to mental

and moral advancement.

portant and encouraging,

is

but

This idea, so im-

presented more fully in the

book.

The admirable
Downing gave

publications of the

new and

lasting impulse to the arch:

tecture of our country residences.

warded
in the

if

we may

same

])e

much lamented

We

shall feel re-

considered to have done something

dii-ection,

with regard to an humljler

class

of structures.

In the desicns here offered, and in the remarks which

precede and accompany them,

we have endeavored

to

PREFACE.
exliibit correct principles in art,

In these alone

just taste.

is

and to

foster a pure

power that can check the universal tendency to

tion,

passion which

and

to be found tlie corrective

imita-

almost invariably prefers the

meretricious to the true.

In every part of the work

all

The

and thoroughness.

secure accuracy

have

we have endeavored

to

perspectives

been delineated on the blocks by ourselves,

having been reduced from workuig drawings, executed

with mathematical exactness.
If

we have introduced,

ations not

strictly

apj^licable

these of ours, our a23ology

tomed

^not

to read

and thiak,

a few of

these days.

whom

The

sometimes, topics and consider-

is,

to village

that

men

we

cottages

men

address

like

accus-

of energy and progress,

will build better houses one of

lesson taught, if

it

be good, will not be

thrown away.
For presenting some other matters
not exactly architectural,
give than that

they will be

we have no

we regard them

here,

which are

better reason to

as important,

and believe

useful.

Most of the landscapes,

foliage, etc., the initial cuts,

and other embellishments, are due to the skUlful pencil

of Mr. F. A. Chapman, and speak

We believe
graving.

their

own

praise.

the same will be said of Mr. Rowland's en-

NOTICE.
For

the convenience of such as

designs in this

may

wish to build after any of the

careful, lithographed

work, the Authors have prepared

working drawings and printed

These comprise

specifications for each.

every thing necessary to enable any competent workman fully to understand the plans.
of contract,

by

They

mail, on receipt of a special application,

at the following rates

Numbers
They

make

11, 12, 13,

will

will be forwarded, together with blank forms

For any one

and

14, $-4 each.

of the

first

For the

and remittance,

ten designs, $3.

last ten,

be pleased to answer any inquiries that

For

85 each.

may

arise,

and

to

such suggestions relative to the execution of the designs in par-

ticular localities, as the circumstances of the case,

and the information

furnished, shall seem to require.

Address Cleaveland

&

Backus Brothers,

Architects, 41

Wall

Street,

New

York.

CONTENTS
-*-*

CHAPTER
THE HOUSE CONSIDERED IN
The Architecture

I.

INFLUENCE ON THE OCCUPANTS.

ITS

Influence of the dwelling on human char Consideration

of Instinct and of Reason

........

Motives

for the

acter

the young,

improvement of domestic architecture

CHAPTER

for
1

II.

THE VALUE OF A PERMANENT HOME.

Ownership desirable

Evils

Owner and tenant

The true remedy

Salutary memories,

of tenant

contrasted

...

life

CHAPTER
HOME

A permanent home

attainable

It

IN

for exorbitant

THE COUNTRY.

should be in the country

It can be

only

Nature seen and

Such a

felt

to

it,

there The

In

gain in comfort, economy, health, happiness, and virtue

is

ni.

The

Mistaken notions in regard

rents-

loss

the country

favors individuality and independence

life
.

CHAPTER

.11

IV.

THE VILLAGE.
Villages of Natural Growth
streets,

Their origin and character Suggestions concerning

grading, public grounds, and buildingsThe village farm-house.

Manu-

C0^'TE1^TS.

viii

Good opportunities for improving village architecture

Inducements thereto Double house^^ Location. Scbckhan Vill.vges Of recent
Principles which should govern in the selection of
ori"-iu and great importance
sites A thought for the philanthropic capitalist The bequest of Abbot LawTcnce
FACTi-iaxG V11.1.AGKS

Objections
The

to rectangular

plans Imitative tendencies

country village should be consistent

true relations and real advantages,

Its

.17

V.

TUE CHOICE OF A
The

social lile

CHAPTER

Inappropriate models

form of

It is a distinct

LOT.

Considerations of business, neighborhood, church,

Cost and prospective valueAdaptedness buildexposure, dimensions Relations of the
ing purposes Healthfulness, water,
31
The prospect,
the
building
the ground, and
first

question to be settled

to

school, social enjoyment, etc.

soil,

scenery-

to

to

CHAPTER

VI.

THE ADOPTION OF A

A well

PLA>'.

considered plan as important for the small house as the large

and benefits

The

building to

its

Truthfulness

special

wants of the family to be

first

requirements

Its

To adapt a

considered

purposes should be the primary and main object in architecture

Utility before

show

Essential

The house a teacher ^Mistaken notions

Arrangement

of rooms

requisites

of architectural beauty

The

efiect

on

market value, of judicious restrictions and improvements The moral power of

neatness and beauty President Dwight Consistency Economy, not always
secured by cheap building How a jjlan may be procured The empirical house-

small houses than

useful
builder " Practical men" Professional aid no
Pattern housesPublished designs Danger
for large Professional
for

less

......

responsibility

of attempting alterations,

CHAPTER

39

YII.

PRINCIPLES AS APPLIED TO DETAILS.

Important preliminary-

Unwise

thing to be aiihamed

Stone,

of,

frugality

How

to lessen expense

Economy not a

nor inconsistent with beauty and convenience.

Mate-

wood Concrete walls not advisable

Dishonest imitations Objections to stucco. Style Should be regulated by
The Greek and
AA'rong notions in regard to ornament
right principles of design

rials

wood

plea for

Objections the former Domestic architecture should lead the way

novelty
imitation The passion
improvement Absurdities

the Gothic
in

bricks,

to

of

for

Tlie tastes

CONTENTS.
and habits of the occupant not
scenery, position, and climate,

to be
.

IX

disregarded Style as modified by material,

.
Kg
.
,
,

CHAPTER

Vin.

COTTAGES OF OXE STORT.

The

choice of such structures often

damp and impure

compulsory Their advantagesPrecaution against

Design I. DescriptionEntrance halls Cost $575Design II. Described Site and object suggested

air.

Note on estimates.

Cost

Note on the Landscape and

accompaniments. Design
An
house Supposed history Cost $650. Design TV. The DescriptionCost 1,000 Inclosed
69

$625

foliage

irregular

spaces,

..,

CHAPTER

III.

IX.

COTTAGES OF ONE STORY AND ATTIC.

Their

faults, as

usuaUy

built,

diflFerence Cost -^820.

may be avoided. Design V. DescriptionPoints of

Design VI. Description Section Cost 900. Design

VII. Described Cost $1,000.

Design Vm.Description Symmetry Tvith
variety Cost $950. Design IX.DescriptionPlans that may be
reversed
Cost $1,075. Design X. CharacteristicsDescriptionAppropriate
positionCost $1,100. Design XI. Description Cost $1,500. Design XIL
Character
and arrangement Suitable position The plan easily spoiled Cost
$1,625,
77

CHAPTER X.
hill-side COTTAGES.
PecuHarities and merits of hiU-side position^-The house should conform
to the sitePractical advantages SubteiTene basements condemned Precautionary
direc-

Design XIII. Position, arrangements, characteristics, material, and constructionThe roof General remark^Ruskin- Cost $1,300. Design XIV.

tions.

Position

and

form Description The

boarding and clapboards

Cost $1,375,

....

stah's Comparative merits

of

vertical

88

CHAPTER XL
houses of two stories.
of tasteProportion Finish.
Design XV.Village imitation of city
houses This design is a modification Kitchen above ground Chimneys centra]
Bay window General remarks Balcony Cornice Cost 1,250.
Design

Diversities

CONTENTS.

X
XVI. ^foro
piece)

origiual Proper position Cost 6=1,200.

Not properly a cottage

Cost

Its

purpose

Dksigx

XMI.

(Frontis-

Arrangement Chimneys Windows

98

$1,875,

CHAPTER

XII.

FARM-nOUSES.

The

Importance of the Kitchen Rooms

Parlor use Second Expression
Design XIX. More of elegance Regularity Conveniences
Cost
Costs-2,700. Design XX. Subdued expresSecond
Ornamental
106
Interior One story extension Cost 2,450,
sion Material and
Design XVIII.

village farm-house.

farm

work Rear

building

for

floor

for

^Walls

5=1,900.

details

floor

finish

CHAPTER

XIII.

DOUBLE cottages.

The advantage,
economy

in certain cases, of double

Division of the grounds.

tenements, in regard to appearance and

Design XXI.

Arrangement

and expression

Cost s2,150. Design XXII. Cost $1,950. Design XXIII. Described

The verge-board Machine-made ornament Cost $3,000. Design XXIV. An

objection

obviated

Description Recesses Suited

to a large

village

Cost
115

$3,000,

CHAPTER

XTV.

INTERIORS.

Stairs Their greatest and most common

Painting The merits of graining examined Use of woods
WindowsWindow-seats,
native
Variegated
Kitchens Fireplaces Door-bell Ice Furniture
shades,
the rooms Fashion an unsafe guide Cheap mockShould be appropriate
nor durable Home-made
fashionable
neither comfortable,

Wali^

PlasteringPaperingHuits.

fault.

in

Mouldings

colors

their

blinds,

floors.

curtains.

to

furniture

niture recommended,

fur-

tasteful,

.123

CHAPTER XV.
HINTS on construction.

Working plans the mechanics, and descriptions and speciNothing gained by hard bargainsThe plan should be well considered,

Needful precautions
fications

and

closely adhered to

Cellars,

how

full

for

Importance

of providing seasoned stuff

secured against water, heat,

frost,

and

rats

How

Foundations
to retain heat

Contents.
Double walls,

partitions,

windows

Plan

xi

for double

windows witb

single sash

The open fireplace Stoves inevitable The cooking stove The open stove
Chimneys placed centrally Cheap way of warmmg chambers ^Ventilation and
A simple and economic method Ventilation of sleeping rooms Use
ventilators

under roofs

of air-space

Section Both

window-sashes should be movable

how to be shingled Roof valleys and

"Water-closets
Health, comfort, and decency demand that they should be
and shape
within How they may be made and kept inoffensive The proper
Outside timbers Studding,
of flooring timbers Cross-braces Deafened
furring, and lathing Shingled roofs should not be painted Outside walls require
Choice of colors Cautions against disorder and nuisances while building
Hipped

chimney joinings, how made

roofs,

tight

size

floors

......

it

common

misapprehension,

135

CH.O^TER XVI.
THE EJIPEOVEMENT OF GROUXDS.

The home not complete if the grounds are neglected. Grading Ease of access imDraixixg Form of surface Terraces objectionable as ornaments
portant.

improvements should hannonize

natural features Two common
Trees, rocks, brooks. Disposition of the GroundXot a few attempt
too much Convenience and looks alike to be considered Place
flower-beds,
Grass commended front plots The lawns of England How
to make and keep a beautiful la^vn Tree-planting, often excessive and injudicious
children A place for play.
How to shut out the sun Hints ^Vork
Paths When they should be straight, and when winding. Fences Should
conform to the house in general
The high, close fence, where proper
where not The wire fence The
hedge Wood fences Posts Gates
Design for high picket fence Improved fence of common fencing lath Plan and
section Two designs for baluster fence.
Drainage Essential
health and
comfort Suggestions Kitchen-drain, how to be guardedFatal consequences of
neglect The stench-trap Section.
Cisterns Rain
abundance
purity
run away, and then work hard to get
How we
back Filtering processes
Filtering vessels The
cistern Section Improvements on
How
to construct a cistern Vast importance of
House PlotAn
tion rather than pattern Description References.
The Street What interest
and duty dictate in regard to Side-walks, gutters, banks Trees Hitching-

Artificial

"v\*ith

errors

for fruit-trees,

for

etc.

for

style

live

to

Its

let it

Its

it

filtering

this

this topic.

it

Teaching by example,

post

illustra-

......

CHAPTER

149

XVII.

the garden.
Gardening neglected by the majority The cause

How and why

pursuit

it

grows

The pleasures and

benefits of the

Ignorance and

in the love of its votaries

inex-

CONTENTS.

XII

^Many out too largely Only best

Hints preliminary and precautionary Obligations to
Mead Preparation of the
Trenching Making paths Geometric design

perience need not prevent a beginning

set

tlie

plants should be cultivated

Mr.

soil

for flower-bed

Directions

for planting

it

Another designFruit

how to be laid out and planted Grapes, how

pruned The planting and pruning of fruit trees

garden,

Asparagus Strawberries Ornamental

Lists

of pears,

apples,

roses

Herbaceous

...

plants

shrubs and vines

plums, cherries, peaches,

quince, gooseberries, blackberries, currants, raspberries

shrubs

and vegetable

be planted, trained, and

Currants Gooseberries

Raspberries

houses

to

nectarines,

Deciduous and evergreen

roses Hardy perpetual

.....

Climbers Climbing

Bird-

apricots,

172

TILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES,

CHAPTEE
THE HOUSE CONSIDERED IN

ITS

INFLUENCE ON THE OCCUPANTS.

HE

countless varieties of ani-

mal existence are hardly more

distinct in size, form,

and

than in the character of

respective habitations.

color,

their

From

the

^natural cave where the wolf hides,

to the artistic house of the beaver

from the caterpillar's tangled home, to

the

waxen and

and wasp
aerie

and symmetric

And

yet,

through

all

j)aper cells of the bee

from

on the bare

shelter of the oriole

prompts each species to

the

cliff,

the range

eagle's

rude

to the pendent
is

wide indeed.

these gradations, an unerring instinct

find, or to construct,

such an abode for

themselves, or such a nursery for their young, as their pecuhar

natures and habits demand.

But the operations

of instinct,

though perfect, are necessarily limited and unchanging.

1

Of

VILLAGE AXD FARM COTTAGES.

know

progress tliey

The

nothing.

first

humming-bird

Eden

of

cradled and fed her offspring in a nest, which differed probably

in

no particular from thousands that might be seen to-day in

the groves of Cuba or Cashmere.

With man the case is far different. His wants and capabilities are so much more numerous, and complex, and various,
than those of the brute creation

his

powers of thought and

action are so incomparably superior, that

find

we might expect

in the

some of the most striking proofs of his higher nature

structures which he rears for himself.

The degree

in

And

which he has been raised by

finement above the unreasoning animal,

more

clearly

is

such

is

when we

and

re-

in notliing

We

than in the character of his dwelhng.

not surprised

the fact.

civilization

shown

to

are

find the poor savage of the North, bur-

rowing in an underground cabin, compared with which the

homes

of the mole

and marmot shine as models

But we may well wonder when we

comfort.

of neatness

see families,

and

among

people calling themselves civilized and Christian, content to

dwell in hovels hardly good enough for swine.

when we behold such

exert a powerful
Certainly, no
wliile

dwelling

sequence.
of the

or

men

often

on their habits and character?

community, or family,

or

individual,

contentedly in filth and discomfort, can be

called respectable, or

Regarded

cases, that the dwellings of

influence

race,

Can we doubt,

deemed happy.

in this light,

human

dwellings acquire

They become an important moral

means by

wdiich

men

new

influence

con-

one

are to be transferred from the

government of Sense and Passion, to that of Reason and the

Affections.

Their improvement takes rank, at once,

the moral reforms, and

is

among

prompted by motives higher than

THE HOUSE IN
mere comfort,
is

ITS INFLUENCE.

The

or fashion, or pecuniary advantage.

point

an important one, and deserves a moment's attention.

The
most

relations

efficient

Society

is

From

thies,

all

experience

man was

us that

tell

Common

seeker of happiness

is

not he

smallest possible number.

The most

who has reduced

sense and

to live in the
successful

wants to the

his

The Being who made

us with capa-

enjoyment, so numerous and varied, could never have

meant that the greater part

he

made

not

hermit's cave, or in the cynic's tuh.

may

character.

our tastes and sympa-

and many of our richest enjoyments.

cities for

their

these come, not only our various occupa-

and means of Hving, hut nearly

tions

mould

a network of closely interwoven interests, wants, and

dependencies.

all

which men hear to one another are among the

of the influences that

of

them should

the happier by having

all

many

rust unused.

We

wants, provided they

are not improper in their kind, not imperious in their demands,

and not beyond our

The

ability to gratify

them.

pattern, the foundation, the beginning of all society,

is

In this institution, to which, more than to gov-

the Family.

ernments or to great men, the progress of humanity may be

traced, centre those ties which connect the individual with the

community

at large.

Here we

first

learn that

dependent and reciprocally responsible.

begins and ends only with

life,

we

are mutually

This connection, which

and which holds

its

members by

bonds so strong and yet so delicate, must powerfully

good

or

ill,

all

who

are within its influence.

tance of those means and instruments by which

modified.

affect, for

Hence the imporits

power

is

Prominent among these stands the home; an idea

so blended with

all

the

aff'ections

and

associations

family, that the terms are almost convertible.

of the

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

Every enlightened plan

for tlie

advancement of family

ences and of society in general, will include

efi'orts

the improvement of dwellings

and

among
this,

influ-

its earliest

not only in re-

spect of physical comfort, but of tliat aid which they can be

made

and

to render in the suggestion of salutary associations

When

the formation of desirable habits.

butes to such an object, she

may

Architecture contri-

justly claim the highest praise.

Splendid monuments, temples, and palaces do, indeed, exhibit

the wonders of invention and tasteful

They proclaim the

skill.

wealth, and gratify the pride, of individuals and of nations.

They may

But

act as a beneficial stimulus to the public taste.

he who improves the dwelling-houses of a people in relation to

and morals, makes a benignant and

their comforts, habits,

last-

ing reform at the very foundation of society.

That the dwelling should most

and

effectually contribute

to

arrangements should be, as

such a purpose,

its location

far as possible,

adapted to the condition, employment, habits,

And

and character of the family.

bers

to be thought

The

of.

especially be consulted.

its

By

all

not only are the adult

interests of the

means

and youth be made commodious and

ever humble,

may and

may

let

young should

the abodes of infancy

attractive.

These, how-

teach lessons of neatness and order

are fresh

and tender,

let

parents and kindred be combined with that of place

to wit, of one's

homes

the}'

own

the love of
;

the love,

house and fireside, of garden, tree, and

Thus may you contribute toward rendering the

of the people not only nurseries of

affection,

should inspire a regard for comfort and decorum.

While the mind and heart

prospect.

mem-

but the

earliest

filial

and fraternal

and best schools of obedience and

duty, of patriotism and piety.

CHAPTEE

II.

THE VALUE OF A PERMANENT HOME.

have endeavored to show that

an important
dictate

the arrange-

all

ments of a home.

ought to

pur230se

and control

But such a

purpose can be

fulfilled

the dwelling

jDcrmanent.

is

the habitation which

but temporary,

only where

we

With

feel to

our continued

be
oc-

cupancy of which depends, perhaps,

on another's

will,

unadapted to the

peculiar wants of the family, and

unendeared by the associations of long

familiarity,

possible to connect ideas of domestic comfort,

repose.

For the

full

and

it is

hardly

quiet,

and

attainment of these benefits, and of those

higher ones to which we have alluded, the dwelling should be

owned by

its

large cities,

may seem

to

occupants.

and has

This practice

in itself so

much

so general, except in

is

commend

to

some almost needless to urge

its

it,

that

it

importance here.

x4.mong our rural population, and in the smaller towns, almost

every

man owns

case generally

is

the house in which he

far otherwise.

lives.

In

cities,

the

There, living in miserable

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

hired tenements,

and

laborers,

we

almost

who depend on

class

men

find tlie

the whole of that large and important

That

and pleasant home.

lot,

and who

daily toil for their daily support,

certainly most need the comforts

with their

of small means, the artisans

and make no

so

and influences of a permanent

many

effort to

of these

seem contented

exchange lodgings, so un-

comfortable and so unfit, for suitable dwellings of their own,

a strange fact, and (making

all

is

allowance for the difficulties

and apparent hopelessness of their condition) can be accounted

for only

upon

by the paralyzing influence which such abodes exert

their occupants.

As

it is

to benefit,

and

this class, particularly,

it

seems proper to dwell

which we hope to reach and

for

evils of tenant-life as it prevails in

Of

all

moment on

the nature

our large towns.

the abodes rented by Avarice to Necessity, the lowest

and worst are the sunken basements, the inhabited

which are

so

numerous

in our great

cities.

cellars,

In these dark,'

damp, unventilated caverns, fevers, consumption, and rheumaHere, thousands are born only to

tism reign unchecked.

Compared with many

of these, the Irish squatter's

of health

outskirts, is a palace

shanty

on the

Surely,

Humanity and Law ought long

(as they did in Liverpool), in slmtting

extempore

and luxury.

since to have

up

die.

combined

for ever these

under-

ground dens of disease and death.

More frequently the

class of persons especially in view, are

found occuppng apartments in buildings erected for the purpose, or converted to

it

from other uses.

they stand was chosen, probably, because

was cbeap, perhaps, because

its air

by the smoke of a gas factory, or

The ground on which

it

was cheap

was unwholesome

made

and

it

darkened

intolerable with the


THE VALUE OF A PERMANENT HOME.
some

stencil of

structures,

it

In devising

slaiigliter-lioiise, or distillery.

would seem as

accommodation.

sucli

the owner had but one idea

if

namely, that of getting the highest possible rent

possible

for the least

rooms are small,

Accordingly, the

badly lighted, unventilated, inconvenient, and uncomfortable.

The

stairs are narrow,

and other parts used by the tenants

halls,

in

often insufficient in space and ill-arranged.

what

are the natural tendencies

quences of living in such a place.

is

The

nobody's.

become

are too

It is easy to see

What

is

everybody's business

common

and

are neglected,

habits soon prove themselves progressive

Even the neat

and contagious.

entrance,

common,

and almost inevitable conse-

portions used in

Bad

filthy.

The

and dangerous.

steep,

housewife,

when surrounded

constantly by dirt and disorder which she cannot remove nor

control, gradually loses her ambition

"no feeling of privacy,

which should shut

obliterated.

in

No

and preserve the family are overrun and

for

however unfit and demoralizing the associations to

from an intercourse
growing

u^d

attractions of home.
tastes

companions can be made

selection of

hold, and frequent quarrels

latter,

The bounds

no security from intrusion.

which they are condemned.

result

to the surround-

In such close proximity to neighbors, there can be

ing level.

children,

and sinks

and

feelings.

Parental restraint soon loses

among both

so

j)arents

compulsory yet so intimate.

amid such

The former

scenes,

mark

The

can never know the

lose, ere long, their

Debarred from exercising those

pathies and afi'ections which

its

and children,

domestic

finer

sym-

a well-ordered family, the

whole household soon learn to find their j)leasures in low and

rude excitements,

if

they do not

intemperance and open

vice.

fall,

as

is

but too

likely, into

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

It

is

true, indeed, that there are in all our cities

many

leased tenements which are not obnoxious to the above objections

houses,

reference to these, however,

is

what item

Ask

the great

in their expenditure

the greatest reluctance,

it is

and to

all

will say,

namely,

^^

is

met with

the rent."

And

the largest sums that have the most

The man who

reason to complain.

In

of tenants of every grade,

seems heaviest and

and most

who pay

not they

army

of

other hired habitations,

another important point to be considered

that of expense.

yet

less

and privacy, and family comfort may be had.

isolation

there

where more or

or in blocks,

single,

hires a whole house can

generally suit himself, and usually obtains an abode by paying

With

the average rates.

the poor

emphatically, their destruction

known

fact, that

as those

is

it is

not

In this matter,

so.

their poverty.

no houses yield so high

It is a well-

a profit to the landlord

which he rents to persons who can least afford to pay.

Against such exactions, so long as this class continue to hire

It is the penalty

imposed

for their inability or their unwillingness to

be their

their habitations, there

upon them

own

tenants.

It

little calculation.

now

i)ay for

is

no help.

would be well
It

is

for

such persons to enter into a

not difficult to prove that what they

poor lodgings, would

soon procure for

them a

decent house oF their own, and give their families the precious

boon of a permanent home.

more the quarterly

for ever freed

or

And what

a comfort, to fear no

monthly returns of rent-day, and to be

from the cost and damage of compulsory and

quent removals

fre-

If well selected, the little property will be

likely to rise in value,

and can hardly

Ml

to constitute the

beginning and the nucleus of other acquisitions.

While he

is

a tenant, the

man must

take such a house or

THE VALUE OF A PERMANENT HOME.

room

as

builder,

can get, not sncli as

lie

may

lie

adapt

liis

purchaser, or

dwelling to the wants and circum-

As a

stances of his family.

As

needs.

lie

tenant, he suffered a thousand

make improve-

inconveniences and mortifications rather than to

Now

ments on another man's property.

he can have his habi-

tation repaired, painted, and kept in good condition, without

asking consent of a niggardly landlord.

If the benefits of such a
its

many

acquirement justify
It is the

efforts.

home ended

how

here,

fully

would

and the most strenuous

sacrifices,

moral influence likely to flow from such a

change that suggests the highest motives for attempting

To have

home which he has himself

home which he has improved,

which, with honest

j)ride

an additional security
leaves with regret

for

to

it

and natural
any man's

root

a pair, as

of their early and their middle

spring

years.

And

say

all his

what varied experience

of childhood

little

best affections take

this hive

life,

where their

lapse of time,

off-

they have perhaps aU

;

for it is

the undisturbed shelter of

what

the good impression

There he finds

time advances, this abode

departed, becomes constantly more dear

of precious memories,

calls Ids oivn, is

Such a home he

virtue.

swarmed, and whence

once

he

love,

home, indeed,

There his wife and

and there

To such

and grow.

he gladly returns.

innocent and satisfying pleasures.

ones are happy and safe,

reared, or purchased,

or beautified,

it.

what

now

a scene

their declining

travelled distance,

of prosperity or sorrow, can ever efface

made by such

home on the tender

To the tempted youth,

virtue, to the sad victim of misfortune,

to the

heart

wanderer from

such a remembrance

has often proved a strengthening monitor, or a healing balm.

Nor can

this

kindly influence wholly

fail, so

long as the dear

10
objects of tluit

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

familiar scene

retain a jjlace in

nected as they insejiaraLly are,

Avitli

counsels, a mother's tenderness, a sister's purity,

love.

memory, con-

tliuughts of a

flitlier's

and a brother's

CHAPTEE
HOME

IN

III.

THE COUNTRY
.

UT

it

this

talk

may

be

said,

about

and permanency

is

all

very

such as have the

well for
^^--V /

that

possession

means to buy

but

or to build,

only a tantalizing mockery to those

is

who

with difficulty raise even the monthly

payments
not,
"*'

We

^^X""'-

which cannot be

tions

for their landlords.

We

do

however, admit the impeachment.

would be the

realized.

We will

last to excite expecta-

endeavor to show that

our views and objects are not only practical but practicable.

We

address, especially, those

who

of hired abodes in populous places.

case

is

not hopeless

life

industry,

and

more.

its

them that

assure

effort, or

without some

sacrifice.

worth having can be got except by

self-denial.

vince you that the object

and that

We

their

but we do not say that the desired change

can be effected without

things in

experience and feel the evils

Listen, then, while

recommended

is

we

Few

resolution,

try to con-

an attainable one,

benefits will repay all their cost

and a great deal

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

12
First, tliea,
city bounds.

we do not counsel you

Not but that

than tenancy at

buy

or to build within

possession, even here,

far better

is

enough now to say that the high

It is

will.

to

value of city lots, their limitations in regard to the

building and

is

material, and the rates of taxation, put such

its

ownershi}) out of
forever gone,

style of

Happily the day

question for most of you.

tlie

when

the necessity of being near their place of

labor or business, compelled all the work-people and tradesmen

of a city to live within

Steamboats and

it.

railroads, convey-

ances both rapid and cheap, have brought the once distant

and

fields

timable
lized

be,

and groves,

])rivilege of

it

The

were, to our very doors.

a country

by the wealthy

home can no

We

citizen.

ines-

longer be monopo-

wish to show that

may

it

and should be yours.

It is well

less

as

hills

known that

at the distance of a few miles,

and of

than one hour from the heart of every great town, building

ground may be obtained at prices which bring

reach of

all

tions has

but the poorest.

made

it

credit, to secure a

The

within the

it

organization of village associa-

practicable for a

man

with

capital or

little

homestead in a good neighborhood.

accomplished by means

This

of small but regular payments.

is

an

easy the change

is ?

instalment reduces the principal, and soon the purchaser

owner in

fee simple.

Do you

not see

how

is

Each

That the money which you are now paying in quarterly rent
for

two

an unhealthy and uncomfortable tenement,

or three years, to give

country?
fact, if

This

you

will

It is true

is

will

you a good house and garden

not fancy but fact, as figures prove

but test

suffice, in

in the

a blessed

it.

that you and your fiimily will be en lied to relin-

quish some associations and friendships, some privileges, (at

HOME
first,) of

and

cliiircli

you have learned to

pensation

You

nor can have

might leave

relish in city

that which you never truly had

A

word comprehends

home

all

that

We

is

most

Instead of a house, built only to be

life.

to yield profits to its owner,

made

But mark what com-

life.

the hired city lodging.

there, for the

it

13

some amusements, perhaps, that

school,

gain a liome

in

to be prized in

and

THE COUXTRY.

IN

let,

you have, or should have, one

your own accommodation and suited to the condition

for

and uses of your family

a house which the pleasure and pride

of possession will j^rompt you constantly to improve and adorn

a house not squeezed in between others, not dimly lighted in

front

and

rear, not looking out

but standing by

walls,

surrounded and, (when you so choose,)

itself,

permeated by the

upon pavements and brick

free,

pure

air,

with a grass-plot on which

your children can play, with flowers and shrubs, and shade-trees

and

fruit-trees of your

own

of your

own

planting, and berries and vegetables

What

raising.

suitable

and comfortable abodes

can be thus secured at a very moderate outlay will hereafter be

shown, with details and estimates of actual

It

may

is

clear that in such a residence the

be sensibly diminished, while

largely increased.
least, their

many

cost.

own

cases, a

its

expense of living

actual comforts will be

Such a family should produce,

in part, at

vegetables, poultry, eggs, and pork.

cow might be added, and

would more than pay

were ten times what

if

it is.

this single

In very
advantage

the trouble of living out of the city

Think of the

difference

between

re-

galing your little ones on pure, nutritious milk, and poisoning

them with a compound made from the

tillery

country

Nor
life

is

it

vile leavings of

the dis-

only in the supplies of the table, that the

would prove

less

expensive.

In matters of dress,

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

14

which lords

furniture, &c., tlie tyi-ant fashion

somewhat

woultl he

Add now what would

amount

Even

solutely ap})alling.

the

di^aths durini;-

over

all classes,

The

be gained in point of health.

and mortality among

of disease

it

less exacting; there.

city

our healthiest

in

children

is

months are often doubled, and the

liot

ab-

summers, the
new^

victims are drawn almost entirely from the ranks of childhood.

Can

be doubted that a large part of these might be saved,

it

and cared

sent to the country

thither your own,

glow

^\

itli

But

strengtli

life

can claim other and

moral influences are as

its air is

more

country, only, can

receives ever
tlie

new

and beauty.

much

salubrious.

men be

will

emaciated muscles round

soft

and

rural

parents, carry

and see how soon their sallow cheeks

luddy health, and their

into firmness

Fond

for there ?

if

still

higher praise.

Its

better than those of the city, as

Experience seems to say that in the

From

reared.

it

the leech-like city

To

recruits, while itself produces almost none.

country we must look as the jiroper

home and nursery

of chil-

Here they are away from the dangers and temptations,

dren.

the unnatural excitements and morbid stimulants, the thousand

baits

and haunts of

parental authority
easily maintained,

home

are

On
or

So

less counteracted,

and the

this agreeable
life, it

far as material objects

city,

is

more

and benefits

of

effectually secured.

theme, the peculiar and beneficial

two additional hints must

In the

family discipline

virtues, affections,

Here

influ-

would be easy and pleasant to expatiate.

and heart, the advantage

try.

with which the city abounds-

more frequently and more

ences of rural

One

is

vice,

is

suffice.

exert an influence on

tlie

mind

almf)st wholly in favor of the coun-

every thing

is

subject to change.

Few, com-

HOME
paratively,

own

their homes,

them with the thought

them, there

and

is

THE COUNTRY.

and even they can seldom connect

of permanence.

nothing at

all

15

There

have an exist euce.

must climb high

may

all

it

He

except in streaks and patches.

he would behold the magnificence of

if

fretted vault, and look

in kingly state.

but indestructible

town. Nature can hardly be said

True, the blue heaven bends over his

head, but he seldom sees

seen in

For the dweller

within

little

is

around them, about which memory

affection contrive to twine their invisible,

threads.
to

IN

upon the sun

as he rises or goes

its

down

In the country alone can earth and sky be

their beauty

and grandeur.

Its favored dwellers

not always or fully appreciate these qualities, but they do

not therefore escape their influence.

The rugged mountain and

the gentle eminence, the lake, the river, and the brook, the
forest

and the grove, the broad plain and the

must make deep and

marks on the minds

who

of those

and especially of those who grow up among

daily behold them,

them.

lasting

green dell,

little

eminently amid such scenes, as history and ob-

It is

and homebred virtues

servation show, that the hardy

and that patriotism

is

thrive,

born and nurtured.

In the country the abodes and occupations of

men

are

more

widely separated than in dense communities, so that their

and
is

labors are

more often

solitary

and

evidently conducive to thoughtful habits.

we

look for frequent instances of

acter.

They are not

ing pressure.

feelings

Among

Not moving

and perhaps

such

men

individuality in charform,

by the surround-

Their sharp corners are not worn

with the crowd.

and

all

marked

moulded into one

life

Such a condition

silent.

off

by

attrition

in masses, they have opinions

j^rejudices of their own.

be some evils in this, but there are advantages

also.

may
They may

There

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

16

seem

less courteous,

them we
Above

look fur plain

their moral

all,

good sense and sturdy indejX'ndence.

and

religious convictions are of a higher

tone, and are obeyed with a strength

which we seldom find in any

This

trait

country

life,

and tenacity of purpose,

class of city population.

not only a

of individuality suggests

plea for

but an important consideration for the architect.

Let him remember and considt

Let them be in

homes.

Among

but are they not more sincere?

it

when planning

rural

for

emblematical of their

some sense

self-relying occupants, suited to their condition,

and not out of

harmony with their taste and character.

To men

familiar with city noise

and

activity, the

Unhappy they

country often seems sluggish and monotonous.

who

quiet

have become unable to appreciate the power and beauty

of repose

Be assured

that in these

calm scenes may be

found a peace and joy unknown to the restless town.

culture of domestic affections

in training your

habits of industry, learning, and goodness

flection

in reading

in the pleasant toils of the garden

you

will find healthful

and

re-

in social inter-

course with your neighbors, and in good offices to all

them,

In the

children to

who need

and delightful occupation

for

every hour which you are permitted to pass at home.

This

is

not an imaginary picture.

The experiment has

been tried by thousands, who are now enjoying

men, women, and chddren, who once

stones

among

and bricks in the

trees

unbought

close city air, but

and grass and

flowers,

dainties, are happier

its fruits

by

wilted and pined amid

who now

and feasting upon

than kings.

luxuriate
their

own

CHAPTEE

IV

THE VILLAGE.
S yet we have treated of
rural residence in a gene',

ral

We

way.

propose

now

to consider one particular

A form

of

it

wit,

to

By

village.

this

the

term we

understand any assemblage of houses

in the country, not large

be called a town.

enough to

As viewed with

reference to their origin and characteristics,

Of

American

these,

by

far

villages

grown up gradually, and

may

the most

be divided into three classes.

numerous are those which have

naturally, round certain central nuclei.

court-house, a meeting-house, a head of river navigation, a

waterfall, a landing, or a railroad terminus,

are

seminal points from which such villages spring.

class

we

place those which have been created by manufacturing

enterprise.

Thirdly,

we have the suburban

village, a

tively recent invention to relieve the hard-working

pressed population of our

object,

among the

In the second

cities.

and with the hope of

As appropriate

compara-

and severely

to our general

calling attention to a

matter that

TILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

18

has been too miicli neglected, we offer a few remarks and suggestions on the laying out and building of villages.

In Tillages of the class

named, we

first

find, as

we might

They have grown up, not according

expect, great variety.

to

any original purpose or plan, but as the increase of business

Their appearance

and population demanded.

modified not

is

only by the character and occupations of the inhabitants, but

by the nature of the

and

lots.

site,

and the

If the ground be uneven

the village must exhibit similar

and the

traits.

streets irregular,

Nor

this

is

want of

Many

old Til-

with their short, and winding, and often narrow

streets,

uniformity and
lages,

original laying out of roads

exactness, in itself, objectionable.

have a picturesqueness and ever-pleasing variety, which we are

sorry to miss in those that have been laid out

When

may

often do

We

of course, be first built upon.

such avenues should

cross at right angles.

This

much toward

is

all

its value.

run in straight

the natural way

the surface,

no need of
is

not so in another,

is

it

is

and

measured and

room enough and

mathematical economy.

tliis

generally the best way.

making

lines,

supposed to be the unfortunate

In the country, where there

is

will,

cannot bring ourselves to

necessity of cities, where every square inch

to spare, there

giving a right

The main thoroughfares

direction to their future growth.

has

rule.

places of this class are in their incipient state, a few

influential persons

feel that

by

The

Here

character of

easy to run a street in one direction, and

may

very properly determine

its

location.

Sometimes this will depend on the eligibility of building sites,

or

on the accidents of water, of

ravine.

taste

Such requirements

and judgment

hill

will not

and

])lain,

of

marsh and

be wholly disregarded

have a vuice in the matter.

if

Nature must

THE VILLAGE.
be liumored and not forced,

19

we would

if

retain her power to

please.

As such

should

dwelling-houses

object should be to

receive

make the

and pleasant, and then

is

the

increase,

villages

appropriated

districts

particular

to be observed with proper modifications, but

will be conceded

The

The

importance

ill efi'ects

of

reservation for public use

and enjoyment of some open space in every

too strongly urged.

first

This principle
its

by many who have witnessed the

a course directly the reverse.

to

building lots ample, convenient,

the street conform.

let

The

care.

village, cannot

be

triangular points formed by roads

that converge at acute angles,

may

well be

made open ground,

instead of being covered with unsightly wedges of wood or

brick.

Looks and comfort

will be

promoted by placing the

church and the school-house at some

little

distance from the

noisy and dusty street.

In those hamlets, usually of slow formation, which grow up

in agricultural towns,

larger part

are,

more

many

of the villagers

or less,

This fact naturally influences (as

style of building

sometimes

the

engaged in farming operations.

it

ought to influence), the

and the general aspect of the

place.

The new

houses, though designed in some respects for different uses,

ought not to be wholly out of harmony with the old

there any reason

why men

comfort, of

From

is

is

should be in haste to get rid of the

early old-fashioned farm-house, wliich, however little

of artistic grace,

nor

it

may boast

yet pleasantly suggestive of rastic plenty and

manly independence, and

of the

home-born

virtues.

a disregard of such considerations, some of our inland

villages are disfigured

architecture.

by the most absurd and incongruous

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

20

Without further

detail,

where mueh
This

to the manufacturing vilhige.

proi)rietor, or of a corporation.

its operatives.

little

ties

town

is

When

thus built, as

up near

village

however, that we

it

for the

the estahlishment

it

accommois

large, a

Such opportuni-

were, in a day.
for introducing

good specimens

and cottage architecture.

It is not often,

seem peculiarly favorable

and models of

usually the creation of a

Simultaneously with the erec-

tion of a mill, tenements are put

dation of

is

he said, we pass

niiij^ht

are able to praise them, either for the taste

which they evince or the practical wisdom.

Frequently these

tenements are long, uniform blocks, built

rows of small city

like

Far too often they

houses, and with equal frugality of space.

occupy unsheltered and unpleasant

much

comfort or neatness,

air of

sites,

without the slightest

We

less of beauty.

might

urge upon the philanthropic proprietor his unquestionable obligation to

make the abodes

agreeable.

On him who would

be considered not

and

devoid of

we might press the duty of gratifying, or certainly of not

taste,

offending the public eye.

all

of his w^ork people comfortable

understand.

But there

The pecuniary

is

another appeal wdiich

interest of the proprietor

is

promoted when he furnishes pleasant homes to those who are in

his
it

employ.

will be far

the

first

tives,

If the original cost should be

more than repaid

somewhat

in the long run.

greater,

It secures in

place a more intelligent and respectable class of opera-

people who

have been accustomed to the comfort and

independence of a home, and w^ho will not go where they can

have neither the reality nor the semblance.

do

much

lation.

Such habitations

towards substituting a permanent for a shifting popu-

Other and stronger

depend on mere wages.

ties are

formed than those which

The pleasant rooms, with

their asso-

THE VILLAGE.
and

ciations of domestic

with

and

its fruits

flower,

first

enjoyment

little

garden

which the occupants have planted, tended, and

Such homes

many

pledges of fidelity to their em-

be lightly abandoned with the

will not

fancied or real difficulty that

may

It will at once be seen that these

or less of

occur.

remarks do not apply to

In some respects single tenements, with

long blocks of houses.

more

the

the small green yard, with tree, shrub, vine,

learned to love, are so

ployer.

social

21

open space around them, would undoubtedly

Nearly the same results

may

however be obtained by having two habitations under one

roof.

best favor the ends suggested.

The economy

of this arrangement, both in building the house

and in keeping

it

warm,

will generally give it the preference.

Each tenement may thus have

roundings.

its

own

yard, garden, and sur-

In another part of this work will be found some

simple designs for these double houses.

For similar reasons the judicious proprietor

in fixing on the site for his tenements.

to the mill, its cheapness or

win not be deemed

ings on

it.

want

may

be practicable,

salubrity and pleasantness, of

and of prospect, have

their

It is almost needless to

soil,

be careful
of a spot

of fitness for other purposes,

sufficient reasons for putting

So far as

will

The nearness

let

and sun, and

due share in the

human

dwell-

considerations of
air,

of shelter

selection.

add that the desired work would be

only half accomplished, unless the same regard for neatness,

order,

and comfort,

shall also be exhibited in the mills

their appointments, in the canals

and

and bridges, the walks and

grounds.

The

third class

that just treated of

we have
it

is

called the suburban village.

Like

a sudden creation, the result of im-

VILLAGE AND FAKM COTTAGES.

22

Such

perative necessity.

vm

neighborhood of

homes

ble

to

great

villages
cities,

But the

utility are unquestionable.

Their desirableness and

There

is

or

ignorance,

to

to

the

of

selfishness

no necessity, as yet, for iJanting these

location
soil,

to

left

speculation.

little

towns on

impracticable ledges of rock, nor in or around swamps.

brity of air,

and

selection of their sites

the style of laying out and building, ought not to be

chance,

the

in

and already furnish comforta-

population.

a large

up

springing

are

Salu-

abundance and purity of water, pleasantness of

and prospect,

eligibility for

building and quahty of

are points that should be considered, as well as distance

from the

city,

and proximity to the track of car

or steamboat.

Hitherto the perception and supply of a great and growing

want has been

left

mostly to landowners and speculators, whose

enterprises in this line could hardly be expected to look very

far

beyond the results of

means we

all

"a

But the

know.

What
which may

good operation."
object

is

one

this

well

What more promising field can be

benevolent man of wealth, w^ho recognizes the

enlist a higher motive.

presented to the

obligations of his stewardship,

ments should

and wishes that

all

his invest-

benefit others as well as himself.^

Attention has recently been given, especially in England,

to the erection, in cities, of

the poorer classes.

cheap and comfortable houses

for

These are rented at low rates under rea-

sonable and wholesome restrictions in relation to neatness and

good conduct.

Both

noble efforts have

in a pecuniary

proved successful.

and a moral sense these

Place those

who have

been familiar with dirt and wretchedness, where they

neat,

and quiet, and comfortable,

where the
where

taught by examj)^ rather than precept,

c((;i

lesson of order
its

be
is

benefits

THE VILLAGE.
are constantly seen
their

own conduct,

23

and the preservation

and

upon

or loss depends

you bring them under the best

By

the only culture of which they are susceptible.

if

not

thus accus-

toming them to respect and help themselves, you prompt the

make the attainment

aspiration for better things and

possible.

All this and more, as we have heretofore urged, applies to

the substitution of rural homes for crowded and wretched city
abodes.

To render

suitable

ground

viding for
tional,

its

practicable such a change,

for a

by laying

city village,

it

by procuring
out and pro-

growth, regulation, and future prosperity, on ra-

economic, aesthetic, and Christian principles, seems to

us one of the most feasible and one of the noblest enterprises in

which the philanthropic

can engage.

capitalist

Eveiy

dollar

thus invested would bring to him not only a satisfactory percentage of interest, but what he would prize infinitely more,
rich visible fruits of neatness

He becomes

and

thrift, of

happiness and virtue.

the founder of a community, beholds with his

own

eyes the good he has done, and leaves beliind him^ when he
dies,

an imperishable monument.

One thing we may take

The

for granted.

Villages of this class

and through one agency

will continue to be needed,

'''

or another

attention of the whole country has just been called, (September, 1855,) to

much needed

reform,

by the announcement

of a testamentary bequest, appropriating

$50,000, for the erection of model lodging houses for the poorer classes.

Should Mr.

Lawrence's intentions be judiciously executed, they will prove the beginning of a great

movement,

for

they wiU show that houses

advantageous to owner and tenant.

useful and honored

life.

We

may

regard

thus be built, which shall prove alike

this, therefore,

as the crowning act of a

For while thousands of the sons of science wiU laud the

founder of the school at Cambridge, tens of thousands of laboring

name

of the sagacious philanthropist,

and their children.

who inaugurated

new

men

will bless the

auspicious era for

them

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

24
the want will
to such a

No man

lie iiiet.

pIiouUI venture to give impulse

niovemt'nt without some sense of the responsihility

whicli he tlierehy incurs.

Let liim nut forget that

happiness, and character of thousands

better, or for worse,

his action in a

ground and

selection of tlie

who

with those

rest

by

may

it,

healtli,

matter of this kind.

tlie first directi(jn

project

tlie

be influenced

for

The

of the enterprise

and accordingly as these are

good or bad, future generations will bless or curse the founder.

In so important an

afFiiir

as the establishment of a village,

advice of the landscape-gardener and the architect, and

the

sometimes also that of the

civil

to a judicious choice of the site,

engineer,

and

may

greatly conduce

to its proper arrangement.

And, as sanitary considerations should have paramount weight,

let

medical science, after due inquiry and observation, pronounce

on the
used

Wlien such precautions

salulM'ity of the spot.

in

the designation of the ground,

ful care shall

streets, in

aspect.

be manifest in the laying out of

trees,

Then

it

healthful

is

lots

and

the suburban village will assume a new

to the eye of the passing traveller

will be that

home, one that

its

houses and in the

a pleasing, instead of a repulsive picture, while

mendation

be

when a wise and taste-

the style and character of the

planting of

shall

it

its

will present

chief recom-

who most need

and inviting as well as moderate

in

offers

to

those

cost.

We

have already expressed our conviction that rural villages

need not and ought not to be

exactness which
'^

supposed

"

even in these.

is
)r

On

laid out

with the checker-board

supjiosed to be necessary in cities.

AVe say

some good reasons might be given against

the score both of looks and cost

tainly be avoided in the country.

By

it

it

should cer-

letting the streets follow, in

THE VILLAGE.

25

the main the natural grade, there will be a saving of trouble and

The

expense.

lots

embankments.

made more

upon them

Kidino;

will not

be spoiled by cuts and

and walkins: ^iH he

facilitated

and

agreeable by the preservation of levels or of easyIt is far

more important that the

home and

that of your family, should

climbing graceful curves.

house which

to be your

is

be pleasant in

its position

and surroundings, than that

it

should

be placed at the shortest possible distance from the railroad

station,

distance that will usually be travelled but twice a

This consideration, duly weighed, will certainly have some

day.

influence in deciding

From

how

village streets

and lanes

shall run.

these brief hints on a subject temptingly inviting,

we pass

to another topic.

The tendency
than

in

to imitation

men

the houses which

perhaps seen in nothing more

is

In

build.

all

time and every

where, this has been more or less the case, but the trait seems
to be especially conspicuous in the
of this

is

not far to seek.

We

The evidence

American mind.

should have

less

reason to com-

plain if the disposition to copy would confine itself to forms of

real

excellence

and unquestionable beauty.

"?es5 reason," for

we should

beautyj soon tires us.

still

have some.

Let the productions of

We

can only say

Sameness, even in
art be

"Yarious,

That

tlie

mind of desultory man,

Studious of change and pleased with novelty,

May
If she

must

he indulged."

imitate, let her

model be Nature, whose

variety " age cannot wither nor custom

infinite

stale."

Unfortunately the copying tendencies to which we now refer

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

26

usually run in a very ditYerent direction from

of grace.

We

tliat

To

need not mention instances.

of fitness, op

every observant

Often some peculiarity of

person they are jierfectly familiar.

material, or form, or ornament, or color, introduced by one

bitious

man,

sets the flishion for a

The more uncouth

whole

is

or fantastic or incongruous such features are,

Surely such mimicry as

reared.

wortliy of a people

even town.

street, or

the more likely are they to reappear with every

that

am-

who

tliis

profess entire freedom

new

is

structure

specially

un-

and independence

of thought and action.

But our

more

subject calls us to notice

kinds of imitation to which those

who

in detail

certain

build village houses seem

to be prone.

The common farm-house sometimes

We

model.

have shown that there are situations where, under proper

But

modifications, this does very well.

to

the

furnishes

show the

folly of

there needs no argument

building farm-houses in villages which have

nothing to do with farming.

Sometimes the house of the farm

or the porter's lodge, as
cottage architecture,

books referred

to,

seem

these are given in English works on

to

have suggested the design.

these are almost the only specimens

They meet, probably, the wants

not those of ours.
provided that
ployer.

But

it

if

gardener's,

laborer, or the

of that

In the
given.

country, but certainly

There, a hovel answers for the laboring man,

seldom forces

itself

on the notice of

the i)oor fellow's constant presence

his rich

is

em-

required at

the entrance to the grounds, or in any conspicuous spot upon

them, his house must be something pretty to look

picturesque,

it

of his visitors.

will offend the

at.

If not

fastidious eye of the master

The accommodation

of the

humble tenant

is

and
but

THE VILLAGE.
The

a secondary matter.

state of things

They own

if

they choose,

They

their houses.

us, as

yet, is

They

are independent.

can,

comfortable abodes, and for the most part,

live in

they do choose

among

Our working men generally own the

fortunately, very different.

soil.

27

The

it.

cottage architecture of England was

never intended for them, and in putting up their dwellings,

they can certainly do far better for themselves and their families,

than to copy either the mean or the fanciful structures which the
wealthy and proud proprietors of that aristocratic

furnish to

isle

their poor dependents.

To
bition,

the villager of ampler means, or at least of higher

some neighboring country-seat

apt to hold out

its

Architecture and gardening have lavished their

temptations.

He is
why he may

graces upon and around

and can

is

am-

no reason

see

When

smaller scale.

ference between his

it.

he does

delighted with

looks,

its

not have a villa too, on a

he certainly forgets the

this,

own circumstances and

necessities,

dif-

on the one

The

hand, and those of his wealthy neighbor on the other.

villa has been built with more reference, probably, to taste than

to expense.

It

The indulgence
pose

what

may have
its

may

of a large hospitality or

modified

owner wants

one whose condition

on a reduced
qualities

be intended mainly for a

may

is

design

its

is

it

it

some other

may

or

may

hardly possible that

entirely different.

scale, it will

summer

Besides,

residence.

special pur-

not be just
it

can suit

when

be quite another thing, and

copied
its

best

be lost in the change.

More frequently however

this imitation of villa architecture is

limited to particidar features and to ornamental details.

If these

are transferred without change of form or size to smaller buildings, they

do but overload them with superfluous

finery.

Nor

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

28
will the

attempt to reduce and adapt them to the new position,

The whole

be likely to turn out better.

simply apish

business

is

bad.

It

is

a manifest attempt to do something beyond the

builder's power.
Still

more senseless

is

that form of this vice which takes the

features in town houses which

The very

city for its pattern.

and

their occupants have adopted from necessity,

submit as unavoidable
with a

which

servility

a city compels

its

is

The high

ridiculous.

inhabitants

which they

rear,

cost of

ground

in

deep, narrow, lofty

to live in

and

houses, lighted only in front

to

too often copied in the country,

evils, are

with some of the rooms

The man who

half under ground and others far up in the sky.

has had experience in these matters, wdio knows the comfort of

basement dining-rooms and basement kitchens, and of deep,

dark

i)arlors

and chambers, and who has enjoyed the

privilege of

frequent climbing to attic heights, would never repeat the ex-

periment when building in the country.

country village, content to appear what

pleasant place.

is

But such

consistency.

There are some aspiring and

girls.

really

is, is

charms of nature with those of

It unites the

art, and its fairest feature

it

silly villages

are not

as well as boys

all.

and

Certainly those are such, which, despising the rural sim-

plicity that should be their highest pride, vainly endeavor in

their buildings, manners, etc. to imitate the city style.

an attemi)t must be unsuccessful.

Some

of

its f\iults

copied pretty nearly, but the real excellencies of city

quite beyond their reach.
said, that

^Vhile

Of such

villages

it

may

Such

may
life

be
are

truly be

they are neither one thing nor another.

we

alternately laugh at

of a vain ambition,

we

feel only

and pity these absurdities

indignant

when we

see a village


THE VILLAGE.
similarly injured tlirougli the blindness
avarice.

Some man

ground.

It is his

looks

29

and the promptings of

money has bought a

of

purpose to

and welfare of the

make

village, the interests

his houses, are of little or no account

model some mean block of

ground with narrow

as

cells,

carceration in one of his

One

or

It

own

Taking

covers the

rent

sell or

to

vile boxes.

for those

who have

And

and habits, formed elsewhere, which are inconsistent

life.

or should be, a

terests,

and holding

Let them regard the

community by

its

village not

mere appendage to some larger

as a little city, nor yet as a

is,

they should remember

and ought to be a distinct and peculiar kind

is

with their new mode of

It

first,

villap-e,

If wise, they vdll lay aside those notions, preju-

of society.
dices,

them

perpetual in-

become, or who intend to become dwellers in a suburban

that the village

for

would not break our heart to

two additional considerations

are respectfully tendered.

of his

are to live in

city tenements, he

man had be:n condemned

hear that such a

and wishes

with him.

and advertises to

charming rural residences.

The good

it.

who

neighbors, the health and comfort of those

his

tract of village

the most of

itself,

having

its

one.

own

in-

population together by mutual attach-

ments and dependencies.

In common with the more isolated

inhabitant of the country, they can have sufficient ground for a

dwelling, with the luxuries of a garden and an unrestricted

supply of light and

enjoy

many

combined

air.

With

the city resident they

conveniences and privileges which can only attend

efforts

and

interests.

To

specify a few of these.

Here are good sidewalks, a comfort wliich he who has

both country and city can well appreciate.
ducts,

or at

may

least

wells in

lived in

Here he has aque-

common, bringing near him and

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

30

cheaply, one prime necessary of

life.

Wherever there

is

vil-

lage, there will be shop-keepers, grocers, butchers, mechanics,

and

it

too, are

The

will not long

want

])hysicians of all the schools.

Here,

supplies for the higher wants of the heart and mind.

opportunities for social intercourse are multiplied.

ing rooms and lectures are provided.

Read-

Schools are maintained,

and churches are reared and frequented.

These are important
the

details of daily

life,

They

facts.

and

it

is

are connected with all

for

the

interest

suburban village that they should not be disregarded

architecture.

of the
in

its

CHAPTER

V.

THE CHOICE OF A LOT

HEN

on, the first step

to be taken

the selection of

^
j

-./^V

the building of a house

^ is determined

site.

is

This

is

so

matter, and has so

with success or

important a

much

to do

failure, that it

seems entitled to special con-

sideration.

The

first

such case to
--1

is

-j^r.

-:

not always easy.

7mist

u'cints,

settle, is

man

that

In making up his

little

list

in

of his

needs, both present and prospective.

the future

puzzled as was

question for a

This

of ^nai/ wants and

householder will often be as

much

Frank, in Miss Edgeworth's charming

man

there will be some peculiari-

ties of disposition or of condition

which should be taken into

story.

In the case of every

the account.

One

of the first points to be

the lot to

man

its

examined

is

the relations of

neighborhood and to other parts of the

village.

doing business in the city, naturally prefers a

near the railroad station or steamer landino:.

home

If enf^rao-ed in

VILLAGE AMD FARM COTTAGES.

32

some manufactury,
time

To

for meals,

all

store, or ^vurkslioj),

proximity in

such we would

which

is

is

absolutely necessary.

have

many

In very

its

due

cases, a little shorter or

of small consequence comi)ared with other things

ought to influence.

The house which

some

home

this consideration

say, let

weight and no more.

longer walk

liis

which allows him but scant

and

retired

ness,

it

is

some frequented

If

(|uiet lane.

demand,

will

to be a dwelling, only,

street.

and receive evening

it is

jirobaldy,

avoid

stand upon

to be also a place of busi-

conspicuous

social family,

calls, will

may

much

location

on

accustomed to make
disappointment, in-

convenience, and grumbling, by fixing their habitation on a

good walks.

street with

and who

sion,

like to

Those who prefer solitude and seclu-

go to bed early, can generally be accom-

modated on some by-way, whose rugged path

secure

them from

visiting bores.

For some

will

it is

effectually

very desirable

to be near the church and the school-house, while to others

this

is

a secondary consideration.

Questions of economy are intimately connected with the

relative

the

position of the lot, bearing as this does, not only on

first cost

of building
settle

and probable

rise in value,

and of living there.

but also on the expense

It is not every

himself such points as these.

for

man who

can

To understand the

present value of ])roperty, and the probabilities of

its

improve-

ment or depression, requires nuich observation and sagacity.

To

we can only

say,

those

who

consult,

are consciously unequal to the task,

if

you can find him, some wise and disinterested

adviser.

But there are some means

reach of

all.

of judging which are within the

Such elements of calculation are great thorough-

THE CHOICE OF A
fares,

and

railroads

such, eminently,

canals,

LOT.

33

landings and water-powers

and

the cliaracter of a population in regard to

is

energy and public

When

spirit.

these are exhibited, even

within a limited range, the effect on property will soon show

itself

Thus a

others near

single street,

with no original advantage over

sometimes made greatly more valuable throuo-h

it, is

And

the good taste and liberality of a few occupants.

such improvements, fortunately,

and

of the wealthy

moderate means,

Much may

be done by

make

men

of

there be only an eye for beauty and a

if

Humble hands have sometimes planted

generous heart.
the roadside,

influential.

to

not the exclusive privilege

is

along

elms, or maples, which in after years have

little

given shade and beauty and dignity to a noble avenue, thus

adding untold thousands to the value of

Wherever such men

are found,

it

will

its

be

adjacent grounds.

safe,

on speculative

principles (and those are our present theme), to cast one's

lot

among them.
Is the

ground favorable

Excavation upon

important point.
It

for building

may need much

either facilitate or

be easy or

a very

difficult.

impede the transportation of materials.

To

many

such matters,

is

may

From

much.

may

This

Its position

grading, or but

obtain the needed supply of water

cost

it

on

little.

may

cost little, or

it

may

ignorance or inconsiderateness in regard to

man

ground alone as he had

has had to spend as

set apart for

much upon

his

the whole cost.

Location will also influence the cost of building by modifying its style

seldom seen,

seem mean

and

may

in a

We might
3

decorations.

A house that

is

secluded and

be simple and plain to a degree which would

more conspicuous

position.

proceed to show in what ways the particular loca-

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

34

tion given to a liousCj

may tend

expenses of

which occupies

tlie ftimily

to diminish or to increase the

it,

but these

will readily

suggest themselves to every householder.

In many instances, the neighborhood furnishes the controlling

near our relatives

live

We

motive that decides where we shall build.

quaintance.

Still

and

more desirable

is it

be some who can

end, there will

some particular church,

ence with others.

companionship,

The

w^ill

mining where people

ac-

to secure proper associates

and fashionable

If the village have a wealthy

fir the young.

like to

among our

friends, or, at least

live only there.

Contiguity to

or school, or doctor, will have its influ-

and

elective affinities of taste, opinion,

always have more or

less

weight in deter-

shall live.

In a comnumity where

all

classes are virtually equal,

we

see no reason wdiy their dwellings should not be intermingled.

man

Let each
taste,

and

let

select

the site that

the house which he puts upon

greater disi)lay.

right to do so,
folly.

and

if

What

it

be such as

His nearest neighbors may

becomes his station and means.

make a

suited to his w\ants and

is

of that ?

If able, they have a

not, they will only be laughed at for their

In either case, he will be

all

the more respected for

having shown himself in this respect to be a

man

Education and refinement are not confined

any

certainly are not monopolized

attractive

objects in a village

by the
are

rich.

its

to

of sense.
class,

and

Often the most

unassuming cottages,

pleasing us by their simple, unborrowed beanty, while more

ambitious houses, flaunting in stolen ornaments, are noticed

only with disgust.

Besides these questions regarding the relative position of

the

lot,

there are others, scarcely less important, connected

THE CHOICE OF A
with

its cliaracter

is its

when

considered by

If the air

healthfulness.

come within the purchaser's

The

itself.

is

control, the

No

ever valuable, can atone or compensate

in importance to good air

defect

is

other qualities, how-

for this deadly fault,

comes an abundant supply

pure and permanent sources, the acquisition

of great value,

is

will justify the sacrifice, if necessary, of

some other com-

Those who have once enjoyed that unspeakable

forts.

and

vital,

If this element can be brought in pipes from

of good water.

and

of these

first

bad from any cause not to

should decide the matter instantly.

Next

35

LOT.

an unfaihng supply of pure

privilege,

soft water, its unrestricted

luxury

of washing and bathing, and the comfortable facility which

imparts to

many hoasehold

operations,

may well wonder

the indifi'erence with which this matter

Why,

there

are

is

it

at

regarded by many.

hundreds and hundreds of

villages

in

our

country, in whose near vicinity are hill springs, or mountain

tarns, from

which a united

effort

would

easily bring

an inex-

haustible supply.

What

daily to labor at

clumsy sweeps and wheezing pumps,

folly to

be digging dee]) wells, and

for a

meagre quantity of hard, unwholesome, mineral water, when

they might have the

soft,

pure, sparkling

lymph

laid

on their

houses to the very top, flowing perennially for the refreshment

of

man and

beast,

and cheaply delighting both eye and ear

with the pleasantest of sights and sounds

And
be

how many

and to derange their bowels with muddy draughts from

the river, or with

Many

allow the blessed element to run off and

content to wash in water which turns soap back into

lost,

grease,

yet

solutions of salt

and lime from the

regard rain-water as wholly unfit to drink.

when no

care

is

taken to keep or to make

it

pure.

And

well.

so it is

Properly

fil-

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

36
tered and cooled,

may

tern

as palatable as

be arranged for this

filtered as

make

fact

it is

it is

or the water

piiri:)Ose,

A knowledge and

used.

wholesome.

it is

The

cis-

may be

right appreciation of this

the question of wells less important, and will render

some places

which otherwise would

eligilde as building ground,

be condemned.

The
poses,

lay of the land and fitness of the soil for garden pur-

and the raising of vegetables and

ments

of count 17

life.

may

So far as the exposure of the ground

perature of the dwelling
tered by

and

liills

not be over-

to have these pleasant accompani-

who mean

looked by those

fruits, will

whether

trees, or bare

shall

it

affect the

be high or low, shel-

and bleak, look toward the

sunny South, or at the frozen Bear,

is

a matter of feeling, and

be decided one way or another as the enjoyment of

will

or of winter

In

is

the ground,

summer

most thought of

that relates to the

all

tem-

size,

much must depend

shape, and arrangement of

on the purposes

it is

designed to

If poultry, or swine, or cows, or horses are to be kept

answer.

on the place, provision should be made

will give the least trouble

and

a lot with rear entrance will

offence.

make

them where they

for

If a stable be needed,

accessible,

it

and prevent

its

being disagreeably conspicuous.

The extent
by the

size

of a building lot should often be determined less

and character of the house which

than by the probability that

served.

bery.

Some men have no

All they want

well that

The

tlie

less there

is

it

l>e

stand on

it,

properly adorned and pre-

taste for lawns, or flowers, or shrub-

a house to live

ground around
is

will

is to

to reproach

it

in.

They know

will receive

them

perfectly

no care from them.

for neglect, to offend their


THE CHOICE OF A
neiglibor's eyes,

37

LOT.

and to injure by mere

sqiialidness the sur-

rounding property, certainly the better.

Ample

ground,

when properly cared

for,

undoubtedly adds

to the beauty

and value of the house, and under

cumstances

may

it

detract from both.

different cir-

Without attempting

prescribe the proper relation between the size of houses

the grounds which surround them,

it

may be

to

and of

said without

much

question, that no village lot should be less than fifty feet in

front,

by one hundred and

In most

fifty,

to

cases, the style of the

be considered in reference to

two hundred deep.

house to be erected should

its location.

low, modest-look-

ing cottage, set in some bold conspicuous position,

all stiff,

shaped

regular,

lot, are

and square, standing on an uneven, oddly

may

its location,

appreciate.

That the house may con-

and the location to

its

same

house, let the

principle govern in the selection of the one

of the other

a structure

examples of inconsistency and absurdity which

almost any person

form to

and the designing

namely, a thorough adaj)tation of each to the

wants, habits, and character of the future occupants.

At

the risk of seeming to transcend the legitimate scope of

our design, we venture to add a word or two on the relations of

buildings to surrounding scenery, and our obligations to regard

such relations.

It is

unpleasing in

itself,

placed

an undeniable fact that a structure, neither

nor inconvenient for use,

so entirely out of

as actually to

may

harmony with every thing about

mar the landscape.

Thus

it

be of an unassuming character

for

them

art should

that only a subdued look can

in the midst of a vastness

to rival,

it

has been said, that

amid mountain scenery, houses and other works of

become them

yet be so

which

and which but proves the

it is

impossible

littleness of

man,

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

38

wheneveFj among such scenes,

make no

Tlie true admirer of nature will

play.

The majesty which

and

into meekness,
will look

cliffs,

tion suggests

who

those

around and ahove him,

is

seeking

as if

site

least,

on which to

on the

In

hill-top.

wide room

live, let

many

absurd endeavor to make small

and aspiring

and

plant

spirit

parts of our diversified country,

often been

cities of

Villages, in-

spoiled,

by an

them, by cuttings and

But the attempt

embankments, levelings and straightenings.

for these barbarians

follow,

retiring will be best

for choice in these respects.

not always successful.

men

their instinctive inclinations

While the modest and

deed, as already remarked, have

is

illustra-

which should govern

princii)lc

suited in the lowly vale, let the bold

is

awe him

The

their protection.

and enforces a

natural tastes.

there

will

build in peculiar and picturesque situations.

some degree, at

itself

sucli mistake.

modest habitation, nestling among the

his

Again, in selecting a
in

attemj^ts any ambitious dis-

lie

Nature frequently proves too sturdy

and, after

a good degree of variety

all,

still

T-emains.

If he

who

is

about to build either in the village or open

country, have an eye for natural beauty, and especially

would cultivate in his

Why

an expanded and pleasing prospect.

joy,

pure, let

children a taste so

lake

less

than

for his rich neighbor, hills soar,

For him,

sparkles in the distance.

sense, that neighbor plants the orchard,

and meadow.

From

his little

domain

if,

with a heart attuned to

for all 1

and

For

river or

no unimportant

in

and dresses garden,

field

wdio can prevent his look-

ing out w^ith rapture over that fair expanse

him,

he

should others en-

any more than he, delights that were meant

him no

if

him seek

i)raise

Who will reprove

and thankfulness, he

shall call the delightful scenery ''all his own?''

CHAPTER

VI.

THE ADOPTION OF A PLAN.

building can be constructed
properly without a well digested

This

plan.

Some

houses.

every

man

wliich he

termines,
its

congruities,

make

to correct the

form and

to spend

It

have made unnecessary.

In building,

seems

it

like

He

de-

adopted as the work

The consequence
when

it

is

often

and

in-

too late

an absolute waste of money

which a prudent foresight would

Yet how often

is

such waste incurred.

greatly contributes to economical and satisfac-

tory results, that the owner should have in his

judicious and

indeed,

leaving the

Deficiencies, misarrangements,

in alterations,

it

to erect.

size,

their aj^pearance usually

evil.

idea,

perhaps, pretty nearly

advances.

a series of mistakes.

small

build

has of the structure

means

details to be

is

who

by those

of

seldom thought

is

weU matured

own mind a

plan.

prudent man, we say, before he begins to build a house,

will not only

count

its cost,

but he will get a distinct concep-

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

40
tion of

what

to bo.

it is

Its position, material, size,

and form

shape, and arrangement of the rooms

the dimensions,

its

halls, stairways, closets, and all that comes under the head of

conveniences

its

its walls, roofs,

the modes of

and
its

floors

and

trust our

work

To develope such a
ligible

And

to those

who

will

this

applicable not only to

is

and

make more
that

are to execute

but in connection with the

cipated,

will

timbers and

should all be decisively fixed

i)lan, so

Each part should be

care.

its

humbler

expensive structures, but to those of a far

we

class, as

the combination of

construction,

and clearly understood.

large

windows, chimneys, and fire-places

doors,

may

it

it,

fully to ap[)ear.

be made intel-

requires thought

closely considered, not only

rest,

that every want

every difficulty obviated.

by

and

itsehf,

may be

anti-

design so elaborated

promote economy, by insuring a closer calculation of the

and more advantageous bargains

expenses,
labor.

ful disposal

room.

for

material and

It avoids the hateful cost of alterations, and by a skil-

It

is

of the apartments precludes waste of stuff

and

not the least advantage of such a plan that

it

tends greatly to prevent those disagreements, quarrels, and

lawsuits,

which often spring up between the owner on one

and contractors and workmen on the

that a house thus built

other.

It is

side,

evident also,

must be superior to one begun without

forethought and prosecuted at random.

It is hardly possible that

proportion and symmetry, convenience, beauty, and strength

should result from the latter course.

Weakness and imperfec-

tion are almost sure to attend the alteration which such a pro-

cedure usually makes necessary.

Take

for instance, the stair-

ways, an important feature requiring careful thought.

they are not planned in the outset,

it

When

often becomes necessary

THE ADOPTION OF A PLAN.

to

make

The

tliem

uncomfortaMy narrow, or dangerously steep.

and the head-room above are

almost useless, or the

are

floors

The

and passages.

foot obtrudeSj perhaps, across doors

hall below

41

so contracted as to

weakened and the house

be
in-

jured by cuttings and alterations, which might all have been

avoided.

Compare any house, thus

some well

with

built,

planned dwelling, and the inferiority of the former, both in

looks and comfort, cannot fail to appear.

Let every

man who

use, consider carefully his particular

wants and those of

family in reference to each of the points just

Each family has

his

now enumerated.

its peculiarities of taste, habits, or condition,

which should be thought of and provided

will be likely to

own

proposes to build a house for his

meet

for.

No

house-plan

these, unless they have been anticipated

in its formation.

Such a study
hold,

of the

wants and conditions of the house-

and of the arrangements

in the dwelling

which

secure them, would be a profitable exercise for any

might sometimes suggest valuable improvements

will best

man, and

in

the

do-

mestic economy.

Let us now consider some of the principles which should

govern in the adoption and development of a suitable

j)lan.

These are clearly to be found in the purposes and uses of the

proposed structure.

Eeasons growing out of these should de-

termine not only the general design, but each particular feature.

The proper

iuquiry in every case

is,

not

how has

this thing

been done elsewhere, or by others, but how can we best meet

the demands of the present case

important idea of adaptation.

And

In the right adjustment of the

parts to each other, and of the whole to

appropriate conditions,

lies

this involves the very

its

main purpose and

the foundation of architectural ex-

42

Every

cellcnco.

l)uililin^ is

uieant to be used

AVitliout

this

let

in

(iualitication

have

can

it

that

let

E\'ery building

structure.

tlie

fitness for that use

its

be uianifest.

neitlu-r

true

value

beauty.

real

nir

erected for some purpose

appear

jjiirptise, if jiossiltle,
is

AND FARM COTTAGES.

VILLAdi:

Au'ithri-

(piality

Falseliood

truthfuhii'ss.

human

liood

in

Why

should

it

in

spoken and written,

\V(rds

is

false-

meets with universal reprobation.

ennduct,

be more venial

when

per]etrated in Avood, brick,

We

do not uiean to ascribe the

or stone, in iaint or plaster.^

same moral turpitude

every design

jx'rvade

sliould

wliicli

to the builder

who

attemi)ts to deceive

the ])ub]ic eye with false shows, as to the deliljerate liar in

W(.rd

and

species

ot'

action.

Ibit

we do

affirm that such ])ractice

is

dishonest and unworthy artilice, inconsistent with true

Christian iutei^nity, of unwholes<jme tendency, and as incompatible witli the simi)lieity of good taste as

Of

sound moials.

may

be and

to treat

(tften

more

it

is

with that of

the ways in whieh these great obligations

have Iteen disregarded, we shall have occasion

])articularly

when we

couie to details.

mind, uo one, in

A\'ith tliese leading ideas well fixed in his

designing a cottage residence, need trou1)le himself

what

])(-ints

to settle before he begins

Gothic, Elizabethan or Italian.

what

lie has

are called the orders of architecture,

portant

tlie

mueh

to

some im-

talk of

Let us consider

al)out

for a

Greek

or

moment

case re(piires.

" Houses," says

at."

Were

who

builds a

ture would
comfortable.

l>iicon,

this truth
Iiousl* for

"are

uppermost

to live

not

to

lo(jk

in the tlioughts of every

man

built

in,

himself or others, our domestic architec-

be greatly modified.

Can we doubt

that

It
it

would certainly be more

would be better looking.^

THE ADOPTION OF A PLAN.

The house which

venient,

and

if

is

so,

built
it is

"to

lo

at

''

is

43

very apt to be incon-

just as surely ugly

for

apart from

actual and manifest utility in a dwelling-house, there can be no

such thing as beauty.

Shelter from sun and storm, protection

against the extremes of heat and cold, the due admission of

and

light

suitable rooms

air,

for clothing, utensils, food

washing, and

and sleep

to live

and

in,

receptacles

fuel, conveniences for cooking,

other labors of the household, together with an

all

ample and convenient supply of good water, may be

as necessary requisites of every

may

visions

human

dwelling.

but there

down

These pro-

be few, small, and plain, or numerous, large, and

elaborate, according as the wants, means,

vary

set

is

and tastes of families

not an item of the enumeration which the

humblest habitation, that deserves to be called a house, can

afford to spare or needs to omit.

In arranging the apartments,

special attention should be given to the saving of needless labor

and to the promotion of neatness and

which

will

nected.

order.

Let the rooms

be most used, be most closely and conveniently con-

Let the best, the most accessible, and most agreeable

rooms of the house, whether below or above, be fitted and kept

for daily family use.
it

not

commend

one room on the

This has not always been done,

itself to

common

first floor,

but does

Let there be

at least

provided with the means of

warmth

sense

and ventilation, which may be used as a sleeping-room for age and

sickness.

The

stairs

should generally be central in position

they should always be safe for children, and broad and low
the sake of the infirm and the old.

ment

of halls

and comfort

The

size,

for

form, and arrange-

and passages, have much to do with both looks

and the same may be

said of the position

character of the chimneys and windows.

and

In placing the rooms

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES,

44

which are most to he used, regard shoidd he

sun and

l^osure to

air at

ditiereiit

have seen hirge expensive

looked out upon

tlie

liouses,

north-star,

The must

seasons.

mistakes are often made for the want of

tliis

Porches,

But

all

etc.,

if

will

man

will

and jtromoter of

day

in the sun.

judiciously dis-

show, will add nnich to comfort.

remember and consult

make

try to

jjarlors

enjoyment should not he the only aim.

i.hysical

building, as in every thing else, the intelligent

posed

AVe

and wliose hirge summer draw-

verandahs, window-canojdes,
for

al)surd

forethouglit.

whose snug winter

ing-rooms in the southern corner, hashed

posed for use and not

to tla-ir ex-

liad

his

virtue,

In

and rightly

dis-

his higlier nature,

and

house, however un])retending, a teacher

by

its

evident regard fur order, neatness,

truth, and beauty.

It is a

common, and a very pernicious

beauty in architecture consists, mainly,

thing that

is

if

extraneous and superadded.

error, to

suppose that

not wholly, in some-

There are those who

never think of looking for this quality in mere form, in symmetrical proportions, or in the fitness of things.

they settle
shape,

wdiat they regard as

first

size, etc.,

natural result

In building,

the practical points of

and then proceed to put on the beauty.

is

an excess of

ill-selected

and

ill-jtlaced

The
orna-

ment.

Others seeing

little

scious of the union

utility

value in mere decorations, and uncon-

which may and ought to subsist between

and beauty, forego

satisfied

all

considerations of taste, and rest

with unadorned ugliness.

Of

the two

we rather 2)refer

the latter.

We

shall

iu>\

be understood as rejecting ornament.

under the jiromptings and guidance of a refined and severe

Used
taste,

THE ADOPTION OF A PLAN.

it

must always add

and keep
tion.

Not

ness.

This

its

own

its

45
But

largely to pleasing effect.

take

let it

It is at best but a secondary considera-

place.

with the beauty of form, of proportions, and of

so
is

always attainable, always pleasing, and

fit-

may add

grace to the simplest cottage, no less than to the proudest

palace.

hardly

fail to

home

in wdiich these qualities are conspicuous, can

be regarded by

ing pleasure and affection

its

inmates with constantly increas-

and

this

is

such structures afford to others to be

When

a house

is

to be one of

added obligation to make

it

many,

the gratification which

left

out of the account.

as in a village, there

conformable and agreeable.

ground, too, of

profit, it is certain that

of deformity.

Money

augment

its

On

an
the

beauty has the advantage

in imparting to a house those

and useful charms to which we have alluded,

fail to

is

spent, not in useless parts, idle s2)lendor,

and meretricious decorations, but

solid

the highest motive for

is

Nor

their adoption that can be urged.

market value

and

this

is

will

seldom

a consideration

which almost every one appreciates.

If but a single house in a viUage be well built

some,

acquires at once the pre-eminence in estimation and

it

value.

and hand-

Let the village be made up, in a great measure, of such

houses, and its superior reputation and pleasantness will

its

building lots and

In such a community,

its

entire property greatly

self-interest, as well as a

good opinion of neighbors, will generally deter a

ting

up

There

mean
is

more

make

salable.

regard for the

man from

put-

dwelling-house.

a street in one of our large

agreement of the owners,

all

cities,

on which, by

the houses were required to stand

twenty-five feet from the street-line, and to be of a certain

class, as

regards style and cost.

what impeded the

At

first,

sale of the property.

this restriction some-

But

fast as the street

46

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

was built upon,

its rei)Utation

grew, and

its lots

now command

twice the price of others lying near, and which ought to have

been just as valuable.

There have been many cases in which the ultimate worth of

property has been greatly enhanced by judicious restrictions in
regard to the position, character, and uses of the structures
erected upon

But

it.

more numerous have been the

far

stances of depreciated value from the

want

of such care.

in-

How

often have we seen whole streets and districts which have been

kept from

have even sunk in the market, in conse-

rising, or

quence of the mean and unsightly buildings wdiich have been

erected in

them by the

Such buildings

sent.

pants.

There

will

original proprietors, or with their conwill

have a correspondent

congregate,

not a vicious, yet a noisy,

if

careless, and filthy population, wdio,

least

kept

so,

when

not

made

so,

are at

by the gloomy discomfort of their abodes, and the

irresistible influence of

example.

of one good house

The example
improvement

class of occu-

in the style

is

sometimes followed by an

and taste of a

On

wdiole village.

the

other hand, an unsightly erection at some prominent point acts

as a discouragement to those
tify the place.

who would

Such an enormity

ance to the eye

it

is

is

fain

improve and beau-

not only a serious annoy-

an invasion of other's rights

a real

trespass on one's neighbors, in the view of equity, certainly,

not of law.

How

often has the intrusion of such an object ac-

tually lowered the value of surrounding property, to an

far exceeding its

or of smell

may

is

own

An

why

its

amount

offence against the sense of hearing

ranked as a nuisance,

be abated by

posed to ask

if

strong arm.

We

is

amenable to Liw, and

have sometimes

the eye should be less favored.

Is

it

felt dis-

nut sub-

THE ADOPTION OF A PLAN.

ject to trials just as real

and quite as severe

47

Why should

the

noble and delicate faculty of vision he less protected by those

who make, and expound^ and

enforce our laws^ than the inferior

senses that convey to us the pleasures

sound

and pains of odor and

of

In regard to those moral considerations which make neatness and beauty so desirable in the arrangements and architec-

we

ture of a village^

prefer to use the words,

high authority of President Dwight

symmetry
mind.

in the thoughts, feelings,

Its

and

a kind of

human

the

and conduct, are

taste, intelligence, affections,

effects.

is

efforts of

so

can prevent them

intimately related, that no preconcertion

from being mutually causes and

and to urge the

" There

The

thing power-

first

fully operated on, and, in its turn, proj)ortionally operative, is

the taste.

The perception

ment and

grossness, of decency

indecorum,

is

the

first

of beauty

and deformity, of

and vulgarity, of propriety and

man

thing which influences

an escape from a grovelling, brutish character

which morality

is

refine-

to

attempt

a character in

effectually chilled, or absolutely frozen.

most persons, this perception

is

awakened by what may be

the exterior of society, particularly by the

mode

In

called

of building.

Uncouth, mean, ragged, dirty houses, constituting the body of

any town,
manners.
living,

will

regularly be accompanied

The

and the manners,

of the buildings,

and

will all correspond

it

On

is

mode

of

with the appearance

such case, of

the inhabitants of such a

will be difficult, if not impossible, to

that intelligence
will

coarse, grovelling

will universally be, in eveiy

a vulgar and debased nature.

town,

by

dress, the furniture, the equipage, the

either necessary or useful.

work a conviction,
Generally, they

regard both learning and science only with contempt.

Of

TILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

48
momls,

and that which has the

on the heart, they will scarcely have any appre-

least influence

The

hensions.

coarsest form,

in the

exce})t

hy

rights enforced

compelled to respect,

law they

miinici[)al

may

he

and the corresponding duties they may he

necessitated to perform

hut the rights and ohligations whicli

beyond the reach of magistracy,

lie

which the chief duties of mo-

in

rality are found, and from which the chief enjoyments of society

They may

spring, will scarcely gain even their passing notice.

pay

their debts,

but

almost every thing of value in

will neglect

the education of their children.

The

'

men

very fact, that

good houses

see

more than almost any thing

will,

superiority in

same sense

those by

whom

derived,

is

dress, furniture,

awaken

else,

built

around them,

them

in

a sense of

the same manner, from handsomer

in

The

and equipage.

sense of beauty

is

necessa-

accompanied by a perception of the superiority which

rily

sesses

over defoi-mity

superiority on

is first

and

instinctively felt to

is

who can

call

I apprehend,

This,

cannot.
society

those

The

such houses are inhabited.

manner

started towards improvement

those which are sensible, can

make

in

for

pos-

confer this

their own, over those

it

the

is

it

who

which coarse
no

objects,

but

any considerable imjjression

on coarse minds."

Let
all eyes,

it

and that therefore

So

entirely.

secured
irence

not be said that

impossible so to build as to please

we may

as others are

far

when your work

and

it is

is

concerned, the main object

also

remember that

faculty higlily susceptible of cultivation.

he can to awaken

and

to correct

it

it

in those

in those

is

satisfactory to persons of true intelli-

But we must

taste.

as well forego the attempt

who

taste

is

Let each one do what

are indifferent

to

whose notions are wrong.

good looks,

There

is

THE ADOPTION OF A PLAN.

power

in true

makes

later,

beauty, as in

of adaptation to

its

end,

other truth, which, sooner or

all

Any

itself felt.

house destitute of symmetry, and

grotesque

ornament, wdll soon reveal

49

in form,

and tawdry with

when seen

deformity,

its

in contrast

with one of simple elegance, honest in every feature, and reared

evidently not

happy

much

so

Consistency

is

it

at,

as

It should

be the case when in

will

human

a quality which, in

derstand and value.

This

be looked

to

to live

and be

in.

no

less

size,

character, all un-

mark the human

evidently conforms to the character, position, and

owner.

It violates this obligation

dwelling:.

form, style, details, and cost,

means of

its

when the requirements of

situation, of climate, of surrounding scenery,

its

and of the neigh-

borhood, are disregarded in particular features, or in the general

expression of the design.

" Count the cost before you begin to

all ages,

and the prudence which

sanction of lips divine.

every

man must

The

may

it

true

is

How

maxim

of

not without the

question of ability

is

one which

determine what

a given sum, and especially a

be most economically and judiciously laid out,

quite another affair, and

Let

enjoins

settle for himself, so far as to

amount he can expend.

small one,

it

build,'' is

demands very

careful

be remembered, that in building, cheapness

economy.

To

without a reasonable

build

is

consideration.
is

not always

regard

for

strength and durability, merely for the sake of saving, evinces

but a short-sighted frugality.

The question

of

economy

is

not a simple geometrical prob-

lem, as some would have us consider

cide

what form of structure

material,

and at the lowest

4

it.

will give,

It

is

not difficult to de-

with the least amount of

cost of erection, the greatest

quan-

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

50

Leaving out of the question looks and con-

tity of cubic space.

venience, the rule might do for a temporary barn, \vhich

hold nothing but hay

Hexagonal

cation.

and

cells

this is

about the extent of

answer perfectly

is

its ajipli-

of

the storage

for

to

honey, and an eight-sided prism looks well as a crystal, but

neither form

suited to the ordinary purposes of a dwelling-

is

house.

We
as

we

tomed

have stated some of the principles which should govern,

and

to observe

reflect

we

by inducing them

As

it.

this

is

and how they can best

it,

we dwell upon

The

expense of obtaining a proper plan

The

short-sisrhtedness of this view has been

sity,

which

is

so often involves, of additions

But

]\Iany a

there

is

man, with no experience and

and

in the neces-

alterations,

and

fail

little

study, fancies that

Architecture, he contends,

any more than other professions and

which

conceded that

application,

and

may understand

])y

skill

frequent practice.

unless he

means

it

Any man

it

it is

is

no

not,

univer-

of good abilities

and may learn how

to apply

them,

the requisite time and attention.

in other pursuits,

to

mystery

is

acquired only by long and careful

its principles,

provided that he gives to

actively engaged

is

arts in

which

to satisfy

to deal with.

difficult

mystery, and ought not to be monopolized.

sally

moment.

for a

shown

fees,

another class more

he can build a capital house.

it

the objection with some.

cost perhaps far more than an architect's

all.

serviceable, not

a point in regard to which considerable

ignorance and prejudice prevail,

it

commend

to dispense with the skill of educated artists,

but by shov/ing them their need of

employ

persons accus-

believe that they will

To such we hope they may prove

themselves.

after

To

conceive, in the planning of a house.

he cannot possibly do

change his business, and to plan

this.

If

Nor,

for others as

THE ADOPTION OF A PLAN.

51

well as himself, would the object be worth the pains

^^

cost.

The

life

all

things

excel in

of
;

man/' says Eepton,

and

as

thing/ so professors of other

''

would

not sufficient to

is

knowledge

little

arts, as well

it

a dangerous

is

as of medicine, will

often find that the most difficult cases are those where the patient

has begun by quacking himself

Many

houses are planned by

common

carpenters, who, for the

sake of securing the job, frequently offer to

without charge.

When

professional designers,

such persons profess to think lightly of

The

gotten that they have a motive.

it

''practical

must not be

merits of the question

for-

may

If you are disposed to copy exactly some

other man's house, a carpenter

are not so disposed.

the design

and boast the superiority of

men,'' as they modestly claim to be regarded,

be very briefly stated.

make

is

all

you need.

Houses, as we have

We

trust

you

shown, should be

adapted to the wants of those who occupy them, and these are
rarely the

same

in

any two

not to look just alike.

and,

when

carried far,

cases.

Houses need not and ought

Such sameness

is

monotonous, tiresome,

becomes absolutely disagreeable.

In designs thus furnished, the beauties of form are not to be

looked

Those

for.

to execute,

details will be selected

which are most easy

Such a

and not those which are most appropriate.

draughtsman may give the simple

a building, seen directly in

elevation

front.

the meagre idea of

To know how

from other points of view, and to give

it

it

will

look

the proper expression,

requires an acquaintance with perspective laws, as well as with

the principles of artistic grouping and of architectural

Men

effect.

engaged in the mechanical labor of erecting and finishing

have no need of these qualifications

for acquiriDg

them, and seldom,

if ever,

they have no opportunity

possess them.

In prac-

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

52
tical

the main requisite

carpentry,

practical designing

most truly

By

the carpenter's

To

most attentive to

is

we do not mean

this

to

but

his

own

is

special de-

underrate the advantages

derive from an experimental knowledge of

may

which a designer

thus.

who

In either case, he

a work of the mind.

is

]ractical

})artment.

manual dexterity

is

cultivate

of our best architects began

Some

business.
their

and

taste,

to

master the higher

branches of their art^ they abandoned, of necessity, the manual

labor of the trade, without losing the valuable knowledge which

they had acquired of the laws and

feasibilities of

mechanical con-

Nor, on the other hand, would we disparage the exer-

struction.

tion of these talents

is

No

in mechanical builders.

and ingenuity

cise of taste

ever

\Ve conclude

lost.

cultiva-

with a

this topic

In the studios of those great sculptors, Crawford

single hint.

and Powers, there

are

many

Italian w^orkers of marble.

It is

not improbable that some of these " practical mechanics " would

undertake, for a consideration far inferior to that demanded by

their masters, to conceive

American
It

is

an

suitable

is

who

The man

erect large
is

and expensive houses.

compelled to a close economy has, perhaps,

called to plan such a house,

and

needed

is

in building

who

some

error to suppose that the architect's aid

even greater occasion for the best professional advice.

tect

for

Capitol.

only by those

who

and mould a Washington

make

and who would make

a drawing.

He

it

certainly cannot adapt

his plan to the requirements of his employer, until

tained what tliosc requirements are.

the notions of men, that this

to understand

archi-

must perform a very important duty

satisfactory,

before he begins to

The

and dehne

is

But

so vague, often, are

no easy matter.

their

own

ideas

he has ascer-

They need help

and wishes.

In such

THE ADOPTION OF A PLAN.

must

cases, the architect

explain,

his client, as well as himself, shall

and question, and suggest,

and

cost of the proposed erec-

tion,

and of those paramount considerations

else

must conform.

architect will

much
who

his

own

his

feel

this

until

have a definite notion in regard

to the size, accommodation, style,

In

53

to

which every thing

matter of advising, an honorable

moral responsibility

are to occupy the dwelling.

consulting not so

and true

fancy, as the character

interests of those

It will be his

aim

adapt

so to

the house to the habits, needs, and circumstances of the family

so to arrange the whole in respect of economy, consistency,

and

architectural propriety, that the result shall be not only pleasing

at

first,

but from year to year more and more satisfactory.

To do

this requires not only the exercise of a cultivated taste

but considerable acquaintance with

ticular occasion

demands

special examination

It is this part of the architect's

above what

human

duty which

merely mechanical, or even

is

nature.

and

Each par-

careful thought.

raises his profession

artistic.

This,

when

honestly and judiciously performed, gives to his services their

In this respect, his labors are

truest value.
size

and

cost of the building

than

less affected

many would

suppose.

by the
Often,

indeed, the necessity of designing for a house of low cost increases

The man

his difficulties.

ample space

on architectural
dollar

of abundant

for every desired

eft'ect.

must be made

means can

afford to have

accommodation, without infringing

But, in the small dwelling, where every

to

tell, it

requires close calculation

and

ingenious contrivance, to secure at once utility and good looks.

And

this difference

in designing the

holds in regard to ornamental details.

architect

"I

am

two

classes of structures

Says an eminent English

not ashamed to confess that I have often expe-

rienced more difficulty in determining the form and size of a

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

54
hovel or a park

than

I'litraiu-e

of a larc^e mansion."

It

in arranging- tlie several a})artnients

fur these reasons

is

that

architects

cannot aftord to furnish appropriate and careful cottage designs

for the

nerate

quence

same i)er-centage on the

them
is

fur those of

that

many

Under such

cost as that

more expensive

such

conse-

aid.

circumstances, the next best course fur procuring

He who

their wardro])e.

a tolerable

The

buildings.

feel cumiielled to forego

a house-plan seems to be that whirh

find>s

which would remu-

fit

many adopt

in regard to

thinks he cannot afford to order a coat,

among

the ready-made and lower priced arti-

cles of the store.

Common mode

some house already

of i)rocuring a design

is

to take as a

Tliis particularly suits those

buill.

model

who

ex-

perience difficulty in understanding architectural drawings, and

an object, not actually before their

in forming the conce])tion of

eyes.

To

suitable

the copying of a pattern house,

can be found, there

But

except the sameness.

which exactly

it

is
is

if

one in

perhaps no

suits its present location

kind of

for a different

respects

objection,

often forgotten that the house

and occupants, may seem

quite out of place in some other situation, and

unfit

all

serious

flimily.

If,

may

be wholly

as often happens, an

attempt be made to modify

it

proportions,

by

curtailment in

by some incongruous addition

in

(-ne

part,

another, the probability

will

be mostly

lust,

is

designs.

caution

Those

of an original

its

that the good qualities of the original

while their few remaining traces will only

show the deformity of the

The same

or

by altering

is

alterations.

ap}>lical)le

i>rincii)les

to the selection of i)ublished

which should direct

in

the f )rmation

design ought also to control in some degree, at

least, the choice of a

ready-made

i)lan.

Each man must decide

THE ADOPTION OF A PLAN.

in his

own

what

case

most suitable

is

for

55

The

him.

desio-ns
in
o

book are offered in the hope thatj while they increase the

this

variety, they will

add something

to the faciHty with

which such

a selection can be made.

Whatever the plan adopted,

firmly adhered

to.

has begun will be more

than in

benefit.

the idea of modifying

may change

it

when once

its

change can be

and

after the

work

and vexa-

Those who adopt a published design with

it,

should remember that a slight alteration

made

skill.

its value.

Such a

only in the same spirit as that which

governed in the original formation

least equal taste

it

likely to result in injury, loss,

whole character, and destroy

safely

fixed on, be

should be found in some

imperfect, attempts to improve

slight degree

tion,

let it,

Even though

and

to do

it

well requires at

CHAPTEE

VII.

PRINCIPLES AS APPLIED TO DETAILS.

EFOPiE we
ples wliieli

apply

tlie

general princi-

have been stated, to the

selection, or the formation of a design,

it

i^^^^^

is

important to know what

prominent desire
building,

K;;.,'
y^.^^

of

interests.

-dr^^

We

sideration.

Economy.

To

branch of our subject some allu-

made, but

shall discuss

all.

it

it

requires

else.

The

men

more minute con-

under separate heads.

for the

sake of display, or from any

means

But men sometimes

in building,
err

penny-wise and pound-foolish frugality

houses wliieh

only

one another.

other motive, should go beyond his

Thus

and

That a man,

acknowledged by

shall

can we determine the purpose and

this

sions have already been

in

it

situation of the different parts,

their adaptation to
'^

owner

the

and to what extent

control other

the

is

is

is

a iully

on the other

side.

exhibited in the

build iur themselves, as often as any wliere

UKjst valuable jiropurties in a house are underrated.

They do not

get what they need, nor what they can well affnid.

If from either of the above causes a

man's house be inappnpri-

PRINCIPLES AS APPLIED TO DETAILS.

and condition, the inconsistency

ate to his character

apparent to

all,

57

and he must sink somewhat

in

soon

is

the estimation of

his neighbors.

In

cases where expense

all

must be

closely calculated, the

multiplying of angles in the walls and roof should be avoided, so

far as

may

bility,

low

consist with the

main purpose of the house.

cost, ease of transj^ortation

govern in the selection of material

it

Dura-

and of working, should

and in order to derive from

the greatest benefit, that material should be worked in the

and

When

economy

most

scientific

made

the ruling influence, there should be no attempt to conceal

the fact.

skillful

manner.

Such attempts never succeed.

How much

thus

is

better to

challenge admiration for a happy effort to economize, than to

incur the disgrace of having pretended to do something which

was beyond your power

mind the

Especially bear in

fact,

that

beauty and convenience are not only consistent with economy,

but promotive of
pose,

provided

of the house

it,

more frequently than men usually sup-

these qualities are properly sought in the forms

itself,

Materials.

far

rather than in ornaments and appendages.

In the

appropriateness must

numerous forms

still

holds,

Walls of stone, well

choice of materials, as in other things,

govern.

Among

these, stone in its

by universal consent, the pre-eminence.

laid, last for ages, are

proof against

fire,

protection against both heat and cold, and need no paint, either

Were we

to preserve or beautify them.

structures,

we should have much

treating of costly

to say in regard to the

com-

parative merits of the various stones in use, and of the different

ways

in

which they are prepared and used.

such houses as we are now considering, stone

ployed in our country, nor

is

it

But
is

for building

not often em-

Kkely to be so employed

for a

58

AND

VILL.Uil-:

Ions:

^Vllcre

time to conio.

cost of (jutiiiying

cutting

little

slight, stone

is

it

is

l-AUM COTTAGES.

exists in almiidjince, wliere the

it

and that of moving and

or nothing,

may

he advantageously employed on

Walls of

buildings of moderate eost.

roxujli

stone, sueh as these

which

havi', linislR'd with the sim])le di'tails

struetures would

alone become them,

are

more

plainly

for

suitable

the open

For a farm-house, which

country than for the village.

is

likely

to remain such, a structure of this material seems very suitable,

plain as

it

houses, es})ecially

located in a village,

if

advise the use of stone.

first

AVhen

it,

he

Z///cA-6'

may

and when

we should seldom

his

improved condition

rear a mansion of brick or stone.

made near

are

for very small

Let the young householder build at

of a cheaper material,

shall justify

But

and strong and enduring.

is,

by, or from any cause, arc the

material most easily obtained, their use in cheap houses

with a neater and more elaborate

structures of unwrought stone.

perhaps

easily laid,

than stones are

commended them

not unfrequently

than can be given to

piles are less clumsy,

and

Bricks are also more easily transported,

less cheerless.

and more

finish,

Such

ap-

of architectural form,

They admit a wider scope

propriate.

is

and these

qualities

to village use.

have

But, except

in those parts of our country which are l)lessed with })ale clays,

brick walls impose the additional expense of paint.

try, a red

house of (my material

is

For country buildings of small

most
come.

in use,

and

so

it

of brick and

st(jne.

Our young men

they ought.

an abomination to the
cost,

loood

is

will be, doubtless,' for a

It has not, indeed, the

But

eye.

the substance

good while to

])ermauent and substantial air

this constitutes, in

just starting in

In the coun-

life l)Cgin

jiart, its

merit.

with small houses, as

But they do not mean, and do not expect

to live

PRIXCIPLES AS APPLIED TO DETAILS.

in

them

There are few, perhaps, who do not hope

always.

to see the time

when they

handsome dwelling,
the number

is

have been no

As

their

59

shall

for their

be able to erect a large and

idle

it

this to

dream.

humble wood cottages

manent, would

And

middle and decHning years.

by no means small, whose history proves

are not

meant

to be

be fitting that they should seem so

per-

Un-

doubtedly they look flimsy and perishable to the foreigner, who

has never seen any walls less solid than brick or stone.
impressions are
building

is

of small

moment.

So long as this way of

congenial to the quick spirit and progressive habits

of our countrymen,

it is

also right

In the use of wood, no

less

and

fit.

than of more

solid substances,

regard should be had to attending circumstances.

is

His

suitable, there is

So far as

it

an evident propriety in emj^loying such wood

as abounds in the vicinity.

It

should not only be but seem

Let us eschew always the miserable, the

easy of procurement.

unpatriotic feeHng, which prizes things,

(it

may

be of inferior

value,) merely because they are far fetched.

In

size

and forms

let

the same

consistency be

observed.

Massive and projecting timbers, far larger than strength re-

become a building reared among

quires

saw-mills and lumber-yards

and remote from

forests

for this reason, if

would be expensive to make them

no other, that

it

less.

Considerable attention has been directed of late, to walls of

concrete,

many

and their much vaunted cheapness has induced a good

persons to put

them

up.

They

tar, gravel

and small stone fragments,

or moulds,

which are removed as

Where

lime, sand,

mor-

consist entirely of
laid

fast as

up

in

wooden

shells

the hardening permits

and gravel abound, and

stone, brick,

and

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

GO

wood

are scarce, such walls

But there
more

may

save something in the cost.

To

are ohjections to them.

skill

than

needed

is

for

them

Luikl

well requires

an ordinary stone

They

wall.

have a blank and monotonous aspect, unless disguised to look

like

something wdiich they are not, and this

we never can commend.

durability.

American

But our

These walls are no new invention, nor are they of

There are instances, undoubtedly, in which

origin.

they have stood the test of time.

and those

others,

a practice that

is

chief distrust relates to their

But there have been many

in climates far less trying

they have proved worthless.

than ours, where

Within our own

knowledge,

structures of this kind, erected in Massachusetts less

several

fluid

concrete of the right ingredients and rightly compounded,

may

than two years ago, have already crumbled to powder.

But

undoubtedly acquire the hardness of stone.

ment,

if successful,

cessful

as the experi-

might not prove economical, and

would be disastrous, the question of trying

arefully

One
sist on.

if

unsuc-

should be

it

weighed.
rule in regard to all materials

we would

Let them appear to be wdiat they

moral and refined abhors

all

are.

earnestly in-

taste truly

dishonest imitations in archi-

tecture.

If fur the sake of looks, or of preservation, walls of

Mf brick are i)ainted (as often they should be,) let

is

deemed

or

still

be

If on the whole

evident that they are ^jam^ec^ brick or wood.

it

it

wood

advisable to plaster on the outside, a rough wall

show as

plaster,

and not ridiculously

of brick or stune, let

it

pretend to be ashlar.

But outside stuccoing

we would never

advise.

of appearance or

It lias

is

a process which

no particular advantages, either

protection, even supposing that

it

could be

PRINCIPLES AS APPLIED TO DETAILS.

made

to

We

ours.

it

cannot, at least in a climate like

do not believe that any outside plastering can long

withstand our

fierce alternations of

heat and cold, of moist and

we have never seen a

Certainly

dry.

But

adhere.

61

wall, thus treated,

which the coat did not begin, in a few years, to peel

only remedy then,
application
worse.

It

may

is

The

away the whole and renew the

to strip

an attempt to patch but makes the matter

for

off.

from

be shown that some stuccoed houses among us

have actually cost more in the end, than they would have done,
if built originally of

hewn

To

they caused the owners.

field

stone, to say nothing of the vexation

such, the remark of Lord

would not seem extravagant, "that

Kenwood been
have found
Style.

it

originally covered

had the

When we are considering

mere

utility

right principles of design

a structure, as a whole,

many

and comfort, a

While the

uniformity.

an unbounded

tastes of our
if
its

surface

diversity,

and expression,

close

adherence to

peculiarly desirable.

is

fanciful forms

fashionable, there is no danger of its

hibit

of

expensive than stucco.'^

less

this will set aside

front

with Parian marble he should

or in its parts, with reference to appearance

rather than

Mans-

Although

which are common and

producing an unj)leasing

and scenery of the country ex-

and the condition, character, and

countrymen are almost as various, our architecture,

properly conformed to these, incurs no danger of tiring by

sameness.

The

servile copying,

on which we have already

remarked, and the architectural absurdities put up by eccentric

or ambitious persons,

which are but too common, indicate an

ignorance and indifference in regard to the true principles of

taste, not destined,

The

we hope,

to last for ever.

fallacy of supposing that architectural

beauty consists

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

62

mainly in ornament, the mere accessories of a Luilding, has

been already alluded to in

determined with
mental part

is

strict

Its injurious inlluence is

jiassing.

The general form

conspicuous every where.

of a house

and

while the decorative portion,

if

the

of

it is

But beauty

stuck on as the owner thinks he can afford.

nutline and shape should evidently be

much

so

often

The orna-

regard to cost and utility.

left for after consideration,

is

first

of

consideration,

there be any, should be designed

simultaneously and form part and parcel of the whole.

Such

The

vice in

beauty must be imparted at the outset,

'[uestion exists,

who

and needs to

Let us hope, however, that

not quite so bad as the words which f 'llow seem to

is

" The fact

import.

all.

to be feared, in high quarters,

it is

be reformed at the fountain-head.

the case

at

if

is,

never met with the architect yet,

did not think ornament meant a thing to be bought in a

shop and pinned on, or

left

fancy seized them, thinking

of the other kind of

kind
I do

ornament

off,

at architectural toilets, as the

little

more than many women do

the only true kind

not that outward adorning, but the inner of the heart.'

mean

not

architects cannot

that

conceive this better

ornament, but they do not understand that

ornament
but this

that

all

architectural ornament

loveliness,

maker

You

left

that

and that no

without harm to
it.

it

is this,

is

only

the

and nothing

that a noble building never has any extraneous or

superfluous ornament

dress

St. Peter's

its life.

create

Eve.

single

it

all

atom

You

parts are necessary to its

its

of

do not build a temple and then

in its loveliness,

Kot unadorned,

as I

adorned as to need no feather crowns."

The

them could be removed

Stones of Venice, Vol.

I. p.

and leave
believe,

it

but

''

388.

London

ed. 1851.

as her
so

well

PRINCIPLES AS APPLIED TO DETAILS.

Let

it

not be supposed that attention to this point would

On

necessarily increase the expense.

and judicious,

The

it

would often diminish

the other hand,

this

Much money

useless.

We

designs.

we may say under this head,

found inappropriate or

timely

may seem somewhat

work and of our humble

trust that the little which

if

it.

subject of architectural orders

beyond the aim of

be

63

will not

has been

wasted in this country, and great inconvenience has been

and

curred, through mistaken notions

bition in building took a

Greek

century,

earlier part of this

we

had

Grecian

first

impulses of am-

For a time in the

direction.

was thought that almost every

it

pubhc structure must be Doric,

ingly

idle fancies in regard to

Unfortunately, the

architectural styles.

in-

Ionic, or Corinthian.

and

Court-houses,

Accord-

Custom-houses,

Grecian Banks and Churches, Grecian Taverns, and Colleges,

and

Nor was the rage confined

Capitols.

description.

Both

in city

to edifices of this

and country dwelHng houses

rose

with huge columns at the end, largely consumptive of wood

and

paint.

There

is

reason to believe that

tliis folly

has had

its day.

We

might urge the weakness of the hntel and architrave as

compared with the

arch.

We

might contrast the tame

flatness

and tiresome sameness of that Grecian horizontal squareness,

with the bold, soaring, graceful, and ever varying curves and lines
of the best Gothic.

mathematically

and

stiff,

We might show up the one, all artificial and

while the other

full of pleasing analogies that

easy,

is

accommodating,

remind us of Nature and

endless diversities of beauty.

But

that the Greek construction

not adapted to our wants.

is

it

is

its

enough to say here

lacks the essential element of fitness to the purposes for

It

which

TILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

G4

Nor

uur Liiiklings are erected.

is

which we absurdly try

of Greece,

used hut to he gazed

monuments,

set

up

were reared not to he

to coi)y,

They were costly

at.

The temples

this strange.

offerings, splendid

and

honor of some god or goddess,

in

as evidences not only of individual or national piety, hut also

The dark

and power.

of wealtli, taste,

of the Parthe-

cell

non might he emi)loyed on some great festival to hurn a victim

For

in.

this

it

sustain the roof,

peristyle.
it

Its real use

answered well enougli.

and to form a central core

was to help

for the

splendid

genuine Greek structure of the Doric type, unless

be meant for a tomb,

is

it

In

im2)ossihle for us to have.

proportion as we ap])roach such a result,

it

is

done with great

waste of room, material, and labor, and involves a serious obstruction

of air

If

useless.

and

Look

light.

one of these

at

The space below the columns

imitations.

it

is

be a great public structure, this space

pied in front by a blank, tedious and sometimes

Ecce signum

of steps.

huge

the New York

The upper windows

occu-

is

frightful flight

Custom-House

darken the lower windows and obstruct

pillars

prospects.

abortive

almost wholly

The

their

are often entirely hid behind

the deep entablature, and the occupants of such rooms never

get

beyond a respectable

This mass of base and

twilight.

colonnade, of entablature and pediment, and of roof to cover

them,

very costly, and all

is

tlie

good

it

does

is

to

make the
AVhen

building dilHcult of access, and dark, and inconvenient.

these features are of wood, they are

still

more objectionable, as

being not only specially liable to decay, but very attractive and
accessible

to

fire.

And

style are wholly unfit to

climes.

If

finally tlie

low-])itclied

meet the stern

we have dwcdt a UKjuient on

roofs of this

necessities of northern
this

theme,

it

is

be-

PRINCIPLES AS APPLIED TO DETAILS.

cause

we would

humble measure,

aid, in our

a style of building whicli possesses so

and power, and tbus

variety,

other modes which

modern

greatest of

combine

we

of real beauty,

popular mind toward

these

all

to banish entirely

little

direct the

writers on art,

principles of architecture,

Nor

firmly think,) he
rises out of

before

is

is

it

the

both desirable
in the great

and thus to create a pure and healthy

the subject out of place here

right in saying, " that

all

good and simple domestic work

(as

if,

we

good architecture

and that

therefore,

you attempt to build great churches and palaces, you

must build good house

selves,

With

quahties.

believe

and practicable to educate the people generally

public taste.

65

doors,

we may be pardoned

if

and garret windows.''

we

For our-

add, that these opinions of

the comparative merits of Grreek and Gothic, are by no means

They were formed

new.

in the school of

Lamps" and

the "Seven

bombs

into the

tecture,

and

Upjohn, years before

the "Stones of Venice"

camps of

and

fell

like

and Eenaissance archi-

Classical

experience have but

confirmed

and ignorant copying of any

style, that

reflection

our faith.

by a

It is not

servile

our domestic architecture

We

think

any

real

it

is

to be truly

and generally improved.

pretty clear in what direction

and great reform, but

in seeking it

we must

look for

there

need of

caution and judgment, as well as of knowledge and

Among
up among

is

skill.

the Gothic cottages, so called, which have sprung

us, in great

numbers

of late years,

it

is

not unusual

to see one so excessively Gothic as to look like a caricature.

The

roof

is

broken and squeezed into

makes a prodigious display

ideas of convenience

many narrow

of pinnacles

gables^

and verge boards.

and use were evidently secondary,

if

and
All

indeed

C6

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

they entered at

all

into tlie

very reverse of the spirit

Gdthie, and

wliieli

must

This

desiL::ner's tliouglits.

is

tlie

inspired the oldest and best

wiiieli

<:;()vern still,

Avhenever

employed

is

it

ariu:ht.

For the same reason

it

evidently absurd to imitate in a

is

country home, either ecclesiastical or castellated architecture.

\\ e

can hardly imauine any thing more ])uny than a diminutive

American

cojky,

executed

in this

ninteenth century, from one of

those stern old castles, which ^vcre not only i)roper but necessary in the days of Front de

Xnt a few

in

Boeuf

forming or choosing a design, seem to be

enced by a passion for novelty,

the

influ-

desire of exhibiting some-

thing unusual and strange, that shall at least excite wonder

fail

in

of admiration.

such cases

The

is

It is a poor

very likely to result in dissatisfaction.

aspect of a dwelling-house naturally suggests to ns some

idea in regard to the character

There may

l)e,

and condition of

and there ought

to be, in

its

made

fiincy, that the spirit

in

some measure

the structure.

At any

ap})arent to

It

is

not a

and character of the inmates may be

to a})pear in the
rate,

sistent with his disposition

occupants.

the ex|ression of a

house something that shall aid us in this matter.

mere

if it

motive of action at the best, and

when

outward expression of

a man's

home

is

grossly incon-

and circumstances, the incongruity

is

all.

Let the construction and arrangement of the house have a

distinct reference

to the

employment of

its

soiled and weary mechanic, returning at night,

inhabitant.

The

will usually prefer

a comfortable no(;k and plain seat by the kitchen

lire-})lace,

or

cooking-stove, to a sofa in the parlor furnished with car])ets, curtains,

and mahogany,

lie W(nd<l feel out of place

he would be

PRIXCIPLES AS APPLIED TO DETAILS.

uneasy and unhappy,

compelled to stay long amid the elegan-

if

man

which surround the

cies

of property and taste.

person consult his inclinations.

kitchen, or

common

67

If

it

is

cjuite

Let such a

certain that the

living-room, will be the place of his habitual

that room, at least, be spacious, comfortable, and plea-

abode,

let

sant.

Let him consider that his own every-day comfort, and

that of his family, are far more important than any impression

which may be made on the minds of occasional

many

village

superfluous

and farm-houses, the

visitors.

jiarlor, so called, is

locked-up room, kept

for

In

positively

company, opened, per-

haps, three or four times a year, where the furniture generally

gets mouldy, and the air

A
be

it

sensible

what

shows to
else,

it

its

man

will

is

always musty.

compel others

to respect his emjjloyment,

may, by the evident and consistent regard which he

conditions.

To ape

another, whose position

is

in one's house, or in

different, is

any thing

a sort of confession

that you despise your own.

The

house will modify, to some extent,

size of a

laige than in small structures.

It

is

form and

veryun^vise to attempt the

reproduction of a large house by a reduced copy.

son which

its

Kegulaiity and variety are more easily attained in

character.

is

thus forced upon us,

is

The compari-

greatly to the disadvantage

of the latter.

The nature

of the material used should have

an influence in

determining not only the general form, but the constituent parts.

given design

may

wood, but seldom,

perhaps be executed in stone, or brick, or

if ever, will it

Each material has

its distinctive

be equally appropriate for

character,

and as

part more or less of the same to the structure,

each case

its

own

particular treatment.

it

it

all.

must im-

demands

in

TILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

68
Scenery and
tic

features

Architectural

nuist be taken into

])(>sition

only in

look wi-U

midst

tlie

acconnt.

tlie

of runil

should he reserved fur cultivated scenes.

ele^^^ance

The Swiss

style of cottage originated in the necessities of

taineers.

Among

hills,

it

is

it

may

be ada])ted to

and sturdy brackets.

many

In a modified

of our rough hill sides.

about to build where Nature

is

In what degree
points will

command

it

and fmish,

village street.

will

be seen

your house be conspicuous

What

Nor can you,

tions of climate.

From what

prospects, near or remote, will

These are questions which,

must have more

If one

wild and grand, he will do

wisely to avoid the regularity of shape, the precision

which look well in the

moun-

sliows to advantage its overhanging

roofs, its projecting galleries,

ibrm,

Pais-

simplicity.

])roperly

or less influence on the character of your design.

in this
It

is

important matter, disregard considera-

well to

remember that you

will

need both

sunshine and shade.

That there

are winds to be courted,

winds to be shunned.

That there

will be rain

storms, and snow storms.

winter cold and

it

considered,

summer

and

storms and hail

Tliat there will be fierce invasions of

heat.

Against these inevitable assaults

of the elements, the defences which you provide should be aj)pro-

priate and sufficient.

CHAPTER

VIII.

COTTAGES OF ONE STORY.

THEKE

is little

ever be looked

probability that houses of only one story will

upon with general favor

in a country

where

almost every one seems anxious to be getting up in the world.

To

say nothing of other reasons, the fact that a second or third

story can be added with nearly the

roof, readily occurs to

same

cost of foundation

But there

economical people.

where economy demands the one-storied house.

ture

must be

this necessity will always exist.

is

its

recommendations.

indoors work

up

stairs,

is

more

clearly indicated.

Fortunately,

The rooms

easily done.

exceed

Multitudes must content

themselves with the small, low cottage.

without

are cases

If the struc-

so small that its other dimensions hardly

the proper height of a story, this form

And

and

There

is

it is

are on a level.

not

The

no toilsome climbing

nor can children break their necks by falKng down

them, or from chamber windows.

of the owner shall justify

it,

When

the wants and means

a wing can be added, or a story in-

terposed.

In places exposed to violent winds, and also under the covert

of some sheltering ridge, or grove, a low house
suitable.

On

large

country-seats,

is

often the most

the farm-house

and the

VILLAriE

/U

AND FARM COTTAGES.

laborer's cottaL;-e will ;-cnerally

obstruct

In

tlic

(.r

made

low, that tliry

may

not

bi-come too prominent in the landscapi'.

houses of this sort, there slmukl be

all

against a

view,

1)e

damp and imimre

si)eeial i)reeauti<in

They should be

atmosphere.

set

well lip from the ground, with care to ])revent water from settling nnik-r, or around them.

dangerous night

air,

To

avoid breathing the moist and

which hovers near the earth,

let

each

slee]i-

ing a])artment be ventilated by a pipe, ojoening at the top of the

dwelling, and drawing its siipjdy from above.

DESIGN

I.

It is our endeavor here to present

smallest

amount

an arrangement with the

of accommodation that seems 'consistent with a

decent and orderly

management

of the household.

course, fitted only for a family of the smallest

size

It

is,

of

and most

moderate aims.
Its

apartments are a living-room,

eral purposes of kitchen

l. e.,

and eating- room

to answer the gen-

a sitting-room,

for reading,

sewing, and the recej^tion of friends

room,

Connected with the living-room

15.

K.

passage leading to the wood-room, w.

may
The

and a bed-

the rear.

in

cellar stairs
fireplaces.

houses of this
vide other

and, in summer, for wasliing

may

go down from this room.

The use

of stoves

class, that there is

means

for

warming

chimneys start from the

but

is

This

clotlies,

tlie

&c.

The plan shows

so nearly universal in

little

or cooking.

ceilings.

r.,

a closet, and a

be used for the storage of fuel, and large utensils of

house and garden

no

ii.,

is

s.

inducement to

2)ro-

Accordingly, the

In fhe living-room and

sitting-room there are openings for stove-pipes.

The chimney-

1>RSIGX, NO.

PLAN.

I.

COTTAGES OF OXE STORY.

71

The

caps are of terra-cottaj and stand on a brick base.

are

placed as to

so

make tbe work and

doors

care of the bousewife

easy, while the sitting-room has all the seclusion that can be
desired.

The

The

exterior is equally simple.

and battened at the

vertical boards,

wall

covered with

The window trim-

joints.

mings are plain and cheap, and appropriate

l^

a wooden house

These, with the projecting cornice and the entrance

like this.

porch,

is

make the

once reveal

little

structure inviting and homelike, and at

To the last-named

purpose.

its

feature

we

call

attention.

We

regard

it

as essential to a good dwelling-place that

have an entrance-space, or

hall, separating

the rooms in use, and connecting

them with one

constant occasions of the inmates

demand

it

the outer door from

it,

The

another.

and without

it

there can be no security against the intrusion of unwelcome

winds or company.

The
shelter

projecting gable of the porch,

it

will be seen, is

both a

and an ornament.

This house, having but one sleeping apartment,

a married couple without children.

become necessary, a low second

story

is

suited to

Should additional room

may

easily

be added.

In

such case, the present bedroom might be used for stairway and
pantries.
like

With

Design No.

its

aspect thus altered, the house would look

7, or like

JSTo.

9,

according to the manner of

making the change.

Snugness and modesty are the prominent characteristics of
this design.

Its

some sheltered

most appropriate place would be a small

position.

close the ground.

lot in

neat and simple fence should in-


VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

72

The

lieiglit

tlie

vi^

Note.

On

nished.

But

moment, and on the

is

Avhile, in

stone.

most

In

many

Bricks,

$1 75

$15 00 per M,

at

''

"

$4 00

hard, at

ft.

"

$28 00

per

4^

Glass, at

$2 25 per box.
skill

and experience,

een carefully estimated from working plans.

at tljc irices

and work
.iHce

"

$1 12

at

Nails, at

uiiiiied for eacli

is

plan

is

all

cts.

lb.

these designs have

TVe believe that the

sufficient for its erection in the

above given.

$1 02 per day.

With the aid of builders of

1

ground

the following valuation

at

common

wi

render estimates useless.

we have assumed

Timber and rough boards,

Good lumber,

cases, these

cases, the nature of the

at

labor,

In

for digging, carting, or leveling;

Carpenter's work, at

Common

are anxious not

knowledge of particulars which

differ so greatly as to

a basis of calculation,

"

we

Given, the cost of labor and materials at the

walls, or foundation

involve no outlay of money,

Mason\s

of tlie

and a very near approximation can be made.

spot,

and other circumstances

oust

always expected, and must be fur-

we have reckoned nothing

cellar

The

6 in.

ft.

to do this accurately requires a

our estimates

As

tender i)oints of estimate and cost,

tlie

Something of the kind

vary with time and place.

nothing for

is

estimated at 575.

Iniildiiig, as sliowii, is

to mislead.

rooms

sum

most perfect manner,

"Wherever and whenever the cost of materials

either greater or less than

we have

assumed, the proper allow-

must be made.

DESIGN NO.

II.

three.

narrow entry opens conveniently into the sitting-room and

tlie

Here we

living-room,

liave larger rooms,

and f)ur instead of

the corners of these a}artments

heing cut

off for

DESIGN, NO.

II.

"* ^-^

^K;

'LAX.

COTTAGES OF ONE STORY.

This irregularity

the purpose.

Without

centre of the house.

arrangement

is

73

balanced by the closet in the

loss

of available space, this

promotive of convenience and good looks.

is

side-door, opening into the living-room, is protected

By means

porch of simple form.

by an open

of light, movable shutters,

and a

door, this porch in the winter

one.

As more

may

be changed to a close

suitable to this style of house, a square built

brick chimney rises from the ground.

cellar

may

be made

under part of the house, with entrance from the wood-room.

In

very

In

ience.

may open from

for stairs

every conven-

wood-room does not connect with the

the

this,

have

cannot

If only one of the back rooms be

interior.

a door

we

small houses

the other.

and pantry, should

it

wanted

for sleeping,

The same room wiU answer

be found expedient to raise the

roof.

But

case.

This house would form a suitable wing to a larger one

this could not be effected so easily as in the former

erected in front.

In this

case, the

main porch might be

carried

to the side, the two principal rooms converted into one, and

the others used for pantry and store-room.

AYe have designed

this house for a cla^Dboard covering, the

horizontal lines of which suit its spreading form and low roof.

The

and windows are very simple, and orna-

details of cornice

ment

is

The

scarcely used.

TDrominent point of

*icvv,

structure

would well become a small regular

the road, with a neat garden behind
front

could

fit

still

abode

for

is

not intended for a

or to be looked at from a distance.

plot, a little
it,

It

removed from

and open greensward in

some aged couple,

or widow,

where they

enjoy the independence which they love, and some-

times see their children.

Height of rooms, 9

feet.

Cost, about $625.

TILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

74
Note.

In

landscape and foliage shown ai'ound these

exi)]anatioii of tlie

houses, a few words seem proper.

It certainly

is

not intended to offer these

accessories of the pictures as models of scenery to Le sought, or L'trictly imitated.

Tills

wuidd ho generally

They show,

inipossihle.

be accom[)lishcd by a judicious disposition of

Tliey

Avill

vored

Much was

appropriate.

effect of a building
it

may be

wo

is

hammer and

endea-

])lan

and to their

and

amid surroundings

was
taste

Not-

gene.'al

like these,

nail, is

III.

whom

one of that independent

On

own way.

sort,

busy

who

like

and wliich nobody

Here, amid the spared trees, he put his

had thought of

but three rooms.

larger than those of No. 1,

dah, where he could

see so

the edge of the village he

Ijought a piece of ground, hut partly cleared,

He wanted

was intended, as

this plan

The owner, whom you

in sight.

to do things in their

liouse.

which the

believe that the size

better appreciated,

needless to say for

is

the whole family

else

we have

can be without them.

DESIGN NO.

It

what may

and grounds.

mainly due the credit of these pleasing accompaniments.

skill is

with

artists

necessarily left to them,

withstanding the opinion of Loudon,

than

To the

hope.

to indieate tlie general character of the place for

deemed
and

we

bo useful, suggestively,

at least,

trees, shruhber}',

and

he was resolved to have.

To

see that they are

difierently disposed.

in the shade,

sit

You

veran-

and enjoy the fresh

carry out his

own views

air,

of con-

venience and comfort, he disregarded the advice of neighbors,

who

insisted that

it

w^ould be quite as cheap,

to build his house " regular and square."

mere

fancy.

The

cornice

is

bl(jcks.

the plan.

At

An

first it

did nothing for

unornamented, the front door

plain, the window^ caps are strips of

cornered

and much better,

He

plank sustained by three-

evident purpose pervades every

i)art

of

looked so plain, compared with neighbor-

DESIUX, NO.

III.

COTTAGES OF ONE STORY.

75

ing houses, wldcli were tricked out in gingerbread finery, that

people laughed, and called

roses,

Not

barn-like.

it

so now.

Prairie

planted and trained by the owner's own hand, already

supply the want of pilaster and cornice.

Honeysuckles will

soon climb the slender columns of the verandah, and hang be-

tween them in fragrant

festoons.

Ere

now the bean-poles

display their purple clusters, where

The maize-patch,

long, grape-vines will

stand.

present somewhat too near, ^ill be re-

at

placed by grass and flowers

and then, perhaps, some who

once scorned the homely dwelling will stop to gaze, and long to
enter.

Let them enter.

The

They will

was planned to

interior of the house

Each room

is

find every thing in order within.

suit

its mistress.

entered directly from the entry, and this being

the only connection between them, no one can be used as a

passage

way

to others.

The

odors, is effectually separated

these rooms

is

kitchen, with all its sounds and

from the sitting-room.

Each

of

supplied with a pantry, and a back-door opens

out from the latter.

The

inside walls are neatly papered.

The

doors and trimmings are plain and substantial.

Height of rooms, 8

ft.

in.

Cost, estimated at 650.

DESIGN NO.

IV.

This plan combines some of the peculiarities of the

second, and third.

The rooms

as in No. 2, but, being larger,

in the rear.

of the

main building

first,

are disposed

admit of a passage to the kitchen

This also allows one of the front rooms to be used

as a parlor.

each a pantry.

The

sitting-room, kitchen,

and bedrooms have

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

7G

The

exterior, as coinpart'il

^vitll

the preeeiling, shows more

and more eare

attention to syiiuiR'try,

in

tlie

details.

The

bracketed cornice, the double verandali, and wide projecting

and

door-hood, hear witness that comfort

cheapness, have determined the choice of

summer

peculiarly a}pr(ti>riate for a

well

for

taste,
style.

as
It

well

as

would he

cottage, and would answer

the permanent oeeu]aney of a small family without

servants.

Nestling in some sunny nook upon the hill-side, guarded

and sheltered by

charms
It

tall old trees,

painted of a cheerful color, and

with vines and flowers, this cottage would have

decorated

for the dullest eye.

not, however, strictly economical.

is

of roof, as

The

great extent

compared with the height, makes the space inclosed

more expensive.
Height of rooms, 9
XoTE.

In

all tlie i)lans

the Ceiling and roof.

The estimated

ft.

of

tliis

chapter, there

This i)rovision

is

is

cost is 1000.
an inclosed space between

important, not only to protect tho

inmates against tho heat of the eummer sun, but to aid in retaining tho

warmth of their winter

accet?.

scuttle

of one storv.

fire.

To

this space, there should

on the rear slope of the roof

is

be some mode of

probably the best for houses

1>KSIG.\,
'"^
N^.

'

rr.Ax.

NO.

CHAPTER

IX.

COTTAGES OF ONE STORY AKD ATTIC.

AS the

structureSj called story

huilt, the roof is low,

reason, then,

more height to the

lialf

houses, are usually

and the upper rooms,

are inconvenient, uncomfortably

With some

and a

it is

asserted that

side walls,

low-]3itched roof, secure a full,

conceded that such a story

is

in consequence,

warm, and poorly

it is

ventilated.

better to give

and by means of a

though not a high

flat, or

generally more comfortable than

one in which the ceiling follows the line of the roof

wiU often happen that

When

this happens, the attic

in the construction, be

lated,

and to

pense.

We

other, as

with

it

whom

made almost

They can be more

vertical walls.

finish

them

for

But

it

for the best

full

story

rooms may, by care

as valuable as those with

easily

and perfectly venti-

use adds but slightly to the ex-

have given more examples of this

must always commend

it is

and

roofs are preferred,

where economy allows only one

of reasons, in cases

below them.

steejJ

very
It is

story.

sort

itself to that

than of any

numerous

class

an object to obtain considerable house-room at

a very moderate cost.

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

DESIGN NO.

many

uvneral form,

its

Ill

^vllicll

])reteiuling

may

any

V.

design

tliis

but

difll'rs

sliglitly

bo seen in ahiiust every village.

originality,

attempts some improvement on a

it

prevalent style of dwelling.

from

Without

It is the smallest size

admitting

upper-story accommodation.

The two main rooms

and by

tlie

staircase

and rear passages,

are se})arated by front

which leads up from

equally accessible to both rooms.

The

llie

front entry,

and

is

have a platform

stairs

above the rear entry, from which they are returned over a recess
in the living-room, a little lower

rear extension

may

than the

rest of the

The

room.

serve as a back kitchen, or wood-room.

scaffold over the stairs in the second story,

which

rests

on the two cross partitions, sus-

The

tains the chimney.

room may be inclosed

is

made on

for

recess in the living-

a pantry.

closet

the stair-platform in the second

story.

In houses like

this,

the front door

near one end, opening into a room.

rises
Ki...oi'_

from the ground.

of

Ql^^\

tlie

house.

The

way
ney
ter.

outer door opens into a lOom.

to
is

another room.

The

exterior

No room
is

t'Tiii

stairs are at the

points of ditference

is

regular.

and

made
The

make

the inside cheerful.

coiid'ort.

the passage
little

chim-

ofters its shel-

and arrangement of the end windows

outside look, wliik' they

brick

The

an ornament, and the porch invites you and

Thi'

each apartment,

are inaniiL-st, and favor, in our i)lan, both looks

No

often

in

chimney, with a fireplace

uKc.M,

is

inii)rove

As

tho

this cot-

desig::^,

ko. t.

riKST STOP.T.

VV.
7.6

L.R

No.

I'l>l<..\,

'^t

M.

m
^'^

km

rvTT'c ;-

FIHSI- >T(>nY.

[
L

__^

aV

COTTAGES OF ONE STORY AND ATTIC.

tage

is

low and would not obstruct the view,

it is

home, on some large place.

gardener's, or laborer's

to be made, in time, the wing of a larger house.

would be wise to place

The

Its sides

and

suitable for a

Or

it

might

temporary abode of some young and growing family,

serve as the

ment.

79

it

In such case

it

with reference to the probable enlarge-

construction and finish of this house are very plain.

may

be covered with clapboards, or with vertical boards

battens.

Height of

first

story 7

ft.

Length of posts 11

in.

ft.

Cost, 820.

DESIGN NO.

VI.

There was a coach-house, no longer needed as such, and the

owner concluded

to

remove

it,

and convert

The building was about twenty

posts,

and a

On

flat

feet

into a dwelling.

square, with twelve

The plan adopted

roof

it

is

shown

feet

in this design.

the lower floor there are two rooms, each fifteen feet long

and ten wide,

staircase.

a good

pantry,

two passage ways, and an easy

The chimney communicates with both rooms.

cellar stairs are

The

under the others, being

lighted by a small rear window.

The

may be seen, are well lighted.

room may be used independently

rooms, as

Either

of the other, yet not an inch of space or

of partition

is

wasted.

The same economy

is

observed in the
SECOND FLO OB.

second story.

Here are three sleeping rooms,

is,

will

so that this house, small as

accommodate a family of considerable

size.

it

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

80

The
two

first

feet

six

story

is

inelies

feet six inelies

ciglit

(between

and

floor

at the side of

ceiling)

chamber.

the

This leaves

liigli.

But, two

feet

from the

wall, the height of the

room

five

is

and a half

feet.

This advantage, as the section

shows,

is

due to the sharpness

As

of the roof

the chambers

have a space of nearly eight

-^

\i^_^

i'gj

]-

but

injured by the slant.

The

regular.

is

also perfectly

side

covering

is

vertical, as better suited to its

The verandah

finish is very plain.

with solid posts and brackets.

Through a

little

This exterior

=j|

^''

The

can

adult

I'

* 8ECTI0W.

style.

an

stand erect, they are evidently

^M*^^^^^^^^^ ^M^
m
g

where

square,

feet

There

is

is

simply made,

a plain shed in the rear.

slight error in the engraving, the base of this house

does not show as

it

The

should.

terra-cotta chimney-caps are

simple and cheap.

Height of

first

the walls and 9

ft.

story 8

ft.

in.

at the ceiling.

Second story 2

ft.

in.

at

Cost, 900.

DESIGN NO.

VII.

Similar to the last in size of rooms and general arrangement,

but more commodious and of higher character.

feet to the length,

and by projecting a porch

By adding

in front,

four

we obtain

space for an additional apartment, so that besides the kitchen

and living-room, there

is

* This section

])arl(r

is

f)r

reversed in en;

social

occasions.

The

"l->Ii-V,

NO.

VII.

I'ln^T STOIJY,

COTTAGES OF ONE STORY AND ATTIC.

81

kitchen has a large and convenient pantry, and each hedroom

Like most of our houses this

furnished with a closet.

for

a family without

servants,

arrangements of the doors

facilitate the

is

is

is

designed

and the

meant

to

household work.

The smoke

flues

shown, or they

may

may be

up

carried

as

be brought together

over the chamber ceiling, resting on the

cross partitions,

and provided,

The

with terra-cotta pots.

dows reach the

for the better

floor

and open

No.

as in

6,

win-

front

like doors,

in shape

far,

with one exception,

and uniform

in parts.

have symmetry with variety.

window canopies

stories are the

same

as

But

size,

our fronts have been regular

In this we

The door and

are wholly unlike,

in

VIII.

all

and each

seems formed as with a single eye to

utility.

of the sec-

Cost, $1000.

DESIGN NO.

Thus

The form

enjoyment of the verandahs.

ond story rooms, and the heights of both

in No. 6.

SECOND FLOOK.

form, and

its

own

position,

they are so proportioned and balanced, so

connected by the regular outline of the front,

and by the upper windows, stretching partly

over both, that there

is

no feeling of de-

formity or of one-sidedness in the view.

The house has

the

last.

but

its

less

accommodation than

One apartment answers

for

arrangements are convenient.

6

kitchen and living-room

It has a

pantry of genji-

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

82

and CDinniunicates

size,

Oils

entrances, and

The

front

window

witli

tlirectly

stairs

and

many

savinjj;

real
stejjs.

pleasantly shaded, and has a small balcony,

is

where roses and geraniums can take the

The

front

tlio

that to the cellar; thus

witli

on sunny days.

air

have a hand-rail, and turn across the

(uninclosed)

On

hall at the top, to avoid the roof.

8.9x14

.-2^3^

the

and

u})per lloor there are three bcdroonis

three closets, the height being the same as in

the preceding two designs.

Numbers

6,

They

together.

placed where

seem appropriately

will

other

hills or trees, or

ob-

tall

12x15

-T

jects,

harmonizing with their vertical

are seen

if

in

they needed companions.

to the three.

to be an inclosed structure, in size

and means of the owner,

other useful purposes.

and

finish suited to the

for the storage of fuel

a numerous, but active and earnest

of a different stamp.

tools,

and

class,

meet the wants

who

the most of their means, and

accommodation

in his wishes,

and

wants
for

IX.

plans, thus far, have been formed to

make

rear

Cost of Design 8, 950.

DESIGN NO.

compelled to

The

Here ought always

door opens under a plain verandah or shed.

siderable

On

connection with them.

Another suggestion applies equally

Our

lines,

broad jdain, and without shelter, they might

eK-^OND n/'Or.

look as

and 8 may be classed

7,

at small cost.

We

may

suppose

are dis2)osed or

who seek con-

The house
its

and somewhat exact, perhaps,

owner

of

before us

to be

is

moderate

in his habits.

With

DE.SIGX, X(). vin.

DESIGN',

NO. IX.

COTTAGES OF ONE STORY AND ATTIC.

83

TILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

84

DESIGN NO

We

X.

here imiformity of parts without formahty, and a

heave

good degree of picturesqueness, ^4th convenience of arrangement.

The hving-room

and

or parlor, occupies the entire front,

regular shape throughout.

The hay-window,

is

of

seven feet wide and

three deep, improves the outward look, and adds immensely to

One

the pleasantness of the interior.

which communicates with the

hall,

This hall contains the

room.

The door on

the, other

tice screen across the

The

^m,

wood-room annexed.

may

it

from the

If not

for

place.

its

of brick from the ground.

cellar stairs

The house
stories.

and

and

2:)icture

priate surroundings.
field, as if it

stories

same as

arc

well

The

l)attens.

its cliarac-

its

appro-

Let no such cottage

had been accidentally dropped

forgotten.

Height of

is

indicates not only the style

of the house, but, to some extent,

stand in a bleak, open

there,

The

being

Let the

open from the kitchen.

Clapboards would seriously injure

ter.

this

The chimneys

side covering be vertical boards

11.'

front.

needed,

wood-room

supplied with pantries in both

SKCOND

lat-

be omitted from the plan,

extension

smaller

substituted in

16

has a back-kitchen and chimney, with a

inclosed.

verandah opens into the kitchen.

back-kitchen

14-

and bed-

which are not

stairs,

verandah should conceal

rear, as show^n,

outer door opens into the

parlor, kitchen,

in No. 9.

Cost, $1,100.

DESIGN, NO.

\.

FIEST STORY PLAN.

DESIGN, NO.

FIP..ST

S'lOIIY

XI.

ri.AX.

L^J

hnL
-Ig

3 X 14.7

:3-!d

COTTAGES OF ONE STORY AND ATTIC.

DESIGN NO

This cottage

is

85

XI.

compact and economical, but with powers of

accommodation considerably beyond any of those which have

been presented.

an entrance

good-sized parlor, a comfortable living-room,

enough

hall, large

iug-room in sinnmer, and

five

to answer as a sitting or

an eat-

bedrooms, are comprised within a

space of about twenty-seven feet

square.

back-kitchen, wood-

room, pantries,
in

etc.,

are furnished

an extension at the

rear.

Every room in the house

provided with a

closet.

is

In the

parlor there are two, so disposed

as to give the interesting

form of
SECOND FLOOR PLAN.

a bay to

room.

the front end of the

Each bedroom has a small gable window, and

them have a dormer-window

to

make them

vertical,

useful

is

each, in addition, of such width as

and pleasant.

though clapboards

This house

The

side covering should be

will answer.

superior to the preceding ones, not only in size

and commodiousness, but

in decoration

and

finish.

a wide projection at the gables, supported

The

from thick plank, with simple brackets under the

is

ceiled above horizontally.

the same as No.

9.

Cost, $1,500.

roof has

The

by brackets.

dormer-windows have ornamental supporters at the

verandah

three of

sides,

cornice.

The height

of

sawn

The
stories

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

86

DESIGN NO XIL

Tlic house before us, with fewer rooms than

has,

is

more

larpjer size

to

But

costly.

which will probahly

it

commend

predecessor

its

has advantages, notwithstanding-,

it

Such

to some.

are,

rooms of

a hall which extends through the house (so conducive

summer comfort)

the open staircase, with

balustrade

its

wider separation of the rooms, and the pleasing irregularity of

its

external form.

would show

single

glance at

to the passing observer, that the

and

features

its

finish

owner was both able

and willing to consult his tastes as well as his purse.

The arrangement needs some

explanation.

The

stairs, start-

ing just back of the parlor-door, on the right side of the

hall,

land on a platform, six feet above the floor, from which they return over the bedroom
closet.

At

the rear of

the landing, a partition

crosses the hall, with a

door at the side of the

The

staircase.
flight,

The back porch

is

the

goes

down
stairs,

hall,

that part of

cased.

in

starting

under the main

back

SECOND BTOF.Y PLAN.

cellar

it

beyond

the platform being inopen, and the wood-room

is

beyond

it,

with kitchen-pantry, and other conveniences.

In the second story, the stairs land over the partition between
the parlor and bedroom.

There are two pantries between the

DESIGN, NO.

XII.

FUiST STOIJY PLAN.

COTTAGES OF ONE STORY AND ATTIC.

chambers at the right of the hall

one

a large closet in the hall for bedding, etc.,

in the centre,

the same.

and a portion of the

much
The

simple brackets.

The verandah

is

front gable

and

solid

plain,

Sawn brackets

its construction.

is

may

be divided

and topped out with

in the roof are intended

But they

are decorative

are of plank,

supported on

as for light.

The Tvdndow caps

features also.

There

stairs.

hall closet devoted to the

are of brick,

The small dormer-windows

for ventilation as

is

and a small one in

If needful, this room

The chimneys

front half.

There

for each.

small one also in the back chamber beyond the

the left-hand chamber.

87

window has a
and

is

flower-balcony.

so finished as to

show

of solid plank adorn the gable

extended rafters are made to show along the

cornices, while the

eaves.

The

story

first

is

The second

nine feet high.

is

like those

last described.

Though
village lot,

this house
it is

would not be out of place on almost any

especially suited to one

surface, or outline.

It is

weU

fronts, seen in the engraving,

any event, the

This plan

lot

on which

may

it

showing on the two

No

Some

dreary, double house, so

still,

common

his wish is easily gratified,

cost of this

house

is

practical

man may

per-

that one part

If he prefer the square,

formerly, and seen sometimes

and

packing-box.

The

size.

alteration should he

He may wonder

of the house stands back of the other.

In

streets.

stands should be of good

be easily spoiled.

its irregularity.

in

fitted for a corner house, the

attempted without good advice.

haps object to

somewhat irregular

$1,625.

for a

model he can take a

CHAPTEK.

COTTAGES.

HILL-SIDE

T7R0M
-*-

convenience or from

X.

clioice,

many

When

the hill or mountain side.

properly built upon, such sites have

above the miasms which too often

houses are placed on

judiciously selected

many

and

Raised

advantages.

the lowlands and

float over

stagnant waters of the valley, their occupants breathe a purer

and more salubrious

towers, the eye

From such

air.

commands,

of the landscape.

points, as

from

lofty

at pleasure, all the variety

watch-

and beauty

Seen from a distance, they are often and

should always be points of light

and

loveliness

such as

make

us wish we " had wings like a dove,'' that we might flyaway to

their leafy shelter

and enjoy their

cool repose.

Notwithstanding

the fiitigues of climbing and the dangers of descent, the remoteness and seclusion to which such situations are sometimes incident, and their peculiar exposure to the blasts of winter, there
are always

some who

will live

The habitation which

rugged
trace in

site,
it

else.

pro])erly fitted

has a character and beauty of

its

to

an unusual or

own.

We

like to

the evidences of an allegiance to Nature, the confes-

sion of her superority.

ties

is

nowhere

We

are pleased to notice

what

difticul-

have been overcome, and to find that such a house can be

conformed

to

its

position,

and made

to

scenery, without impairing its usefulness.

harmonize with the

HILL-SIDE COTTAGES.

By way
may

wMch

of calling attention to the advantages

situations possess,

they

89

and of suggesting some of the ways

he turned to good account, we

offer

in

such

which

two designs

for

hill-side cottages.

Basements, as they are usually made, more or

the surface of the ground, are our aversion.

damp, almost always

ill-ventilated.

less

If city houses must have

them, they should rank, and generally do rank in the

necessary

who
it

evils.

The man's

heneath

Too often they are

class of

sanity might almost he douhted

should put a hasement to his house in the country.

But

often happens that the form of surflice and nature of the

ground, are such as allow the two sides or ends of a house to he

of different depths, thus admitting entrance from without, on

two

In some famihes, such a division of the house

floors.

divides also its duties

such a story
stairs, it

its

and lahors

To

give

highest value and avoid the needless use of

should contain

all

the rooms and appliances needed for

The apartments should he

the lahor of the household.

tirely ahove

to great advantage.

ground, well lighted and ventilated.

outside should he lower than the

floor,

en-

The ground

and should descend from

the house, not only for drainage, hut to prevent the settling

within of the denser gases and vapors.

The

floor

should he

elevated somewhat ahove the ground, and the side walls should

be " furred

off "

with wooden

nailed, thus forming

and the

strips to

which the laths are to he

an air-chamber between the outside stone

inside plastering.

The

cellar,

back of the rooms, should

be separated from them by an air-tight partition, and well

ventilated, to prevent the intrusion into the house of its
or

impure

air.

damp

due regard to health demands the use of

every precaution to secure dryness, to retain warmth, and to

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

90

exclude those insidious vapors, charged with disease and death,

which are wont to gather

Such a

in

dark and low

story should be a real

])lace8.

not a low, mean, back

stor}^,

place, but a respectable portion of the house.

screened

if

necessary,

and

the whole be

let

and

judicious disposition of flower

Houses thus

is

desirable

it

pleasing by the

and shrub and

built cannot easily be regular in

Nor

ment.

vine,

Let the door be

made

tree.

form and arrange-

that they should be.

In placing

such a structure, the surface, rather than boundary of the

ground, should be

The house must be

consulted.

the declivity, even though

it

fitted to

do not conform exactly to the

street.

DESIGN NO.

This design

on which

it

XIII.

intended for a situation higher than the road

is

fronts.

Entering at the upper level by a gallery on

the side, or by an outside flight of stairs from the front, we

come

first to

a large hall, which

may

be furnished as a sittingThis apartment

room, or used, on occasion, as an eating-room.

may be
in the

economically

room below.

warmed by
The

beyond the
of sickness.

drum connected with

stairs to the

this hall near the outer door,

flight, inclosed,

upper

and under them

with a door at the top.

stairs is

provided witli a

room and a good

sized parlor.

has a prospect in two directions.

floor start
is

The

fire2)lace

Connected with these rooms

is

a stove

from

the basement
large

bedroom

for use in

case

a smaller bed-

Every apartment on

this floor

PESIGX. NO.

XIII.

TRIXCIPAL FLOOR PLAX,

The under

HILL-SIDE COTTAGES.

91

story has a large kitchen

and a living-room.

From

the latter, stairs lead to

the main

room

is

The

floor.

warmed by a

be

to

living-

stove, the flue of which j^asses

under the

and outer

wall,

cellars

the

kitchen.

The upper

floor

open from

may

In these

be made such

pantries as are

Make

sure of an air-

between

the plastering

space

and make small

which

two

needed.
BASEMENT PLAN.

There are

stairs.

cellar

windows

in the rear.

has two large bedrooms, seven feet high at

the side, and four large closets, which are two and a half feet

high at the walls.

ins:

This

is

ow-

to the low inclination of the

roof.

An

additional closet

may

be made opposite the head of

the

stairs.

This house, with

little

regu-

we

trust,

larity of detail, has,

nothing distorted or unequal in

UPPER FLOOR PLAN.

its

aspect.

It is designed for a

situation where uniformity

would involve a

Its principal feature is the

verandah or gallery covered by the

projecting roof, and supported

is

at once bold

sacrifice of utility.

by the open framework.

This

and simple, suggestive of summer enjoyment and

of winter protection.

In

its

cottage.

main

characteristics this house resembles the

Circumstances similar to those which

make

Swiss

this style

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

92
proper on

some such
well

tlie

look

all

Al])ine slopes often exist

tlie

2)0siti()n

that the design

among

intended.

is

It

soutliern side of some steep and rugged

the better

and

us,

for

woukl

suit

and

will

hill,

the grounds around and below

if

is

it

are left

it

with their natural inequalities, and not tortured into terraces

QT graded into tameness.

The

The

construction should be simple and substantial.

lower story of rough stone, the rest of wood, and the sides

boarded

The framework

vertically.

of the

and the

galleries

eaves should be solid timber, unornamented, and the railings

Some

should be strong and plain rather than nice.

grape-vine,

made

the

if

climate

to spread its shade

allow,

and

might

fruit

few

in

native

years

be

over the timbers of the

gallery.

The
is

still

roof,

the

Especially

it

will be

seen,

most prominent

may

feature.

Such

it

ought to be.

said of all domestic architecture.

this be

houses wliich are low

though not of the steepest pitch,

and unadorned, the

effect

may

In

be obtained

with a slight elevation above, and a moderate projection beyond

the walls.

may

Higher houses require higher

be said in flivor of the flat roofs on

sit

and

Here, economy, durability, protection, conve-

showery climes.

comf )rt, and

looks, all

height and steepness in the

portant point,

Whatever

peoj^le

no such reason holds in our cold and

sleep in torrid lands,

nience,

roofs.

which

we

petition for a good degree of

roof.

In regard to this very im-

ask the attention of the reader to the follow-

ing remarks of Ruskin.

" The very soul of the cottage

it

are in its roof;

that wherein

it

it is

differs

the essence and meaning of

that mainly wlicrcin conists

most comi)letely from a

its

shelter;

cleft in

rocks or

HILL-SIDE COTTAGES.

bower in woods.

It

close tbatcb, that

93

in its thick impenetrable coverlid of

is

whole heart and hospitality are con-

its

centrated.

" Consider the difference, in sound, of the expressions

my

neath

my

roof and ^within

would be best sheltered,

'

be-

Consider whether you

walls.'

in a shed, with a stout roof sustained

on corner posts, or in an inclosure of four walls without a roof

at

all,

and

you

and how from seeing

eye,

must continually
"

Now

how important a

will quickly see

must always be

cottage the roof

it,

mind

to the

as well as to the

the greatest part of our pleasure

arise.

do you suppose that which

is

so all-important in a

cottage can be of small importance in your

Do you

own dwelling-house

think that by any splendor of architecture

of stories

you can atone

It is vain to say

part of the

any height

for the loss of the aspect of the roof?

you take the roof

for granted.

You may

as

well say you take a man's kindness for granted, though he

neither looks nor speaks kindly.

kind in

reality,

but you will not hke him so well as

and looked kindly

may

You may know him

And whatever

also.

give your houses, you

wiU always

cially in the North.

importance

he spoke

external splendor you

feel there is

wanting, unless you see their roofs plainly.

less

if

to be

And

something
espe-

this

In Southern arcliitecture the roof

of far

is

but here the soul of domestic building

is

in

the largeness and conspicuousness of the protection against the

ponderous snow and driving

sleet.

You may make

of the square pile, if the roof be not seen, as

please,

you may cover

it

with decoration

be a heartlessness about
conquer

above

all,

it,

which you

the fagade

handsome

but there
will not

will

as

you

always

know how

to

a perpetual difficulty in finishing the wall

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

94

at top, wliifli will re{|uire all kinds

parapets and pinnacles for

its

of strange inventions

decoration,

and yet

in

will never

look right.

"

Now

need not

you that, as

tell

it

is

desirable, for the

sake of the effect upon the mind, that the roof should be visible,
so the best

whith

and most natural form of roof

will render it

most

visible,

in the

North

is

that

namely, the steep gable

the best and most natural, I say, because this form not only

throws

snow and rain most completely, and

off

dries fastest,

but obtains the greatest interior space within walls of a given

height, removes the heat of the sun most effectually from the

upper rooms, and affords most space

The
8

feet.

principal story of this house

Estimated

cost,

for ventilation."

9 feet high

is

''

Basement,

exclusive of material for basement

walls, 1,300.

DESIGN NO. XIV.

Our second
road.

The

hill-side plan is

principal front

is

Such a situation has usually

meant

less of

than those to which the former design

by some valley

side, or

for a position

it

is

descent and abruptness

is

suited.

Gentle swells

To make

it

harmonize

broader and lower than the former house.

In other respects they are

made

side.

on the outer margin of a plain, often

furnish sites well adapted to this plan.

w^ith such a spot

below the

on the higher

therefore

so far similar that the

remarks just

in relation to balconies, verandahs, brackets, walls, screens,

vines, etc.,

may

* Lectures

be applied equally to

this.

on Architecture, &c. Londou,

185-4, pp. 3-4, 35, 3G.

DESIGX, NO. XIV

PKINX'IPAL FLOOR PLAN.

HILL-SIDE COTTx^GES.

The

internal arrangement, as

shown by the

plans, needs but

The windows opening on the verandah and

explanation.

little

95

on the small balcony at the end, are long and are hung on hinges.

The basement has a

closet, c,
L, R,

and

are

four

fuel cellar, r, a vegetable cellar, v, c, a

and the important rooms

K.

bedrooms and as many

These rooms are ten

closets.

In the attic plan there

feet

high in the highest part, and but

two
side

feet
;

and nine inches at the

a result which

lower pitched

is

due to the

The

roof.

stairs are

of a compact form and occupy but

little

space.

reference

to the

section of Design No. 6 on page

will

80

"

BASEMENT PLAN.

show the relation of the upper

and the necessity of some such arrangement

stairs to the roof,

as this.

The

position of the

upper

flight

determines that of the lower, and makes

necessary the recess in the stone wall as

shown by the basement

plan.

/\
9.4 X 14

Where

so close a calculation is required, as

in

this case, a small alteration in one part of

n:

a staircase without a corresponding change

in some other,
thing.

may

just spoil the whole

Indeed few changes in a plan

9.9P? 13

9.9x13

are safe, or likely to be successful, unless

they are considered with minute and

judicious reference to their bearing on

every other part

and

this is about equal to

attio plan.

original planning

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGE?.

DC

more

tiling

been alhuk'd
to give line

The
in

already, but

>

upon

position,

whieh

its

talked of than done.

easily

it is

so

line.

on the whole, most

eligible for this

house

shaded side should face the west, and

is

one

parlor

its

The road might wind round

windows look out upon the south.

its

This point has

important that we venture

southern end, with a sufficient space between for shrubbery

and lawn, while the

o;arden miirht stretch

duwn toward the

vale.

U})right boarding
building,

this

mode

here.

In the

first

ruling,

and

it

some objections to

are

of covering

them

state

the proper covering for the sides of

though clapboards might be used,

But there

preferred.

universal

is

wooden

place, clajjboards
is

walls,

if

specially

this once almost

and we may

form a

sort

as well

of horizontal

a well-known effect of such ruling that

shortens and flattens, to the eye, the surfaces on which

laid.

Now

this result is directly the reverse of

intended, and should

still

what

it

it

is

often

is

oftener be aimed at, in architectural

designs.

The second
and shade.

objection

is

connected with questions of light

The strength and

character of a building depend

almost wholly on the shadows which are thrown upon

by projecting members.
character at
face

all.

It is

would be without

its

blank and meaningless, just as a

lips

surface

structure without projections has no

and nose and eyebrows.

human

The

hori-

zontal ruling of the clapboards being itself a species of shading,

not

unlike

the

parallel

lines

of an

weaken the power of the other shadows,

engraving,

cannot

thus impairing,

if

but
not

HILL-SIDE COTTAGES.
neutralizing,

tliis

eaves, canopies,

part of the

and

97

intended by projecting

effect

sills.

third objection to clapboards rests on the fact, that

they are used, the trimmings are

then fitted to them.

The

attached and the boards

This increases the expense, as well as the

The

chances of imperfect work.

boarding.

first

first cost

reverse happens with plain

of thin clapboards

is

about the same

as that of thick upright boarding without battens.

bility

and warmth the former

To balance
and that
tions.

is

But

when

all this

is

In dura-

decidedly inferior.

the chipboard possesses one advantage,

the power derived from old habits and early associathis

power

is

growing weaker every day.

Height of basement, 7

feet.

Cost, as in the last design, $1,375,

Main

story, 8 feet 6 inches.

CHAPTER

XI.

HOUSES OF TWO STORIES.

MANY

will prefer the two-story house to

vised in the style to which

We

selves.

may

any that can be de-

we have thus

well rejoice that there

is

so

far confined our-

much

the tastes and ojiinions of mankind, and that this

tional.

It

would be a very uninteresting world

by any means, be brought to

could,

if

diversity in
is

the

constitu-

men

build, or to think,

of

it

just

alike.

But the
which make
houses.

The

two-stor}^
it

dwelhng

has

important

advantages,

the best form for a great majority of village

choice between this

should rest on clear grounds.

and a lower style of building

There must be a certain relation

between the breadth and the height of a building to give

satisfactory look of stability.

To

effect this,

cover more ground, and the expense

is

reach of many.

many high

AVe

do, indeed, see

miserable spectacles they are.

it

the house must

thus carried beyond the

thin houses, and

Sometimes we behold one of

respectable proportions, but with a meanly finished exterior,

the resources of the builder not having been sufticient to give

him a
think

it

large liouse,

and a good one

too.

In such cases, we

would be well to compromise.

While the low cottage seems modest and

retiring, the high,

DESIGN, XO. XV.

FIIJST

STOKY I'LAX.

HOUSES OF TWO STORIES.

square built

Whea

house,

lias

a more

99

forward and assured look,

we have

houses, or men, boldly claim our regards,

to exj^ect that they will give proof of their worth.

tures clearly need a nice finish,

Its rude construction,

3.

and look

nize with the structure,

Such

struc-

and more of ornament, than

Look, for example, at

those of a less ambitious expression.

Design No.

a right

and simple

details,

harmo-

Put them on a high,

well.

conspicuous building, and they would strike the eye as out of

place,

and mean.

A large

house

is

apt to look blank, cheerless, unsupported,

without wings, porticoes, or some projecting feature.

if built

These, however,

if

The

elegant and appropriate, are costly.

them

designs already presented are of low construction, to bring

within the limits of excellence and cost which we have prescribed for ourselves.

which
sistent

The

follow, are in style

and

cost as

with the two-story form.

be put up for the same cost,

space, of other

and better

and sixteenth designs,

fifteenth

moderate as we deem con-

Larger houses might, indeed,

but only by the

sacrifice, to

Such houses,

qualities.

if

mere

needed,

can be built by any carpenter.

DESIGN NO. XV.

The forms

of building that prevail in cities are often copied,

or imitated, in the villages

is

which grow up around them.

In such places, houses,

natural, though very often unwise.

essentially like the one before us, are very

sense,
block.

it

may

We

be regarded as a detached

have, however, modified

This

it

in

common.

In some

member from
some

a city

respects.

The kitchen, for instance, has been hfted above ground into

VILLAGE AXD FARM COTTAGES.

100
the

and the

liglit,

Standing out, as

free air.

main

to neutralize the disproportionate height of the

The chimneys which,

are placed next

in the city model, stood

does,

it

by the

it

helps

building.
side wall,

This leaves space for windows,

to the hall.

economizes warmth, and improves the external appearance, by

The

bringing out their tops nearer the roof centre.

The beauty and value

has a bay-window.

beginning to be known among

But

it.

ago
for

^^
:

Eead what Lord Bacon

For inbowed windows,

costly houses exhil)it

more than two centuries

said

I hold

them

of good use,

and admit the

''
:

You

delioditfulness of a

-^

'^'

'"

And Buskin

they be pretty retiring places for conference/'

thus to the good people of Edinburgh

of vou feel

is

needs not, and must not, be monopolized by the

it

wealthy.

Many

us.

front parlor

of this feature

surely nuist all

bow window.

Now

can hardly fancy a room can be perfect without one.

you

have nothing to do but to resolve that every one of your principal rooms shall have a

And

so, too,

bow window,

Henry Ward Beecher,

the Star Papers

''
:

Our common,

either large or small/*'

to the countless readers of

small, frerpient

country dwellings are contemptilde.

We

windows

in

love rather the gene-

rous old English windows, large as the whole side of a room,

many-angled, or circular

be recessed

but of whatever shape, they should

glorious nooks of light, the very antitheses of those

shady coverts which we search out

These

days.

little

chambers of

in forests, in hot

liglit

sununer

into which a group

may

gather, and be both in doors and out of doors at the same

time

where in storms, or in winter, we may have

the elements

^^'ithout

chill,

wet, or exposure

full access to

these

are the

glory of a dwelling."

The frame

of this

window

is

carried

up

to the roof,

forming

an open balcony

HOUSES OF TWO STORIES.

101

in the second story, ^Yllicll

communicates with

This gives not only a marked feature to the

the front chamber.

house, but a delightful

Back

of the

main

summer

hall there

by the roof of a rear building.

Under

but well finished.

sive,

kitchen pantry.

The

seat.

may

be an open porch, covered

This should be low and unobtruthe same roof there

front entrance

is

is

avoided, as

it

is,

slopes

it

back on every

side.

by a break

though very common

houses

a large

Ours

naked.
;

rest.

it

round.

is

error in such

showy cornice in

while the other sides are

all

is

have shunned what we deem a

gross,

wood

gable

in the outline,

the part of the roof near the walls being steeper than the

We

roof

would increase a height already somewhat exces-

Its lowness is partially relieved

sive.

be a

The main

shape adapted to the general style of the house.

" hi^^ped, " that

may

protected by a canopy, in

left

front,

entirely

an honest cornice of

real

simple and plain, and goes

is

Vertical lines in the covering

would increase the apparent height.

It

should therefore be clapboarded, or better

still,

planked horizontally with an

even surface, showing no

The chimneys

joints.

are of brick through-

out, covered at the top with cement.

The

are of solid timber.

plank, and these,

if

SECOND FLOOR PLAN.

The

posts of the balcony

casings of corners and

windows are

the sides are clapboarded, should be two

inches thick.

The foundation

walls,

above ground, are smoothly

ther of stone or brick, projecting, as

may

laid,

whe-

be seen, beyond the su-


VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

102
perstructure,

and covered

terminates and

linislies

Height of

wooden base

gutter

is

formed

Second

9 feet.

roof

is

of tin, laid

which

in the cornice,

water to leader pipes in the

first story,

which

or water-table,

The

the side covering.

on an even surface.
carries the rain

l)y

rear.

story, 8 feet G

inches.

Cost 1,250.

DESIGN NO. XVI.

In exterior form and feature this design has more claim to originality.

The rooms,

of No. 11.

parlor

in their general arrangement, are like those

There are two large bays on the

and the other

three have clothes-presses attached.

The

front

=| gtory are double,

I

L
r

:u

" ^

'^

,; ,^ :^

windows of

two

The

window^s.

valuable, while

Many
has

wall-veil

becomes a large lantern.

10

12

^JiMM

There

this

This

in one.

^^ breadth or dignity, and the house

mwrnA

The
cornice.

roof

is

low and has a bold

The back verandah

\Wth solid posts and

work.

these

gives dignity to the exterior.

many

_,

L^

Of

house fronts are spoiled by having too

_^^,i,,^,^ji^

floor.

makes the rooms more

it

^^ ^^
i

at the

roof.

There are four good chambers on the second

is

from a porch, partly inclosed by these

is

projections and covered by an overhanging

fc

one in the

The main entrance

in the hall.

This

side of the latter.

front,

visible

is

plain

frame-

should be a rear building, the roofs joining.

winter, the middle part of the verandah

an entry to the kitchen and wood-room.

may

In

be inclosed, making

DESIGX, XO. XV].

FIKST STOKY PLAX.

HOUSES OF TWO STOKIES.

In
its

general construction and

its

Its regular

predecessor.

where

it

may be

covering

its

form makes

it

tliis

house

is

like

suitable for a spot

The

seen from several points.

lot

on which

it is

open and smooth, rather above than below the

to stand should be

grounds about

103

it.

Height of each

story, 9 feet.

Cost, $1,200.

DESIGN NO. XYII.

[See Frontispiece.]

brick house, thirty-three feet square, and finished in the

can hardly be called a cottage.

style of this design,

to

show how the principles which give

culiar character,

may

find application

It

is

meant

humble dwelhngs a pe-

to

and development

in

more

important structures.
It

might be deemed the residence of some individual, happy

in his circumstances, temper,

to prize the neatness

who can

and

tastes

occupies a level

do not overshadow

it.

site.

Shade

left.

may

Observe

On

stand.

trees stand near but

deep verandah extends across the front,

having in the centre an entrance porch,

piano

its

less deep^

formal, the

This

corner.

is

is,

is

parlor

is

is

a pleasant bay-window.

Without being

regular, excepting the door at the

necessary for communication with the adjoining

apartment, which

There

room

The

Between the doors a

arrangement.

the opposite side

cheerful fireplace faces the front windows.

stiff or

who knows how

find in its embellishment a constant pleasure.

The house

on the

of one

and quiet and comfort of such a home, and

may

serve as a library

and family sitting-room.

on the opposite side of the house a bedroom, entered

from the back

hall.

The

kitchen, with

its

pantry and other con-

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

104

B.R
12.8X

14

ffi

1/

HOUSES OF TWO STORIES.

the aspect of stability^ the chimney
it

leaves the roof,

ornamented.

and

should have a base where

upper termination should be properly

These high conspicuous points should be made to

harmonize with the

general

its

toji

105

effect.

rest

of the structure

and

to enhance the

They can and they should add grace and dignity

to the whole.

The window openings

are slightly arched.

They have no

projecting caps, but rely for character on the dejDth of the jambs.

In brick and stone work, strength and good looks alike demand
the arch.

In wood the case

This roof

is

is

very different.

covered with tin, the slope being too slight for

shingles.

Height of
81,875.

first

story,

9 feet.

Second

story, 8 feet.

Cost^

CHAPTEE

XII.

FARM-HOUSES.

ITfANY
-^^^

of our smaller villages are inliabited mostly

only perhaps on the outskirts of the busy hamlet.

bandmen

some degree, to

wliicli

open country

Such hus-

and to limitations,

village influences,

the isolated and independent farm-house of the

is

of our design.

adapted to the
will

flirm-

Their homes are

are not usually of the larger class.

subject, in

from

by

In others, they are found hut here and there, or

ers.

exempt.

As

Though the
village,

and

such, they

come within the range

plans given in

its vicinity, it is

this

chapter are

believed that they

be found not unsuited to the circumstances and wants of

many

We

farmers differently situated.

ask attention to their

general character and special features.

DESIGN NO.
Tlie lieart of a farm-house

is

XVIII.

the kitchen.

other tilings must range themselves.

The farm has

and necessities unknown to ordinary households.

of

Arnund

tliis. all

(>])C'rations

The demands

hungry laborers must be met promptly and abundantly.

These, in busy seasons, come in extra nundjcrs, and are to be

FIi;ST 6'IOKY

I'l.AN.

107

FARM-HOUSES.

provided for in the same kitchen where the ordinary work of the
family

farm

Besides these, and other lohors, incident to

done.

is

which must often be attended to here,

life,

the eating and sitting room of the household.

The number and pressure

avoid.

force

which she can command

the utmost

The

of generous dimensions.

There

is

of her duties,

can

it,

sel-

and the small

demands

for their performance,

concentration possible.

usually

This mAiltiplica-

may wish

tion of uses, the good housewife, however she

dom

it is

Accordingly, our kitchen

light enters on

two of

its

is

sides.

a large fireplace, which can hold a stove, or range,

if

The room has immediate connection with every part

desired.

Should the house front the west (which

of the house.
able), this

room

will be in the south-eastern corner.

arrangement makes
the work

it

is

desir-

Such an

light and cheerful in the morning,

when

mostly done, and secures warmth and pleasantness

is

The

during the winter months.

free circulation of air

which

secured by the position of the outside doors will prevent

being oppressively

warm

in

it

is

from

summer.

In the north-east, and therefore coldest corner of the house,

is

a large buttery, or store-room,

p,

connected with the kitchen.

Out of this opens a milk-room, d, of good

stone.

The

scullery, or

wash-room,

s,

size,

with walls of

also leads directly

the kitchen, and has a chimney, with which a boiler, or

stove,

may

The

be connected, if desirable.

expedient, this additional structure

same width,

as shown,

it

Such an arrangement

wood-room,

tool-house,

of the roof,

be deemed

be extended of the

and without break in the

connects with the barn.

carriage-house,

Should

may

summer

outside door of this

room opens on a verandah formed by a projection

beyond the walls of the rear building.

from

&c.

roof,

until

it

will furnish a

The verandah.

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

108
being carried
way.

whole length,

]rovi(les a

dry and neat passage

Its posts are excellent sni)i)orts for grape-vines.

It

will also he seen that the kitchen connects

which leads to chanihcrs

staircase,

heneath

cellar stairs

and

tlie

front

hall,

it

and that besides opening into the

Tlie front stairs are open, provided

parlor,

though only second

nearly regular in

its

a railing, and have a

To them

company.

expense and trouble.

scarcely ever

tit

calls,

a pleasant room,

There are many

who seldom

room that

families,

wish to see

see, or

rarely oi:ened or aired is

is

In denser neighborhoods, the case

agricultural family of the village

liable to

is

and their occasions can usually be best met by

uniting in one the parlor and sitting-room.

here,

is

a ])arlor and front door are but a useless

to stay in.

The

is different.

in size,

arrangement.

living in isolated farm-houses,

ment

last-

in cases of sickness.

below for hats and coats.

The

social

Avitli

parlor,

The

communicates with a bedroom.

named apartment can be conveniently used

closet

with a hack

men, and has

for the hired

and we have aimed to make

The

most agreeable one in the house.

Such
this

is

our arrange-

apartment the

front door

be opened, and used daily, and the verandah

is
is

meant

to

for family

enjoyment.

Should any occasion bring together in this house a large

nuiid)er of persons, the connection

and bedroom,

will

The second

permit them

floor affords five

between

all to

hall, parlor, kitchen,

be occupied.

chambers.

These are

five feet

high at the walls, and below the ceiling eight and a half

The

hall

the back

is

so divided tliat

stairs,

feet.

two of the chambers connect with

and the other

tliree

with

tlie

front llight.

preferred, the door of the central rear cluunber

may

If

be at the

109

FARM-HOUSES.

hand

left

corner,

and thus open into the back

and that which adjoins

it

on the right, are lighted by dormer-

windows, like that seen in the engraving.

closet,

and

This room,

hall.

Each room has

its

a larger one,

opens from the

c,

front

There

hall.

is

an inclosed ladder

also

Three of

to the roof.

the chambers are pro-

vided with smoke

flues.

The supply of bedrooms

will not

be thought too

by

large

those

who

know the usual wants

of such families.

The well-rendered
view in the cut, makes
unnecessary a minute
description of the exterior.

The

walls are

of rough, broken stone,

such as

many farms

SECOND FLOOR PLAN.

readily supply, laid

up with

smoothness, but with no outside plastering.

slightly arched.

wood, are

The

so

all

The

The trimmings, being almost

apertures are

necessarily of

formed and disposed as to show their true nature.

posts of the verandah are solid and heavy.

has a framing which

and gables

convenient

of the

is

The

simple, solid, and unique.

dormer-windows are battened.

shingles,

chamfered at the corners.

sides

They would be

perhaps better protected, and would look equally well,

by

cornice

The

if

covered

TILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

110

The

expression of

house

tliis

ment and character (presmned

%vho are to inhabit

consistent with the employ-

is

to be alike substantial) of those

and

It is solid, dignified, comfortable,

it.

individualized.

The

story

first

is

The second from 5

9 feet high.

feet to 8

feet 8 inches.

The

cost of the structure

facility of obtaining

would depend very much on the

Making no

good stone and lime.

tion for stone, or cartage,

the note, on page 72,

it

calcula-

and estimated on the basis named in

would be $1,900.

DESIGN NO. XIX.

The convenience

of household oj)erations

here combined

is

with a degree of elegance in the better apartments.

kitchen
a

short

connected with the front entrance

is

entry,

this plan,

some of the heavier housework

kitchen to other places.

it

With two windows

The

light.

kitchen

with

closets.

living room.

position, all favor the

same ends.

to be a dining

at each end,

it

that

If regularity and

Across the entry,

and a

and

fireplace

satisfy the

boiler.

pantry on

From
tlie

transferred from the

and a

fit

can always secure both

all-important

centrally posted on one side.

is

room must

is

This arrangement relieves the apart-

more

Its form, dimensions,

and

In

leading to a side door, more accessible.

p,

ment, and makes

hall,

The

and also with

p, is

air

of a

It is well furnished

symmetry

most mathematical

feature

are pleasing,

this

eye.

the wash-room, containing an oven

this, a rear

door opens into a wood-room.

right hand, opening

from the kitchen, contains

a punij), a sink, and a set of shelves, inclosed.

Tliis also leads

DESIGN, NO. XIX.

FARM-HOUSES.
to a larger pantry beyoncL

and the cellar-way

entry,

tlie side

hall, containing

snug

is

stairs are

ascended from

beneath them.

central

a straight, open staircase, divides the front por-

On

tion of the house.

other, a

The back

Ill

one side

is

sitting-room,

little

a good-sized parlor

on the

and a bedroom of about the

All these rooms have fireplaces,

same dimensions.

those

of

the last two being in the corners.

In the rear part

of the

second floor

two large bed-

are

rooms,

of

irregular

shape, each having a

closet

and there

is

Of

also a store-room.

these rooms, one

is

lighted by windows

the

in

rear

gable,

the other by a dor-

mer

over

the

side

verandah, not shown

in the cut.

Above the
entrance there

front
is

bedroom, with walls

five feet,

and

ceiling

nine feet high.

The

chambers on each

somewhat peculiar
for closet

six

feet

side

SECOND FLOOR PLAN.

are of equal size,

in form.

and

alike,

space next the walls

room, so that no part of these chambers

is

is

though
inclosed

less,

than

high, while they are nine feet in the central 25ortion.


VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

112

The

may

liall

receive light tlirougli glass over the door of the

front bedroom.

This

That

may
may

is

one of the plans whose features can he transposed.

the right-haud rooms, in front, or in rear, or in huth,

is,

be put on the

left,

and

side

verandah

be extended to the wood-room.

The construction

is

meant

given, but ruder somewhat.

much

out

The

vice versa.

to be similar to the design last

Unless stone, which will do with-

cutting, can be easily obtained, the lintels of the

windows, together with the supports of the projecting gables

and

cornice, are designed to be of solid oak timber, built into

The

the walls.

ting

oft'

The

gables themselves

In the latter

shingled.

case,

much

may
is

the corners of the shingles, but

be either battened or

gained in looks by cutit

costs a little more.

object of this house cannot easily be misapprehended.

It tells the whole story in its

Height of

first

story,

own honest

front

part,

face.

9 feet

rear, 8 feet 6

Cost, estimated as in the last, $2,700.

inches.

DESIGN NO XX.
This, in some respects, approaches more nearly than the
others, a

type of houses often seen.

the lowest

with

2)''ii't,

is

nearly as high as
It is frank

flat ceilings.

many

may be

principal lines,

at

still

modest,

This subdued ex-

ascribed to the descending

to

story,

that are finished

and confident, but

snug, and quiet, as becomes a farm-house.

pression

second

Its

direction of its

the long declivity of the main

roof,

which

extends over the verandah, and gives the aspect of a lean-to,

to the

meek-looking dormer, which peeps out from the centre,

DESIGN, NO. XX.

FIRST FLOO R PLAN.

r^

K
16

1-

16

pfCf
15

Hie

FARM-HOUSES.

to the

far projecting eaves, wliicli reduce the

of the side walls,

and

ing) will

make

it

which

is

seen in the engrav-

a pleasing object from whatever point

viewed, and will give

it

new

are of the form

it

is

aspect with every turn.

single glance at the cut shows

The windows

apparent height

to the character of the chimney-tops.

Its diversified form (only a part of

113

tliis

house to be of wood.

most common, trimmed with a

casing and band, which project far enough to cast an outline

of shadow.

are simple

The

cornice

and strong,

in appearance.

The

is

neat and substantial.

meant

solid

for

The brackets

support in reality, as well as

verandah posts are chamfered, with

neat brackets at the top.

>D i'Luuil

In

its

It beloncs

PLAX

external finish, this house

makes no show

of rusticity.

evidently, to a region where saw-mills and planing-

114

AND FARM COTTAGES.

VlI.LA(ii:

macJiines, and good woiknien, are Inund.

Buitalde
Its

coiii}taiiinii for

our

would be no un-

village edifices.

liest

interior arraiigenients

habits and conditions of

It

show an adaptation to

also

The

villai^e life.

tlic

communi-

front hall

cates on one side with a sitting-room, and on the other with a

])arlor,

Back

and by the

of these stairs

kite-hen,

The back

stairs rise

and under them, opening from the back

those to the cellar.

the kitchen.

There

bedroom has

one.

is

j)antry,

fail

with interior

closet,

first

floor

almost any village family.

room required by the farm economy

are the back-kitchen,

dairy, d., surrounded

even temperature
second

stor}^

has

s.,

back

hall,

The

main

sufficient

additional

provided for by a one-

is

with chimney, and large boiler

by hollow

five sleeping

There

flues.

the

walls, f jr the preservation of

a tool-room,

smallest of the bedrooms

rear roof

of the

and

Here, compactly and conveniently arranged,

story extension.

with suKjke

all

to be n(jticed.

building, and in themselves would furnish suitable

for

opens from

facihty of communication between

These apartments comprise the

accommodation

from

hall, are

a closet under the front stairs, and the

The

the rooms will not

floor.

a lobby, connecting the jtarlor with the

and yet scjiarating them.

spot,

this

is

with the upper

staircase

]trinei]tal

t. r.,

a wood- room,

etc.

an

The

rooms, four of which are provided

good

The

is

also a

is

lighted by a dormer wind<w in the

All of these rooms

and two of them

may

su}tj)ly

of closets.

be entered from the ujjper

also from the landing of the front

stairs.

Height of

first

5 feet to 8 feet

(J

story, 9 feet.

inehes.

Height of second

Cost, 2,450.

story,

from

1>KSI<;N,

FlIiijT

N(.

STOIJY

XXI.

I'l.AN.

r"i

r-.l

M--;:--i-i
k

'

'

>

-.

? 6

f-i

r
^
I

CHAPTER

XIII

DOUBLE COTTAGES.

IN

and

cities

two or more families often

villages,

same house.

Numerous and grave

To

readily suggest themselves.

ties

of a home,

objections to this practice

possess the best, the true quali-

each tenement must have

its

own

grounds, entrance, passages, and stairs, as well as

But where space

rooms.

is

limited,

ings are brought close together,

make two
"When

distinct habitations

in the

live

and land

it is

is

exclusive

its

individual

dear,

and dwell-

sometimes advantageous to

under one

roof.

this course is pursued, there is a wider interval

between

the buildings, than if each house should stand detached on the

centre of its

own

lot.

This not only favors the general appear-

ance of the street, but facilitates a tasteful improvement of the

ground.

As
but

all

this

arrangement saves not only a part of the material,

the exterior covering and finish of two entire walls,

decidedly promotive of economy.

open to the light and

house
singly.

may

air,

As

it is

three of the sides are

still

the convenience and comfort of the

be nearly as great as though the tenement stood

Sometimes the necessity of having a blank

other unfortunate condition of the building ground

side, or

may

some

give to

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

116

mode

this

In chapter fourth, we liave

a decided preference.

already spoken favorably of these erections, as sailed to the necessities

and as a desirable compromise

of a manufacturing place,

between the

costlier single

tenements and the more economical,

but odious block of continuous houses.

In each of the following designs
alike, constituting in their

We

union an

tlie

two houses are precisely

edifice of

artifice of construction, to conceal

have not attempted by any

As

the fact that there are two families here.

we think

of taste, and of convenience,

uniform appearance.

it

a matter of truth,

better that the fact

should appear.

Each house should

But

table garden.

it

own

in front tlie

more highly adorned,

be a separation,

liave its

inclosed back yard

ground can be more

easily

yards are thrown together.

if tlie

should be

made by something

and vege-

and

If there

slight, as a fence

of chain or wire.

DESIGN NO. XXI.

The body
ried

of this building

round three of

verandahs, v v.

its sides.

s,

chimneys, in the rear corners.

distinctly seen in the plan.

from which point

adjoining,

may

lean-to

is

car-

open and forms

is left

and the

The arrangement
The
rise

sculleries,

The

the stairs.

The

with

of each house

chief entrance

under them and lead from the kitchen.

stairs

nearly square.

In parts this

In the inclosed portion we have the entries,

E E, and the pantries,

side entry,

is

is

is

through the

cellar stairs are

closet

behind the

be made to open from either parlor or kitchen.

There are three chambers on the second

well provided with closets.

floor of

each house,

If thought best, the space in the

DKSHJX. No.

WM.

FIRST STORY I'lAN.

X
-\

L_

hr

J
Jl

;uu

iJi

DOUBLE COTTAGES.
rear of the stairs

may

117

be made into one room like that in

Unless this be done,

the back

fireplace

needless.

T-cie

texis

;;:|3.3.6|

front.

would probably be

3^5

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

118

better stairway S; more variety in form of wall and roof, and

greater riclmess of outside decoration.

Nothing

The back
No.

in

steps,

the
s,

pkn

of the first floor needs explanation.

by an open porch, as

are covered

in

Design

2.

Each house has

four chambers.

The small one

in the rear

SECOND FLOUli I'LAN.

is

window

lighted by a dormer

The

plainer.

room

similar to that in front,

closet in the front

for the stairs.

chamber

The windows of the

is

though

raised to give head-

front gable are arched,

from the necessities of their position, but the variety

is

not un-

pleasing.

Height of

stories, as in

the

last.

Cost, 1,950.

DESIGN NO. XXIII.

Tliis is a larger structure,

floor of

the main liouse.

It

having three rooms on the

may be

first

constructed of rough stone,

&

DESIGN, NO. XXIII.

FIKST feXOEY PLAN

14.

u_

H.p

'

8 p

"

_n

15.

^
6.6

<

14

16

l|l

DOUBLE COTTAGES.
or of brick.

The engraving supposes

bricks, the thickness of the wall

and the rooms would be

case,

tlie

former.

The

The

and only

in this one,

using

walls, in either

The window jambs and

inside.

arches are of brick, projecting beyond the wall.

sign,

By

would be reduced four inches,

so far enlarged.

must be furred on the

119

In this de-

we have introduced the verge-board.

feature was originally used in Gothic cottages for the pro-

tection of a plaster wall, or for the concealment of imperfect

work beneath the

roof.

It

was made of heavy oak timber, and

outlasted often the walls themselves.

day are a very

Hundreds

different affair.

of cottage gables display the flimsy,

thin board appendages to which

become
so

so

common, make often

notoriously

that

we

The verge-boards

feel

of our

Every body has seen them.

we

allude.

steam-sawn,

In fact they have

so pretentious a display,

unsubstantial, cut-joaper-like,

and are

and perishable,

some reluctance to use the feature, even when

SECOND FLOOR PLAN.

rightly

made and

appropriately placed.

Such

details,

when

employed, should be heavy enough at least to seem serviceable.

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

120
In the

meant

ornament, so far as

c'.tnstnu'tion of arcliitectural

to l<nk like

less skillful

of

the result of

human hands

liartl

we

Avork,

l)elieve

tlie

it

is

more or

toil

that resort should

ever he had to lahor-saving proeesses.

This would

dispense with nuieli amhitious stuff which comes

now from the

seldom

if

saw-mill and the furnace.

But

out the decorations, than in

and right principles of

art.

better, surely, to do with-

it is

them

to violate truth

The verge-hoard

and honesty

before us

is

of

thick plank, and the cutting aims at simplicity and grace rather

than elaborateness.

The
what

in

interior

accommodations of these houses are some-

advance of the

last.

Though more
two

distinct

through

WOOD ROOM

tlie

front doors,

The

marked as

clearly

houses, they

are,

proximity of

the

really

more

social.

rear

windows of the second

story are

dormers like those of

The

the last design.

rear door

opens on a back porch leading

to a rear building, the

ment

of which

plan by

itself.

is

arrange-

shown in a

This

is

of wood,

one story high, vertically boarded

PLAN-oTbKAE BUILBIXO

Height of

first story,

8 feet 6 inches.

Cost,

rear building, 475.

if

'^"^^

IjattCncd.

feet G inches.

luilt of brick,

Second

story,

feet to

main building, 2,525

-^-.rg^l^^S:

;_r-

rii:ST

lg^JpTr

'J

STOHY

I'l.AX.

r
-

lO

1
(

13

I...:

J
\

14

I;

-,
I-

4-

DOUBLE COTTAGES.

121

DESIGN NO. XXIV.

The
two

objection, already mentioned, to quite small houses of

on the score of looks and proportion,

stories,

when they
height

is

are built in pairs.

suitable relation of breadth to

thus obtained, and a style of exterior

conformable to the general outline.

is

an example of this

sort.

ob\dated

is

may

be adopted

The design here presented

The main building

nearly square,

is

divided through the centre, and containing, in each portion,

two rooms, connected by broad

and may be hung

parts,

against the closet

The

partitions.

and

so as

to swing back,

when opened,

slide into the

cellar doors,

side wings,

in the latter,

and

is

The

foot of the staircase

lower part being uninclosed.

made

pleasant by verandahs.

ther extended for wood-room,

The

may

rear ex-

same character, contains the kitchens, and their

tension, of the
closets,

the

or they

one story high, contain each a

l)edroom, and a front and rear hall.

is

These are made in two

doors.

This

may

be fur-

etc.

front verandah extends from

wing to wing, the central

portion being converted into bay-windows, which occupy the

entire space from post to wall.

of themselves

may

retire to

joleasant

These form small apartments

recesses,

where three or four persons

work, or read, or talk.

The opening

into the

parlor to be finished as the corresponding window, but without

sash.

glazed door

If the parlor be a
recesses

will

make

may

be introduced,

if

needed, in winter.

room regularly used and warmed, these

convenient

and pleasant

conservatories.

Externally, they relieve the plain surface of the house.

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES

122

r~
3:^-

6ECONU FLOuF.

In
into

tlie ui,})er stoiy, tlie s})ace in

two rooms,

suiTo-ests

at

much

village.

divided

richness of detail,

and

skill,

and which are

fully enjoyed only

near large and i)rosperous communities.

thus given makes

ing::

aim

is

furms one large chamber.

the advantaj^es which are derived from mechanical

])rocesses, appliances,
in, or

front of tlie stairs

viiilc tliat in tlie rear

Thouiili this liouse does nnt

it

I'l.AX.

It

it

a suitable edifice for

The

exi)ression

some large and thriv-

should be ])laced on ground elevated a

above the surrounding surface.

Height of each

story, 9 feet.

Cost, ?3,000.

little

CHAPTER

XIV.

INTERIORS.

'

<^^rf^ -^

^-^^

preceding de-

scriptions, the

-^J^yilQ^

mode

of finishing interiors

has received no atten-

tion.

This, no less

than the ontside form,

calls for careful considera-

aad good

tion

taste.

We

devote a few remarks, under

'

di-^tinct

heads, to this part of onr suh-

ject.

Walls.

Walls

are sometimes covered with wood,

sometimes made of boards.

titions are

and par-

It is a poor j^ractice, to

be justified only by some special necessity.

Not

to mention

other objections, boards are liable to warp, shrink, crack, and

let

in the cold.

and
no

ceiling,

AH
And

plastered.

from

inside walls should, therefore, be lathed

as this

is

a rapid and cheap process, leave

cellar to attic,

This will make you safer against

and good
fuel.

To

looks,

and,

without a coat of plastering.

fire,

as to the cost,

plaster as they do in cities

it

will

you

would

promote neatness

will soon save it in

be, in houses of this

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

124
sort, a useless

only needless,

The

expense.
l)ut

liard, sinootli, Avliite

undesiniMe.

single coat of good plaster,

If

tlie

finisli

cumpounded with

clean, coarse, light-

colored sand, and evenly laid, answers every purpose.

have a rough sand surface, and

not

is

walls are well lathed, a

will look all the

It will

Letter fur

it.

If you choose, you can give them, with lime-wash, before they

harden, some durable

is

it

we approve

be demanded, resort

had

is

If something

water,

and may

therefore be kept clean.

Paper

is easily,

rapidly,

it

or

to jjaint,

is

that

said respecting

of marking, or coloring plas-

former

preferable, as giving a surflice that

most universal.

cheerful tint,

almost needless to add, that, under no

tered wall in imitation of stone.

wah:li

light,

AVhat we have already

preferable to white.

deceptive work, makes

circumstances, could

Almost any

color.

is

But

It is not free
is

from objections

The

not injured by
it

and cheaply applied, and

cannot be washed,

more than a
paper.

is

expensive.

it^ use is al-

such as the fact

an absorbent of infectious matter,

and sometimes harbors vermin.

When

walls have been several

times papered, without removing the former coats, the accumulated layers of jiaste have themselves

For

ing fatal disease.

these,

become putrescent, breed-

and other reasons, we would

Are

never paper the walls of kitchens, or of slee})ing-rooms.

not health, and cleardiness, and comfort, a thousand times more

important than mere looks

In regard tu the selection and use of paper, a hint or two

may

be of service.

or fitness of a paper

It is a
is

mistake to suppose that the beauty

necessarily ])roi)ortioned to its cost.

some a])artments require a more suber expression than

ble for others,

still let

cheerfulness be the

have occasionally entered rooms where the

})re vailing

is

tone.

jtajier wa.s so

If

suita-

Wo

dark as

125

INTERIORS.

In the

to give tliem an aspect of gloom.

Those pictured

colors^ tliere is a call for taste.

humble

their decorations, will play

Where

of your children.

there

clioice of figures

however

walls,

some part in the education

much blank

is

and

space,

may

it

be

agreeably broken by a decided stripe, or by some prominent

In apartments of regular shape, plain papers

figure.

used Tvith good

the ground being

efi'ect,

surrounded with border stripes of a

fashion.

Next the

always be placed.

All grained

be

color in panel

is

of all very large figures, either

to reduce the apparent size of the

etc.,

are so clearly contrary to

regard as a canon of true art, that

dislike

may

and then

and marbled papers, and imitations of

stone blocks, mouldings,

We

difi'erent

laid,

ceiKng, a border of contrasting color should

The tendency

in wall-paper or carjDets,

room.

first

what we

we need but name them.

Let these

the custom of papering ceilings.

remain so that they can occasionally be brightened and purified

with lime.

We

have not contemplated having cornices in any of the

rooms, unless

it

be the parlor of No. 17, where a light plaster

moulding would be proper.

Stairs.
is

The most common, and the greatest

making them steep and narrow.

in

more

as years advance,

step,

is

hood.

and

and

is

felt

more and

infirmities increase.

low, broad

This

not only the easiest for age, but the safest for child-

To

secure this great advantage

will, if necessary, justify

In

fault of stairs,

size,

and

is

worth a special

the sacrifice of something

effort,

else.

style of finish, the stairways should correspond

balusters, should be

The newell

post, hand-rail,

and

sufficiently large to be actually firm

and

with the rest of the house.

protective, as well as to look so

and

this is

enough

for small

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

126

Wliere turned W(3rk

houses.

procuraLle,

will of course

bo

preferred.

Let not those, however, who cannot easily get

it,

suppose

necessary either to good looks, or good service.

Some

it

wood

native

Mouldings.
windows,

is

it

preferable to that which

far fetched.

the doors and

The

to consistency should appear.

trimmings of the smaller and cheaper houses

(witliout

is

In the use of mouldings round

same regard

tlie

is

may

be

2)lain strips

mouldings) put on after the walls are plastered.

In

other cases, the mouldings should be few and simple, neither

finically small, nor very heavy.

drawn,

wave

it is

Unless the lines can be well

better not to attempt any combination of curves or

lines.

Let each moulding be a

single

arc.''''

Base boards, moulded simply, or chamfered on the upper

edge, should project by their whole thickness from the surface
of the plastering.
It

poor economy to

is

make the

doors of inferior stuff, or so

thin that they will probably warp and twist.

Painting,

We can ap2% no other

principles to the paint-

ing of inside wood-work than those which were stated

treating of exteriors.

should acknowledge itself as such, and should eschew

They

exclude, of course, the j)ractice of graininrj^

imitation (by pigments) of

80

common

that

senseless fashions,

be some
ing

its

In

wood and

we may almost
it

will

satisfiiction to

when

These require that paint, when used,

have

its

stone.

call

it

all

that

shams.
is,

the

This has become

Like other

a rage.

day, and pass away.

It

would

us could we be instrumental in shorten-

reign a single hour.

tlie

working drawings of these houses, referred

famished suitable

for

each design.

to elsewhere,

mouldings are

127

INTEEIOKS.

What

gained by

is

Yet

the grainer.

you might have

not be worth

his

You

it ?

admire,

it

may

work can never equal the

in its place,

and even

if it did,

be, the skill of

original,

which

the cheat would

His tints are perhaps pleasant to your

the pains.

and when varnished, wear well and endure to be washed.

eye,

These are advantages, but they can

you cannot,

make a

be had in plain colors,

all

To copy rosewood

without the imitation.

or

mahogany because

or will not afford to have the real thing,

false

To

mean.

semblance of oak, walnut, or maple, when you might

have the genuine

feit costs, really

But the

is

article for little if

any more than the counter-

seems to border on the

folly

largest cities there

sometimes goes
is

still

ridiculous.

further.

In one of our

a public building, whose massive oak dooi

has actually been painted and grained in imitation of black walnut.

hard honest face had perhaps begun to look a

Its

little

weather-beaten, and some citizen painter wanted a job, and so

the once noble monarch of the woods must be
colors,

and to wear the

made

livery of his former vassal.

to

show

Some

false

years

ago, a small Gothic church was built at one of the fashionable

watering-places where
cheapness, the

oak timber abounds.

building was ceiled with

it.

As

a matter of

Subsequently, a

grainer of the most ordinary kind was employed to paint this

ceiling, in imitation of the

same wood, and

pose of making better oak than nature

such absurdities are

not sound.
blocks which

men

Of kindred

may

liable to fall

origin

for the

knew how

when

modest purto do.

Into

their base of action

is

and character are those mock stone

be seen even in some costly churches, forming

impossible arches, and resting upon nothing, in grave defiance of

the

first

laws of construction and gravity.

These practical

lies,

which are pernicious and offensive every where, are surely most so

TILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

128

^vllen tlicy present tlu-ir Lrazeii liullow fronts in places consecrated

to religious worship

And now
that

wood

instruction.

us ask again,

let

for

an imioerfcct imitation of this or

not have the wood

such purposes, in great variety and of

all sorts,

way be turned

in this

we

chestnut, ash, cherry, cedar, maple, nuil-

berry, apple, beach, birch of different sorts,

might

AVe

itself.^

Besides the harder and. more costly kinds,

beauty.

have pines of

fit

if

why

so pleasing,

is

have native trees

much

and

to

and many more which

The

good account.

would impart richness and variety to the inside

use of these

finish of houses.

Oiled or varnished they will retain their natural hues, or will but

grow handsomer with age, while the expense and annoyance of

frequent painting

^\ill

The

be avoided.

woods may

light colored

sometimes be improved in appearance by a transparent

which merely
woods

will

tints without

make
Our

carpets ?

excellent floors.

Why must

pests they are ever ready to give back

particles are ahvays floating above.

hard as not to need a covering.

comjilained.

while their

own

may

con-

fine woolly

Let us have some

alternation of difterent kinds and colors.

is

be present, and these

They should be

with narrow strips of hard wood, and

first,

if it

of these

Dust

objectionable.

stantly absorbed by them, and infection,

stain,

we always tread on

them and never

fathers did without

For much used rooms they are very

at

Some

disguising them.

floors so

carefully laid

be variegated by the

Tliey would cost more

but as there would be no after expense, except an occa-

sional oiling
in the end.

and rubbing, we think they would prove the cheapest

Assuredly they would,

preservation of health and

Window

if

found conducive to the

life.

sashes are often

made

of these woods.

their outside only should be painted.

In

all

In such cases

cases

it

would be

129

INTERIORS.

well to

make

the strips that secure the sashes, of some hard tough

wood, and they should be neatly secured by round-headed screws.

We

These brief hints might be much extended.

will turn the attention of

applicability

some who may be about

trust they

to build, to the

and beauty of our common woods, as well as

to their

advantages on the score of wise econon)y.

Windows.
tures

Windows

are very important

the eyes of the house.

not only on their form,

and expressive

Their character and

and frequency, but

size,

in

effect

fea-

depend

some degree

on the style of their drapery and shading.

With
large

a single exception, the bays in these houses are not

enough to be shut

off

from the rooms.

curtain

may

supply the place of doors, while each compartment of the window

should have

its

own

In some of them

shade.

it

may

be well to

and the

place permanent seats, such as the carpenter can make,

frugal housewife can herself cushion

The

coolness

and

and

cover.

i)leasantness of the house are

much promo-

ted by suitable window blinds, so fitted that they can be opened

and modified
or without.
fere less

at pleasure.

If within they are

easily

managed, and

inter-

Good

boxes in the jambs to hold such bhnds when open.

If this be too expensive, let

other, or if the whole

them

wooden blinds cannot be had,

colored or white,

when you

fold back, one part

window must be open, on the

cloth shades that roll up.

friend,

more

be hung within

with the external appearance of the building.

finish requires

If

may

Venetian blinds

all

may

upon the

wall.

avail themselves of

These may be linen or cotton, buff-

the plainer the better.

At

all

events, good

are about to furnish your windows, do spare

yourself the expense of getting,

and those who pass by, the pain

of seeing, those intolerable daubs called " painted shades," with

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

130
tlieir

preposterous attempts at landscape and architecture, wliich

now

are

so

common

in cottaize
o

windows.

Curtains are not, like some articles of furniture, absolutely

necessary, and very

many

them

dispense with

wholly.

they almost rival the bright fireside in giving to our

winter,

ajuirtments a warm, cheerful, homelike aspect.

and not

this praiseworthy end,

accommodated

curtains are a

or black walnut,

fliir

No

housewifely taste and judgment.

and

to the

field for

they will be

means of the

the exercise of

need of sending to the city

Your carpenter

for flimsy gilt cornices.

If selected with

for vain ostentation,

to the style of the rooms,

The window

family.

maple

Yet, in

will

make

better ones of

and the upholstery part can be done

in

the family.

Kitchens.

To

insure neatness where

should be smooth and durable.

face

makes the

It is of the

best hearth.

The

ing

Stone of large

If brick be used

it

floors especially

size

and even sur-

should be painted.

utmost importance that sinks should be

that drains which convey

by

so desirable, kitch-

it is

ens should be well lighted in every part.

tight,

and

away waste water, should be guarded

traps, to prevent the ingress of their foul

and sickness-breed-

air.

Fireplaces.

Many

of our plans show fireplaces.

have chimneys without them.

at the builder's option.

Others

These can be retained or omitted

Marble mantels

will

be deemed beyond

the style of these houses, at least for the most part, and no one

who has

rea.d

what precedes,

will

expect us to advise imitations

of marble in any cheaper material.

The

finish

around the

fire-

place should be plain, and correspondent with the other work of

the room, with a firm shelf, supported by suitable brackets.

Door-Bell.

Our experience

in

wear and tear of knuckles

INTERIORS.

131

and patience, while we have been knocking

admission at

for

houses in the coiintrVj impels us to advise that every cottage

have a door-hell.
Ice.

among
have

Its cost is small

and

its

convenience great.

Ice, once regarded as a luxury, is fast taking its place

Every family should

the necessaries of housekeeping.

its

ice-box or refrigerator.

soon repaid in the

Its cost is

preservation of meats, etc., and ten times repaid in the comfort

it

Where

gives.

distribution

and

come

the article has not yet

sale,

number

one of daily

to be

of neighboring families might

unite in building and filling a small ice-house.

Furniture.
formed,

The immediate

duties of the architect are per-

when he has completed the house and

As, however, he

is

often required to adapt his

articles of predestined furniture,

and furnishing, ought

apartments.
to particular

he may, j^erhaps, be allowed to

suggest that the additions subsequently

ration

its

work

made

in their character

bear some correspondence to his rooms.

in the

way

of deco-

and expression, to

There are many, and

sometimes glaring violations of taste and propriety in

this respect.

After the architect come the painter, paperer, upholsterer, and

cabinet-maker, and these latter often mar,

the best designs of the former.
sistency

and harmony

a merely

finical

We

if

they do not spoil

cannot expect to see con-

in all the features of our

homes, so long as

fancy, or the selfish interests of artisans

and

tradesmen, or the absurd demands of ever-changing fashion, are

allowed to say

how

those

homes

shall be furnished

and adorned.

In such matters the future mistress of the house has,

or

should have a potential voice.

Let her be entreated to abjure

utterly the folly of imitation.

Let her inquiry be.

best become

my

circumstances and

my

apartments

What

will

not.

How

has Mrs. A. or Mrs. B. decorated and furnished hers

Let her

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

132

remember
it

that simplicity and beauty are kindred qualities.

Let

be her special aim to give to her house and to each room, the

homelike

true

that with her

it

Let her remember,

whether those rooms

rests

and repulsive, or

cold,

and comfort.

air of ease

shall

wear the ever-smiling

of kindly invitation and cordial welcome.

taste,

shall look

Good

and

stiff,

ex2)ression

good

sense,

and good morals, alike repudiate the paltry vanity which

furnishes a house, not for its constant occupants to use and enjoy,

but for occasional visitors to look at and admire.

many who

If these remarks apply to

build costly mansions,

they have a special interest for those whose means are com-

In trying to be fashionable, none

paratively limited.

much

as these.

Rich

may show but

peoj^le

a great deal of folly in such matters.

little

But the

suffer so

taste

and

which

articles

they procure are generally well made, and durable, and more
or less comfortable.

It

cheap furniture which

and whch

shops,

To

durable.

little village

is

^'

something

made

home, we would

in imitation,

made

it

say,

mahogany

and sold

in city

nor

be wary of such places.

sofas, chairs,

It is vastly better for

specially for the

you to get

but more solid and more useful.

would be well that larger

way they may

For

bedsteads and bu-

Like the razor bought by poor Hodge,

to sell."

less aspiring,

In general

this

of the

neither comfortable, nor handsome,

mere shams.

reaus, are

made

is

much

quite otherwise with

the young wife or the matron about to occupy her

the most part those

they are

is

room

in

articles

should be

which they are to stand.

In

not only be fitted to the places they are to

occupy, but also to the general character of the house.

cottages of small expense,

couches and easy chairs,

all

may

that

is

needed

in

the

way

For
of

be almost wholly of domestic

133

INTERIORS.

The

manufacture.

common hard wood, and

In this way

and covered by the family themselves.

We

of

some

might be cushioned

of convenient form,

be done with very small means.

home-made

made

frames, simply but solidly

much may

have seen good-looking,

with easy seats and backs, which had been

chairs,

quickly and cheaply manufactured, and with no other frame

than a common flour-barrel

Even the hardest and

supj^lied.

homeliest bench that was ever

made

of oak plank,

is

a more

comfortable and more respectable article of furniture than

of the spring-seat

we have met

with,

ance, but which

let

and hair-cloth

soft,

sofas

plump, and

when we, in good

many

and rocking-chairs, which

elastic

to

all

appear-

faith, accept their invitations,

us down with a sudden jerk, and

make

us painfully ac-

quainted with their internal mechanism.

In the matter of tables, bureaus,

etc.,

we recommend the

Let them be of some native wood,

same honesty.

strong and well made.

Surely this

patchwork of

veneering and glue.

soft pine,

plied your best

is

solid,

and

better than a perishable

If you have sup-

room with well made maple

beech cane-

or

seated chairs, you have no occasion to envy your neighbor her

stuffed

mahogany

ones,

which are probably as

frail as

they are

uncomfortable.

The
means

cost

and room of a bookcase may often be saved by

of recesses in the walls, fitted with shelves.

In bedsteads simplicity
is

not only useless

it is

is

desirable.

The broad foot-board

often in the way.

great reform in this article of furniture, and

think that

it is

We

hope to see a

we have reason

to

already begun.

In selecting a carpet
the effect of which

is

for a small

room, avoid large figures,

to diminish the apparent size.

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

134
In the

own

initial

cut of this chapter, the artist, following his

fancy, has given us a glimj^se of an interior considerably be-

yond the range and

style of our cottages.

It

shows how bright

and pleasant a place a room may be made, and how much more
sensibly thousands

and furnish

might

as they

dimly liohted, and

live,

who, with ample means to build

please, spend

stiff,

and

their days in apartments

cheerless.

CHAPTEK

XV.

HINTS ON CONSTRUCTION.

^ ^ HE man
1

^^-^ H_.^fe=r^

fa\

=^7~~~Tl^i?^;rT

to find himself

is liable

involved in expenses for which he

had made no
lect

Sjr-

to build

any previous experience in

that line,

witliout

...

who undertakes

calculation.

of needful precautions in

earlier stages of the

work,

neg:-

the

neglc-ct

which his want of familiarity with

such arrangements

may

naturally induce,

will

perhaps seriously

diminish the value of the structure.

The minutiee

of construction,

the modes in which building

materials are to be shaped, combined, and adapted to their

purpose, are to be sought for elsewhere

of the architect,

and carpenter.

and

What

in the

as in the specifications

knowledge and

the owner needs

is,

skill of

the mason

that his attention be

seasonably called to certain things, which cannot be neglected

without injury to his house.

It is not
fully

enough that he who proposes to build should have

planned the structure, and that

tinctly fixed in his

own mind.

all its

particulars are dis-

This plan must be made equally

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

13G
clear to the

mechanics who are to execute

it.

It should be so

plain as to leave no chance for misunderstanding or perversion.

And

this requires that all the parts

made

should be shown by drawings

to admit

of

importance

which can he

to a scale sufficiently large

measurement by the workmen.

for

them

to

Floor-plans, showing the position

and dimensions of walls and partitions

side,

elevations, giving the

with the windows, doors, and other details

framing plans, determining the

timber to be used

size

and place of each

the whole ac-

companied by careful specifications of the quality of

rials,

stick of

sections of mouldings, cornices, stairs, and

those parts which are of irregular outline

all

Every thing of

know^ which cannot be drawn, should be

fully described in writing.

form of each

so represented

and the manner of their

use,

mate-

all

are not only necessary in

order to estimate, before building, what

but form

will cost,

it

the surest safeguard against misunderstandings, and against

the taking of wrongful advantage

when work

is

done by con-

tract.'*'

Under whatever system mechanics may be employed, they

are entitled to a reasonable compensation for the

they perform, and the materials they supply.

strifes of

made

know, and one of them sensibly

is

Yet timid the

competition, or in times of business depression, con-

tracts for building are often

course

work which

sacrifice of

feels, to

what he ought

temptation to do wrong.

which both parties

be too low.

To the mechanic,

injurious to both.

compulsory

at prices

And

it is

not only a

to have, but also a strong

h(jwever the

employer

fancy that he gains by the closeness of his bargain, he

*

For the convenience of those who

pared working drawings.

may

Such a

adopt any of our designs,

See card, following the Preface.

is

may
quite

we have

pre-

HINTS ON CONSTRUCTION.

137

likely to prove the greater sufferer of tlie two.

Not

to mention

though these should

be
such transactions often prove unprofitable to the owner,

the claims of justice and mercy,

heard,

first

resulting very naturally in his being put off with poor work and
defective material.

To

deal only with those mechanics

have an established reputation

the true way to obtain the

who

for fidelity, as well as skill, is

value of your

full

expenditure.

With such a man, it matters little how your bargain is made.

You may buy your own materials, and pay for the labor in daywages, or at a stij)ulated sum
or you may contract for mate;

and work

rials

est will

at a given price.

In either case, your own inter-

be promoted by a close adherence to your original plan.

Alterations, as

we have

said before, are very costly,

and very

All this shows the need not only of a well matured

vexatious.

plan, but also of a perfect understanding in the outset between

the owner and the contractor.

ered,

and

it

will probably

Let the bargain be well consid-

be faithfully carried out.

comes convinced that the mechanic

them agree on some

and

w^ork,

is

Needless

If the owner be-

interference should be sedulously avoided.

not doing

him

justice, let

judicious neighbor to inspect the materials

and whose approval or rejection

shall be

In

final.

any event, keep clear of disputes, and especially of lawsuits.

The use

of unseasoned

of annoyance

lumber

and damage.

attended to in season.

This

in building is a prolific cause

is

a matter which should be

Better to pay

six,

or even twelve

months' interest, insurance, and storage, than to build a hasty

house of green

and regret your

day you

live.

If the plan be determined on, the requisite quantity, sizes,

etc.,

will

be known.

stuff,

Whether you

otherwise, such provision may,

folly every

decide to build by contract, or

and should be made.

The

sea-

VILLAGES AND FARM COTTAGES.

138
Boncd stuff

always be good as

Avill

in

casli

payment

to the

builder.

In reference to this point, some master builders always hold

themselves in readiness for the proper erection of an

To such we would

short notice.

have opportunity, trunks of various trees which

ing, as they

may

be

cut

their vicinity,

in

the

reach of

general be

flat,

is

dig next the wall.

reach.

course,

foot

should
it.

in

One

gives against the un-

it

the habit of this animal being to

For the same reason,

below the bottom of the

made

this course should be

cellar.

AVhen

practicable,

of square stones, the portion

above ground being laid in mortar.

be laid in

or

the security which

foundation-walls should be

their

in use.

and broader than the wall placed on

dermining operations of rats

little

come

on an even surface of earth, below

rest

The bottom,

frost.

benefit from this

all

need not urge the i^roverbial importance of firm founda-

These should

tions.

come wdthin

or

Somewiiere, or somehow, they will

We

edifice at

suggest the pr02)riety of secur-

Cellar walls should always

mortar or cement.

cellar should be

of freezing.

dry and

Its dryness

cool,

but not so cold as to admit

depends mainly on the situation and

the nature of the ground.

When

these are such that water

cannot otherwise be excluded, both the sides and bottom ought

to be laid in cement.

To prevent the

air

wdthin from falling

below the freezing point, that part of the wall which

the surfoce, and also that which

may

freeze, should

be

made

tinct thin wall outside, or,

plastering inside

is

in contact

easily,

above

with ground that

double, either by

more

is

means

of a dis-

by furring, lathing, and

the object in either case being to inclose be-

tween the partitions a thin space of

air.

This wiU not only

HINTS ON CONSTRUCTION.

warmth

retain the

139

summer,

in cold weather, but, in

will

keep

it out.

The frame

foundation walls.

By

meet the principal

floor, all

cut

To

off.

should be firmly bedded on the

of the house

a skilful use of mortar, where the walls

space under every lower floor for the circulation of

can be done

it

But

under the whole house.

building in the ground, as too

its

own

many

demanding

early

how

heat, as

to keep

To accomplish

side.

constructed as to

two thin

air,

cacy of

do, will conduce neither to

are very important matters,

is

In regard to the

much how

not so

this,

we keep

great antagonist at

its

make them poor conductors

walls, separated

when thus

perfectly established.

the studding, or by

of heat.

In this

by a narrow stratum of con-

The

are better than a very thick wall.

air,

to get the

the external walls should be so

superior

effi-

inclosed, as a non-conductor of heat, is

In wooden buildings, the object

accomplished by lathing and plastering

filling in

with

may be

betiveen, as well as on,

and mortar between

soft brick

the studding, leaving a thin space on each

It is

It is

There can be no harm from the aggres-

it.

sive attacks of frost, so long as

respect,

air.

best) to have a

bed any part of the

and careful consideration.

former, the difficulty, in general,

fined

to

it is

health, nor that of its inhabitants.

Warming and Ventilation

our

be

secure dryness, there ought to be a considerable

not essential (though where

cellar

may

passage for rats and mice

side.

on the same principle that windows are doubled.

Not

only does radiant heat pass easily through thin glass, but the
glass itself, growing cold with the external air, rapidly abstracts

heat from the inner air in contact with

thin glass before, or behind

it,

so

it.

But put another

that the air between, no

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

140

matter how narrow the space,

the remedy

be

as a hixury, hut as necessary to comfort

Wherever the winters

the window
to

sit

b}"

is

and

fuel saved,

this important

for

safe place

young

delicate

sit

near the light as they read and sew,

whom

have caught fatal colds in this very

love to

and thousands of

is

or Hving

such a provision, hut

from being a dangerous, becomes a

Especially

at.

women, who

common,

Not only

made more comfortable

itself,

and true economy.

are severe, the

room, ouglit to he thus protected.

the whole room

and

inclosed,

tiglitly

This, therefore, shuukl he regarded not

perfect.

is

sliall

way.

An

air-stratum of a quarter of an inch thickness

effectual as one of three inches,

only objection to this

is,

that the inner

This might be

obviated by making the sash in two thin parts,

together by screws.

if

To take them

interiors,

sash.

surftxces will, after

a while, need cleaning, but cannot be reached.

and clean the

as

and the object aimed at has

been perfectly secured by doubling the glass in the same

The

is

be

to

held

apart once or twice a year,

would be a small

affair.

Such windows,

protected against the direct rays of the sun, and kept closed,

would be as useful in summer by shutting out the heat,

are in winter by keeping

it vrithin.

as they

The ungainly appearance

of

a large outside sash would thus be avoided, while the means of

ventilation,

and of using the open window, would be the same as

with the ordinary single sash.

On economy
be

We

said.

in the

modes

of

warming a house, nuich might

can but glance at the

fertile

topic.

We

great fondness fur an open, and particnLirly for a blazing

So high

is

we would

our estimate of
forego

many

its

things,

cheerful

and healthy

have
fire.

virtues, that

deemed important by some, rather

HINTS ON CONSTRUCTION.
than give up this

them
and

so little, that

them

call

all

what would

iron,

we could preach

manner
it

avail

The

has supplanted the fireplace.

against

is

them with

is still

universal.

The

cooking-stove,

is

the only means of

being the case, plain stove -flues may, and doubtless

some of these

stituted for the fireplaces in

warming, we would recommend the open

its

warming

will,

This

be sub-

For mere

designs.

stove, standing out

combining economy with comfort.

It will be noticed that

as

class

the least objectionable kind, from

used in perhaps a majority of country and village houses.

fireplace, as

All

abundant and cheap,

Houses belonging to the

supplying moisture as well as heat,

from the

like

a will,

But, in this a^e of

become

stove has

of our designs are generally so warmed.

which, on the whole,

we

to close stoves,

of hard names.

.?

through the country, even where fuel

it

As

clear old friend.

141

we

invariably place the chimney, not

usually, in the external wall, but in the central part of

it is

This keeps

the house.

much

in,

and

through the building,

difi'uses

heat, which, in the other case, goes immediately out of

doors.

From

the fact that heated air ascends, while that which

colder takes

the

fire

its

place below,

simple arrangements, the

houses,

In
special

it is

than that in which

may

warm

easier to
is

placed.

In

the story above

this

way, by very

chambers, even in small dwelling-

be cheaply warmed.

cities,

where the buildings are high, and

means

culation of

it

is

are needed to secure

air.

appliances, each

In country houses, there

room being

close

together,

an ample supply and

in direct

is less

free cir-

occasion for such

communication with a pure

atmosphere.

Of

the ventilators in general use, one class depends on creat-

TILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

142

ing a current of air in

modes of

It is

when

the very time

at

fail

Lnilding by

tlie

an external apparatus.

action of wind upon

is

to these, tliat they

most needed.

Those

depend on the ascending tenden-

not only more uniform in their action, but

more easy of application.

In rooms, for instance, wliere stoves

may

are used, good ventilation

From

their service

ventilation which

cies of lieated air, are

and inexpensive

tlie

some objection

be secured in the following simple

w^ay.

a point, near where the stove

is

to stand, lay a pipe, or

box, about six inches square, which shall communicate with the

outer

With

air.

partition wall,

this,

connect another pipe, placed in a side or

and opening

There should be an aperture

The

of the room.

pipe that

both
this

})ipes

must be

to

may

be cut off at pleasure

projoerly furnished

the air of the room

air,

so connected with the horizontal

with valves.

have been made in the kitchen.

vapors and odors.

the outer

air-chamber of the roof

in the latter i)ipe near the ceiling

must be

other supply of air

arrangement

mer time
\vith

all

stove

into the

connect

is

and

Suppose
It is

sum-

not only warm, but surcharged

Close the opening from the floor pipe to

with the upright one, and shut

it

above the opening near the

ceiling.

The

fire

off this

must now draw

sustenance from the air of the room, and taking

it

its

directly from

the upper strata, which are most impure, will soon restore matters to a proj^er condition.

But

if

there be no

fire,

by means of

the floor pipe, introduce the outer air into the room, and leave

open the passage to the roof

to

make

In rooms wdiere there

is

nothing

the air impure, su2)ply the stove with fresh air from

without, and cut off the communication with the side pipe.
parlors, or sitting rooms, during cold weather,

may

in this

way be made

to pass round the

the room pure, as well as warm.

In

the external air

fire,

and thus enter

HINTS ON CONSTRUCTION.

But

bedrooms unprovided with

in

it is

need of ventilation

143

fires^

or flues, that the

most frequently perceived.

is

Such rooms

should be high, with an outlet at top for the escape of vitiated

air.

To

mer

sun,

protect upper rooms from the heating effect of the sum-

and

means of

to secure the

ventilation, a space of air

should always intervene between the ceiling and the

provision

made

is

nying section
is

done.

will

in all our designs.

show how

is

plastered
air-

The

at the peak.

becoming heated,

here,

Keference to the accompa-

this

connected with the

chamber

This

narrow air-space be-

tween the roof and

slope,

roof.

air

rises to

the top, and escapes through

each

apertures

in

below the

ridge.

which

gable,

The

just

current,

one way

will usually set

or the other, from opening

to

opening, will carry off the lighter

,

and warmer

air,

SECTION".

which other-

wise would render the rooms below

have already alluded to the

facilities

afford for securing coolness

and

all

We

but intolerable.

which high-pitched

ventilation,

roofs

and now, again,

invite attention to this, as well as to their other excellencies.

It

is

desirable

that

all

windows, and very important that

those of bedrooms should open at top, as well as at bottom.

The
dow)

extra cost of weights and pulleys (about two dollars a winwill

never be regretted by those

who

shall experience the

beneflt.

A few

of our plans, calculated for the vicinity of cities,

and

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

144
for villages

where good mechanics are to be

tin roofs.

The

fouiid^ are

made

for

others are adapted to a shingle covering, as bet-

on the whole, for country houses

ter,

Whenever

(as in

Design No. 2) the two

sides of a roof

meet

at right angles, the shingles at the sloi)ing ridge, or hip, should

be laid with the courses of the two sides alternately overlapping

The peak

each other.
ridge boards.

Design No. 3)

For

The
is

of the roof should always be covered Avith

valley between two meeting roofs

to be covered

this purpose load is preferable,

answers very well.

It should

unshingled in the centre.

in

but the ^^Terne'' tin-plate

extend about ten inches under the

shingles on each side, a space of

left

(as

with metal before shinoiino-

some three inches wide being

These directions are very impor-

tant, as furnishing the best, if not the only security, against

leaks.

For the same reason, and

in

similar fashion, lead should

be inserted in the courses of the chimney, where

roof.

If the latter be tinned, turn

up the

tin

it

meets the

around the chim-

ney, and build the edge of the sheet into the brickwork, about
four inches above the roof.

In laying the chimney, and in framing the

rafters, it

must be

borne in mind that the projecting base of the chimney-top, just

below as well as above the

roof, is larger

than any other part of

the shaft.
Health, comfort and decency,

all

demand

that every dwelling,

however humble, should have a w^ater-closet under

sible

its roof,

with ease and without exposure to the external

air.

acces-

If the

place be supplied with running water and facilities for drainage,

such arrangements are made with very

little trouble.

The ab-

sence of these advantages involves the necessity of greater care,

and perhaps

cost, in the construction of vaults, etc.

If the right

HINTS ON CONSTRUCTION.
precautions are taken,

The

cluded.

145

causes of offence will be effectually pre-

all

and imperfect method by which many have

partial

brought the water-closet under cover

methods which,

through

ignorance or disregard of pneumatic laws, have converted the

whole house into a great

flue for

judiced multitudes against

all

bad

air

have undoubtedly

attempts of the kind.

pre-

If there be

no sewer with which a connection can be made, a vault becomes

essential,

and from

this a chimney-pipe

must open

above the ceiling of the apartment.

air at a point

an inverted syphon

is

formed, through the longer

the air-current will always

This, be

set.

it

important, whether the vault be under the

one that

is

common,

so elegant,

The

In this way

arm

remembered,

common

of which
is

equally

roof, or

under

detached and isolated, after the fashion which

and

is

so

so delicately conspicuous.

use of timber in framing and building has been greatly

modified within the last few years.

resulted from the change.

It

is

Economy and

now

use stuff

much

strength have

a principle well established,

that the power of timber to resist a cross strain

to its depth rather than breadth.

now

to the outer

Acting on

smaller than the stout

is

this,

in proportion

house-framers

beams and posts which

our fathers supposed to be essential to strength and duration.

While

this reduces the

construction,

But

this reform

country, frames
eight inches by
apart.

amount

of timber used and the labor of

actually produces firmer

it

is

may

not yet universal.

still

six, laid

and better work.

In some parts of the

be seen with floor beams of perhaps

with the broader side

uj),

and two

feet

Instead of these, take plank eight inches wide and two

inches thick, and place

them on

edge, sixteen inches asunder.

This will save one half of the timber, while the

sustain a third

more weight.
10

Indeed,

floor laid

if laid as first

thus will

named, the

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

146

wei*-^lit

of the floor itself will cause

proved method

places, but to distribute the resistance

We

may add

practice to deafen

lent

them

in this connection that

the floor

that

is,

to

it

floor

from

an excel-

is

a part of the

fill

other inelastic

This promotes warmth, renders

and incombustible substance.

the floor less pervious to sound, and, in case of

cannot stop the progress of combustion.

not be great, as the material

erect in their

and prevent the

space between the floor beams with clay, or some

it

the im-

used, there should be diagonal cross braces

is

nailed between the beams, not only to keep

springing.

When

to settle.

it

is

fire, will

retard,

if

The expense would

usually at hand, and no special

skill is required.

In the

may

tion

size of

be

timber for the outside frame, a great reduc-

made on what many deem

dependence on

less

strain,

and

its

own

stifi'ness

by placing

resist a cross

and more on that of diagonal braces, and straight props

ties,

which

Because

it

resist in the direction of their length.

is all

to be covered

up

the preparation made for plastering

The

necessary,

and power to

or for
is

some other reason,

often very poorly done.

studs, rafters, or furring, should not be too far apart

laths should be good, properly spaced and firmly nailed.

the

If the

laths are liable to spring or move, the " clinch " of the plaster
will

break and there will be nothing to hold

it

Strips of

on.

board, called " grounds," should be fixed at the sides of doors

and windows and

to

make

at the floors as guides, enabling the plasterer

the surface plain and even.

The carpenter

is

thus en-

abled to put on his trimmings without cutting away the mason's

work, or leaving: crevices behind his own.

It will

be understood

that the trimmings are to be put on after the plastering, and

not before, as

is

ferior character.

the custom in some houses of a shabby and in-

HINTS ON CONSTRUCTION.
Shingled roofs are sometimes painted.

147
It is a mistake to

suppose that this makes them last longer.

dams

creating small ridges or

where they

at

the end

If the color be dark, as most generally

hotter under a powerful sun.

improve

its looks.

This,

roof, like

the

human

love to look at

it,

finally,

the paint does not

be

said, is

a matter of taste.

To our eye the un-

head, grows handsomer with age,

bleached by long exposure to sun and

storm, and grown gray, as

keep out the

were, in honorable service.

it

would we wish to change

if it

stiU

when

nature, with ever busy hand, has converted

rain,

her own parterres, and covered

it

it

Nor,

even

into one of

venerable surface with mosses

its

lichens.

With
economy
skilful

the outside walls of a wooden house the case

They should be

ferent.

lies in

well painted.

using the best materials, and in employing only

workmen.

Outside painting, to be lasting and hand-

readily absorbed.

When

it is

cold, the oil

The

oil is

with

oil,

may long

The

be deferred, by brushing over the surface

colors,

there

this perhaps is well, for

Houses

Yet

it

is

a boundless diversity of taste,

insures variety.

No

essentially in character

differing

ought not to be painted

favorite.

necessity

every three or four years.

In regard to

given.

then too

and pigment slowly

unite to form a tough and permanent coating.

of repainting

is dif-

Here as elsewhere true

some, should not be done in hot weather.

and

much

And

will

it

True, but we must have faith in our own.

and

by

shingles,

absorbent properties cause the roof to become

it is, its

and we

paint,

tends to retain the water there and thus actu-

join,

ally expedites decay.

painted

The
of the

alike.

this, for a

White seems

rule can be

and

situation,

to be the general

near and constant object of sight,

is

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

148

Neither do we

not pleasing or kindly to the eye.

the darker shades.

cially for rural dwellings,

ety

may

tints
it

be found

tints

among

The needed

vari-

the softer, lighter, and more cheerful

which neither pain the eye by their glare, nor repel

by their gloom.
scene around buildings in the process of erection

The

very disorderly.

This

may

vai-ious materials shall

may

be prevented by a

little

often

is

timely pre-

Let the owner designate, beforehand, places wdiere the

caution.

as

like, espe-

be deposited, and mark out such space

be needed for doing the work.

the grounds and the trees,

if it

from injury, by a temporary

The remaining

contain them,

may

part of

be protected

In his agreement with the

fence.

builder, he should have a provision

making him

responsible for

any damage that may accrue to his own or his neighbor's property through the carelessness or rudeness of the workmen.

Persons unaccustomed to watch the progress of a building,

are liable to be deceived

The rooms

by

its

appearance in the earlier stages.

look small and seem to be growing smaller, and very

few things appear as they supposed they would.

Hence

often,

needless

apprehensions and worse than needless complaints.

To

we can only

such,

in the case.

say that they are not competent judges

All that they can do

pletion of the structure.

By

is

patiently to await the com-

that time, in

trouble and fears will have vanished.

all

prubabiUty, their

CHAPTEE XVI
THE I.MPROVEMEXT OF GROUNDS.

OWEVEE

great the success of the de-

and the care which

signer,

stowed on

the house,

is

be-

will

fall

and complete

short of its proper

^

it

he manifest that no

eftect, if it

^ attention has been paid

-

tliis

grounds on which

it

matter, accordingly,

to the

stands.

To

we devote a

a few remarks.

The same
and consistency,

the same duty

obligation to regard truth

of conforming to the circum-

stances of place and people, which

we have urged

in the forma-

tion of the house design, should also direct the arrangement

and improvement of the grounds.

and

surface, of climate

But the

and exposure, are

diversities of soil

numerous and

great,

that no one plan of improvement can be applicable to very

many

cases.

common

Still,

to all

Grading.

so

there are some principles and facts which are

;

and

to these

we ask

All chaoges that

attention.

are to be

made

in the surface

of the house-plot should be determined before the foundation is

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

150

though the work cannot be completely finished until after

laid,

the house

The

is

done, and

all

rubbish

removed.

is

position of the dwelKngs should be so adapted to the

form of the ground as to permit, at

all seasons,

easy access from

the street, and ready communication between different parts of

the

lots.

The earth should

slightly descend every

the house, to lead off the water, and for

But beware

many

of

making the

way from

better appearance.

its

In

slope too great.

tliis

particular

err.

Various considerations, and,

regard for health,

demand

paramount among them^ a

that early and judicious attention

be given ^to the matter of drainage.

All foul and waste

No

water of the house should be carefully conveyed away.

water should be allowed to flow towards wells, yards, or buildings, nor to stagnate

in pools, nor to run through walks, or

garden paths.

What

form the surface should be allowed to keep, or made

depends much on the way

to receive,

gardens, a southern exposure

be the object, and

much may

if

is

generally preferable.

the lay of the land

often be done to improve

by throwing

it

into terraces,

is

If this

naturally unfavorable,

for the specific purpose,

it

and by

which may serve

walls,

As

both as support and protection.

For

to be used.

is

it

a matter of ornament,

however, we think that terraces should be sparely used.

In

general, a gentle inclination, or curved slope of ground,

far

better on every account.

ness of a terraced

bank

It

in dry seasons

injured by heavy rains, and

make
it is

at first,

is difficult

its

it

it

best estate

in order
is stiff

more

is

other violence

and more to keep

not neat, and in

is

to preserve the greenliable to

costs

looks badly

and formal.

be

more to

it

when

THE IMPEOVEMENT OF GROUNDS.

In the improving of rural grounds,

ground be

especially if the

this

level,

is

a very simple

becomes an important consideration, when the

affair.

It

sure

sufficiently large to contain

is

desirable tliat the

If the plot be quite small,

which nature has already given.

and

is

you introduce should harmonize with those

wliich

features

it

151

or prominent rocks, or large trees, or running

and depressions,

How

or standing water.

With some

are

such things to be disposed of?

persons, variety of this sort seems to be only another

name

for deformity.

filled,

and the

hill

crooked shall be

be made smooth.

Their rule

brought low

made

all

is

is

rough ways shall

reformers of this sort,

in the grounds they occupy,

errs

that the vaUey must be

that every tiling which

and that

straight,

With

is,

do not obliterate every thing that

But he

inclo-

any considerable elevations

who mar

if

they

expressive or picturesque

we have no sympathy.

on the other side who leaves every thing in

its

native rudeness, and who, perhaps, even in his improvements,

attempts to imitate the wildness of uncultivated nature.

hist

is,

This

indeed, a vain endeavor.

In the immediate vicinity of our homes and in those objects

en which the eye

is

is

constantly to rest,

we need scenery which

tranquil and pleasing, rather than that which

But

citing.

let

has kindly given

Whether
softened,

us have variety,
it,

let

if possible,

us not wilfully reject her

irregularities

of

surface

shall

is

wild and ex-

and when Nature

aid.

be retained,

oi

or wholly removed, is a point wliich should be de-

cided with reference to convenience.

We

would not spare even an aged

tree, if its

retention

would be prejudicial to comfort and especially to health.

when, with no such reason,

for the sake

perhaps of the

But

fuel^ or

VILLAGE AND FAKM COTTAGES.

152

from mere recklessneps and tastelessness, a

own ground, the magnificent

man

phints which

it

destroys, on his

has taken a

time or a century to rear, we can only say that he

is

life-

a semi-

barbarian.

Should your ground happen to contain a large boulder, or

should some bed of rock crop out from

many, suppose that a regard

for

its surface,

do not, like

good looks imposes on you the

task of either blasting or burjdng the rugged intruder.

rather, if

and

be not positively in the way of something needed

it

useful, to

may

make

You

a pleasant feature in the scene.

it

partially conceal

by vines or shrubbery.

it

through leaves and clusters

it

will brighten,

Half seen

by contrast, the

surrounding culture, and will remind each passer-by of

performed and

meander through your small domain ?

Finally, does a brook

grass.

We

it still

must

daughter of the

to

wind and sparlde among the flowers

j^lead for the innocent

hills.

toil

overcome.

difficulties

If possible, suffer

and

Try

Naiad, free-born

Force her not, henceforth, to creep

darkly along between two straight, high, stone walls.

Disposition of Ground.

To what

special use each part of

the ground shall be devoted, must depend in the main, on the

size

and situation of the

of its surface.

lot,

the nature of

its soil

and the form

Individual taste and local circumstances alone

can decide how these useful and pleasing accessories shall be

apportioned and arranged.

To

say that the grounds and surroundings of a house should

correspond with

it

in general character

to repeat, in substance, wdiat

we always wish
and neatness.

to see,

is

and expression,

we have already

an evident regard

Many attempt

too

urged.

is

but

What

for simplicity, order,

much, crowding sometimes

THE IMPROVEMENT OF GROUNDS.

into a small plot

and expanded,

what would be

for

153

sufficient, if properly distributed

^ve times the space.

While, in such matters, the convenience and pleasure of

the occupants should

by

first

others, should not be

vegetable garden

be thought

of,

If practicable let the

disregarded.

which however useful

screened from observation.

their aspects, as seen

not beautiful

is

Fruit trees will be safer at a

be

little

distance from the street, and they will also show better there.

Let

it

not be thought that

vation of flowers, or that

when we

is,

culti-

are insensible to their charms,

advise that the place devoted to them, should not be

A flower-bed judiciously planted

in front of the house.

kept

we

we would discourage the

and well

indeed a delightful spectacle, during the short season

of its glory.
or conditions

But how

of neglect,

witherings and

Winter the

short that

is

During times of drought,

sometimes unavoidable

during

the

decay of Autumn, and the long torpor of

case

is

very different, and the once smiling parterre

becomes often actually repulsive.

place the flower-garden where

For these

we can

but shall not be compelled to see

reasons,

easily see
it

always.

it, if

we would

we

The

choose,

objection

ever-blooming
does not hold with reference to small patches of
which cover the entire surface, (such as verbenas and
flowers,

and which may be scattered here and therein the

around small trees.
grass, or may serve to keep the ground open
beFor an object of constant sight in front of the house and

portulaccas,)

neath

its

most occupied windows, there

is

nothing like grass.

the eye rest

nothing, probably, either in nature or art, can
refreshment, as a
with a delight so untiring and such ever new
and neatly
smooth, thick carpet of green lawn, close-shaven

On

kept.

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

154

The lawns

the

England have long been

of

wonder and admiration of

all

its

who

pride and boast,

visit

that country.

suppose that our drier and warmer climate makes

Many

im-

it

possible for us to have these priceless ornaments of the land-

There

scape.

a difficulty, unquestionably, but

is

Go anywhere

surmountable.

it is

in a time of drought,

the difference between a piece of American

not in-

and mark

meadow land which

has been deeply ploughed and highly manured, and the neighboring grounds, that have been tilled in the usual shallow and

niggardly way.

AYhat a comfort to turn from these,

and brown, to the deep

lesson,

and act upon

cool verdure of the other

all

arid

Take

this

Instead of covering a hard, sterile bed

it.

of earth, with lean sods of sour grass and sorrel from the
side,

spade deeply the plot which you intend for grass

verize

it

now and

pul-

mow every two three weeksgive

keep always cleanand we

thoroughly

right sort of seed

enrich

way-

it

properly

plant, liberally, the

or

it,

it

then, a rolling

will in-

it

sure you a carpet before your house that will infinitely outvie

any you can spread within.

All
it
it

this, indeed, involves

yourself

It will soon

your children playing on

some labor and some

Do

need not be expensive.

the work yourself.

become a

it,

delight.

care.

Take

And when

But

care of

you

see

and the passing stranger stopping to

take a pleased look at the beautiful sight, you wiU feel justly

proud of your

fit tie

green.

In the regards of every one who loves nature truly, trees

must always
cestors,

fill

a large place.

who came here

It is not strange that our an-

into the forest,

and found

its trees

in

their way, should have been anxious rather

how

them, than how to preserve or plant them.

Until within some

to get rid of

THE IMPROVEMENT OF GROUNDS.

twenty or thirty years very

155

was done in the way of setting

little

The

out trees for shade or ornament^ especially around houses.

change which has taken place,

is

very marked, and in

many

In multitudes of our villages and

cases, very undesirable.

smaller towns, not only are the streets lined with trees, hut the

yards of the dwelling houses are frequently

filled

with them.

Their dense foliage brushes the windows, overhangs the

and wraps the habitation

in perpetual shade.

extreme of our ancestors was vastly better than

jections are

first

and mainly

that

much

We have

wanted.

rounded

is

gloomy to

live in

and the humidity, which

so

and around the dwelling,

is

be no doubt of
culation of the
sects.

They

this.

Wooden

many

roofs,

at.

when they

The shade

trees constantly maintain in

unfavorable to health.
obstruct,

when

ob-

a house so sur-

and gloomy to look

many

The

and many stormy days

cool

when

Sometimes they

air.

at times

At such times

during the period of leaves.

this.

roof,

opposite

shuts out the light of

it

day and the wholesome warmth of the sun,

are

The

fill

There can

dense, the free cir-

the house with in-

overhung by branches, rapidly

decay.

Secondly

however

it

it

may

does not look well.

It is not in good taste,

be the fashion, thus to hide your house and

hide your grounds behind a wall of leafage.

In those lands

where landscape gardening has been long cultivated, and where

all points of this

this practice

is

kind are carefully studied and weU understood,

very rare.

open to the sun and

where,

is

placed in sight, thrown

Trees are set at a proper distance,

from the house, they can be seen and admired.

not this right

seen.

air.

The house

If not

ashamed

of your house, pray let

it

Is

be

"

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

156

"But

By

liow are

we

to shut out the sun in hot

piMJecting roofs, canopies, and verandahs

and window-blinds, and

There

curtains.

some

tect yourself against the sun by

is

by door-blinds,

no

weather

Pro-

difficulty.

shelter,

which can be

This

what you can-

removed when again you want the sun.

is

not do with your trees.

If the house stand near the street,

and the

street itself be

lined with trees, these will generally furnish all that

in

way

tlie

of shade.

thought best to place a tree or two within

mend such

as have a light, thin foliage,

great

The

size.

is

needed

and

If the front yard be deep,

it

is

we would recom-

it,

and do not attain

to

acacia and the mountain ash are examples of

the kind.

We may

add, in conclusion, that

if

you have many

and much shrubbery, you cannot have the lawn.

nut thrive under a dense shade, nor can

it

trees,

Grass does

be properly cut and

tended, whore trees and shrubs interpose their obstructions.

Within the actual

circuit

of the small grass-plot,

desirable that there should not be a single

with the

roller

is

it

stem to

very

interfere

and scythe.

Finally, good friend, if you w^onld have your house look in-

viting always to yourself, your family,

the grounds about

In

all

forgotten.

habits of

else,

Give them a share in the garden, and teach

and

flowers.

and learn

small place for

of tools.

and every body

keep

in perfect order.

these arrangements of a home, let not the children be

to raise roots

try-yard,

it

Let them have a right

to feed their

own

fowls.

a workshop, and accustom them

Thus may they become timely

skill, forecast, care,

and

thrift.

in

ilieni

the poul-

Set apart some

early to the use

industrious, trained to

Nor must the

neces-

THE IMPROVEMENT OF GROUNDS.

sities of recreation

be forgotten.

157

important that they

It is as

should have time and place for play, as for work.

let there

If possible,

be some appropriated spot, both within and without

the house, where they shall feel at perfect liberty to enjoy

themselves.

Paths.

We have no

desire to invade the province of the

But

Landscape Gardener.
write will feel unable to

as

most of those

command

which

This

utility.

From

offer

a branch of his
it

diffi-

is

certain

we regard the

case as

the street to the house-door

the well, or the stable

possible.

is

however,

If,

that one or the other must be sacrificed,

clear.

we

the professional artist sometimes finds

combine grace with

cult to

whom we now

his valuable skill,

hint or two on the subject of paths.

labors, in

for

it

from the kitchen to

the communication should be

Over paths that must be traversed

direct as

many

times a

day, and often, perhaps, in hot haste, no one wishes to be compelled to describe lines of beauty, though Hogarth himself

drawn the graceful

had

curve.

In gardens and pleasure walks the case

is different,

and we

enjoy as a lawful luxury their easy windings and purposed pro-

Yet even these should not be wholly

longation.

Let

there at least

seem to be some reason

compensatory attraction

Fences.
of building,

for every

capricious.

turn

some

for every delay.

Though the fence ranks among the minor matters

it is

far

from being unimportant.

Without

it,

no

residence can be properly protected, or regarded as complete.

Its style

and

and condition often

habits

of

the

owner.

strange and fooHsh fancies,

observant traveller must

indicate, unmistakably, the taste

What

can

often

absurd

fashions,

what

be exhibited in fences, every

have remarked.

And what

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

158

sign of the sluggard, or the sloven, than leaning posts,

Biirer

gates that will not swing, missing

And

not the worst of

it is

dities

and negligences

it,

rails,

that the eye

and broken palings

offended by absur-

is

in this particular.

The imperfect

bar-

and the neglected gatew^ay, are a copious fountain of daily

rier,

vexations, of serious injuries, and sometimes of quarrels and

lawsuits.

That the fence should enhance rather than impair the

j)roduced by the house,

This

it

will best be done, not

by imparting

to

must be made

by a

effect

conform to

to

finical imitation of details,

it.

but

the same general character, whether of sim-

it

plicity or richness, of lightness, or of strength.

fence should

be adapted not only to the house, but to the location and the
neighborhood.

Before you copy some pattern, which has struck

your fancy, consider whether the circumstances of the two are

alike.

tion,

rich fence of w^ood, or iron, in

forest situa-

and a mock rustic one, of unbarked cedar, on a

street, are

fruit orchard,

a stable-yard,

is

may

to protect a garden, or

But avoid such a

have a niggardly, exclusive, prison-like aspect.

secure the place from intrusion, and yet afiord

free passage to air

and

light.

If practicable, let your fences be

of the open sort, and then, so far as sight

will enjuy your grounds as

benevolence,

but,

alas

much

They

is

as yourself.

how few

practise

fences are often used for the separation

But why ?

fence, unless the

High, close fences, around houses and

imperative.

2)lea8ure grounds,

fence

from noxious wdnds, or marauding bipeds, a high,

close fence, is often reared.

demand

city

about equally appropriate.

To shut from view

some rude

concerned, others

This
it

is

an easy

High,

of contiguous

close
lots.

are promotive neither of good looks, nor good

THE IMPEOVEMENT OF GEOUXDS.

Some

feelings.

I59

slight railing, or invisible fence of

wire, is in

better taste, both aesthetically and morally.

All necessary divisions of the plot

itself,

whether temporary

or permanent, should obstruct the view as

little as possible.

such purposes the wire fence answers well.

For

It is quickly placed,

quickly removed, and cheap withal.

Woven
and

wire fence stuff

will last a

good while,

is

now made

if

kept well painted.

at very moderate cost,

This wiU do

very well for the front fence of a small door-yard.

There

is,

probably, no inclosure, in

all

respects so pleasing, as

a quick-set hedge, properly shaped and neatly kept.

may have

one who

matters.

No

for

need of sending to distant nurseries, or seed

some exotic

grown

arbor-vitcT,

Almost any of our native

plant.

The

in hedges.

fence, durable

Any body

willing to give time and attention to such

is

apple, for instance, will

and impervious. But evergreens are

the hemlock, the spruce, and the

trees

make an

stores,

may

excellent

preferable.

may

fir,

be

The

easily be

obtained, and their green walls will give pleasure

all the year
round.
But let no careless, slovenly man ever attempt to have a
live hedge.
All its beauty and virtue depend on its being well
preserved and constantly cared for. When nedected, strao-ohD^

and broken,

We

it

becomes a most unsightly and useless

come now

than any other.

put

up their

wood

to

The

fences,

facility

which are

far

object.

more frequent

and quickness with which they are

cheapness and showiness

are their strong recom-

mendations.

In making such a fence,

posts be firmly

set.

possible diameter,
in

To

it is

of the

first

iu^portance that the

this end, let the hole be of the

and twice as deep

slowly round the post,

as frost ever reaches.

earth free from stones,

smaUest

Throw

ramming

it

TILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

160

solidly all the time.

in the end.

There

is

some trouble

in this,

If the post be set with its natural top

but

it

pays

downward,

the reversal of the sap vessels will retard the absorption of water,

and

will thus

add

to the durability of the timber.

disordered rickety gate

is

an occurrence

so

common and

so

annoyinu', that we expect to be thanked for a word or two on this

point.

The

may

trouble

instability of the posts,

result

from various causes, such as

want of strength and proper bracing

in

the gate-frame, insecure attachment of the hinges, and a poor or

Sometimes the distance between the gate-posts

dislocated catch.
is

not rightly adjusted, or the ground below has not been properly

Let

graded.

all

these things be carefully looked to, in time.

Be

sure that your gate has the best of stuff, and the best of work.

If

much

used,

it

should be provided with some simple, self-acting

fastener.

Unless you wish to invoke curses on your head, both loud and
deep, don't let your gates swing outward

From

nOnOnflnOnia

wooden
three,

the boundless variety of

fences,

neat, simple,
It

we

select

two or

which we can commend as

is

and economical.

an improvement on the

common form

of the picket fence,

to use pickets

more than an inch

thick,

and but

little

wider than

that

the tops shall be

nearly square.

The accompany-

that, so
^^xr-xs^i^^^g^

ing cut presents a

ration of

lots.

between double

still

The

better modification, suitable for the sepa-

palings are thick, six feet in length, inclosed

rails, so

that the fence has the same aspect on

THE IMPROVEMENT OF GROUNDS.

both

sides.

161

Train along such a fence the Wistaria vine, and in

the season of bloom, you will have a lovely wall of verdure, sur-

mounted by a
For

many

glorious cornice.

their inclosures

use the

common
of the

''fencing-lath''

m^^

lumberyards. But these

are neither straight nor

thick enough to

make a

good fence in the ordinary way.

They may, however, be

turned to account in the following manner.

Place the lath with their sides toward each other
cut grooves in the under side of the upper
ceive their ends,

and cover the

with narrow moulding

by three narrow

make

strips.

strips, as

joints

rail,

to re-

on both sides

Secure them at the foot

shown

in the section.

"''"

To

the central blocks which separate the laths, take

an inch board, three inches wide

with an

inch and a half

auger, bore holes four inches apart, and saw through the holes.

In the neighborhood of
scrupulous population

cities,

and wherever a needy and un-

is

found, fences secured by

nails

only,

poor chance.

stand but a

As

offering

more protection against

these petty thieves,

we ^

suggest the accompanying and the following patterns.

*

The

cuts of fences are all

cept the section, which

11

is

made on

Their decided advantage in point

a scale of one quarter of an inch to a foot, ex-

three times the size.

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

162

of appearance will be at once apparent,

rcnce

moulded

accurately

and round

rails

machinery,

is

balusters,

now nianufactured

at

all

Buffalo,

and

like

and

made by
not only

sold,

there, but in

with

tliis,

New York

elsewhere,

than the cost of

for

less

common

picket fence.

We
[

[J

[j

ij

ii

^;^d^d^

^^^^^^

i\L

"^

^'^

'

"

give here another

^^^^^^^ ^'^"'^ ^'^^^^

heavier balusters

of the many variations, which may be made in

as one

this sort of fence.

with

It is obvious that the color of the fence should conspire

its

form and other

qualities, in

making

it

'^"^

only a subordinate fea-

ture of the place.

Drainage.

you find that water

especially should
is

is

likely to ooze

In the same way treat every low and swampy spot,

where water stands.

This, remember,

is

a question of health, as

well as of comfort, and admits no alternative.

swampy ground

it

becomes

tially filled

with small stones

tile.

best in your

You must

own

In the case of

also one of gain.

There are many ways of draining

;

such as by trenches

by sewers of brick

determine

for

jiar-

by clay pipe

yourself what mode

is

case.

If there be no provision for retaining

and using the rain-

water, an under drain of stones or some other precaution

is

needed,

to prevent the descending streams of the roof from washing

and

from that

under and near the house, resort must be had to under-

draining.

and clay

is

Should any part of your ground be springy

hardly sufficient.

which

general allusion to this important topic

disfisrurimr the surfice.

away

THE IMPROVEMENT OF GROUNDS.

163

For the waste water of the kitchen there should he a covered

This water

drain.

ticahle, let

is

valuahle,

flow into a

it

and should not he

manure

lost.

If prac-

some distance from the

vat, at

house, into which earthy and vegetahle materials should occasion-

These

ally be thrown.

will absorb

If this cannot be,

tilizers.

it

and thus become

it,

may discharge

in default of this, into a covered cess-pool,

To

prevent

guard

it

Still

and hold

it

into

some brook or

sunk in porous earth.

from becoming a thoroughfare and retreat

at each

end by coarse gauze of copper

more important
its foul

is

rich fer-

for rats,

wire.

a stench-trap at the entrance, to seize

and noxious

Millions, for

odors.

want of

this

and

it is

simple contrivance, breathe mephitic vapors every day

many thousands

impossible to doubt that many,

of

human

beings

have sickened and died from thus needlessly, but constantly,

inhaling the poisonous gases of sinks and sewers.

But what

may possibly
Here

is

one.

wooden box
h

is

ask.

a stench-trap ?

A
is

very slight

some
affair,

a hopper-shaped

to receive the waste

water

the drain or trough that takes

is

away

.^^^^^^

it

^^^^^x^^^^M.\\xxxsCxx.x.

7^^

the partition c reaches far enough below the under edge

of the trough to cut off all air communication between a and

It

is

in fact

an inverted syphon, whose bend being always

water, allows no air to pass.

cotta,

may

h.

full of

These traps ready-made of terra-

be obtained at the manufactories and warehouses of

that article.

Clay pipe, which

meter required,

ground

it is

is

may

be procured in short pieces of any dia-

the best material for such drains.

literally imperishable.

Once

But when these cannot

got, troughs of yellow pine, or of chestnut

in the

easily be

plank do perfectly

well.


VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

164
Cisterns.

We

luul occasion in

The

be comparatively unknown.

an

earlier chapter, to toucli

Strange to say, they seem to

on the excellencies of rain-water.

is

vast alembic of the atmosphere

unceasingly at work, in distilling from the salt sea brine a pure

From

crystal element.

magazines of cloud, that element

its

is

again dispensed and distributed over the earth, and with absolute

There are very few

with entire regularity.

certainty, if not

places on this globe of ours, where the supply from the heavens

coming either at irregular

continuous rain,

not sufficient,

is

two seasons

intervals, or in one or
if

collected

and preserved,

of
for

the entire domestic uses of the people.

Rain comes
after
it

it

it

seeks us.

On

seeming

Set your tanks, and they shall be

Off

Down

ful earth.
drift,
its

and

it

filled.

But how

"

And now

and had only

do we wise folks do

of the earth,

till

rig a windlass,

do we get
bonates
all

use

We

much

dig,

we

makes

At length

and catch

A lixivium a

bore,

we

blast

we penetrate deep

labor,

Then we

water.

and w^ork hard to

is

silently

go down before our

to reach forth our cups

?

it

goes.

it

this pure liquid

we reach the

chlorides

well water

this

and accumulates the waters.

who saw

expense and with

is

through vegetable mould, through masses of

arrests

we,

often

runs and sinks speedily into the more grate-

fissures of the partially soluble rock,

some clay bed

" Here I am.

to patter

way, taking up something from each as

faces,

do not have to go

the palace and the cottage roof alike

lays its benignant offering

offer scorned.

We

to us pure, or nearly so.

lift

of

little

solution of salts

and iodides

and ever

mineral water.

Much

so

of

it,

often at great
into the bowels

insert a
it

what

up.

pump,

And what

sulphates and

many

it is

more.

or

car-

Almost

absolutely unfit to

gradually deranging the system, and acting as a slow poison.

THE IMPROVEMENT OF GROUNDS.

The
gather,

hence,

upon which

rain falling on roofs

must carry with

much

clear

and dust constantly

And

to the reservoir these impurities.

it

of the prejudice which exists against the use of rain-

water as a drink, and in cooking.

it

soot

165

and sweet, and do

How

comes down.

seem

verily

then

Multitudes have never seen

to think that

to he

is it

made

Various processes have been devised

One

pure water.

is

it is

foul

when

for use ?

fit

im-

for the filtering of

to insert the foot of the

pump

into a

mass of

porous stone, through which the water must percolate before

pump.

enters the

Another

is

and merit.

drawn

much

Into these the impure water

Some

off clear below.

is

in kind,

poured, and

of these answer an excellent pur-

and should certainly be obtained by those

pose,

w^ho,

from any

cause, do not choose to secure the desired end in the cistern

But a

filtering cistern

is,

One way is

other method.

make a

to

tition

it

is

partition, a, in the cistern,

into

two

pierced

seveial apertures.

Ml

built

tures.

The open space between

</^:?^?-55^

charcoal broken

The water

is

fine,

this

which the

account more

We

the

This par-

bottom with

low wall,

6,

side the partition,

is

and

a few inches above the top of the aperthese low walls,

and with gravel

the

clear

from the other.

letters

have reference,

c, is filled

with

on

top.

latter being

conducted into one apartment, and

drawn up bright and

section, to

up on each

portions.

at

itself.

on the whole, far preferable to any

dividing

it

to attach a filterer to the muzzle.

Filtering vessels are also manufactured, differing

size,

it

may

always be

The accompanying

may

help to

make

intelligible.

have lately seen what appears to us a decided improve-

ment on the plan

just described.

In this the

filtering cistern

is

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

166
a sejDarate

affair.

hundred

cask, holding perhaps a

gallons,

is

placed by the side of the larger cistern, and quite near the surface of the ground.

An

secured a large sponge,

is

with the

led into

it,

cliai'coal

its

is

and gravel

of the cask

third i)art
;

is

now

the conductor from the house

and the thing's complete.

This mode

not only as easy and as cheap as the other, but

is

has this great advantage, that the

the water and to go

down

can be often and

filterer

readily cleaned, while in the other case,

all

bottom, over which

connected by a good-sized pipe of wood

is

main tank.

or clay, with the

filled

aperture in

it is

necessary to remove

deep, in order to accomplish the

w^ork.

more

Brick cisterns covered wdtli cement, are better and

When

durable than wooden ones.

the ground

that a smooth cylindrical hole can be

trouble, there

is

no need of brick.

a bed of concrete

then

a narrow space between

it

be well done, will stand

the small wooden

in it without

filterer, let

much

of boards around, leaving

and the earth, and

till

of such a nature

First cover the bottom with

up a curb

fill

with your

in

harden into stone, and

It will soon

liquid concrete.

We

set

made

is

if

the earthquake comes.

the work

If you use

that also be bedded in concrete.

cannot apologize for having thus stepped perhaps a

out of our professional walk, nor for having dwelt with

little

what may

be deemed needless minuteness on a subject which to some will

seem of

trifling

moment.

It does not so api)ear to us.

not resist the conviction that the water which

almost as

much

men

We

can-

drink, has

to do with their health, as the air they breathe.

large portion of our vast country rests on strata of limestone.

Wherever

this

is

the case, the water

with salts of lime.

is

more

or less impregnated

Multitudes have and seek no other drink,

THE IMPROVEMENT OF GROUNDS.

To

than the turbid waters of western streams.

much

doubtedly to be attributed

The

those regions.

167

these causes

un-

is

of the sickness which prevails in

highest authority of science and experience

assures us that the free use of such water predisposes the drinker

and makes that now constant

to attacks of cholera,

West more malignant and fatal.

For all this, how obvious the remedy
easy

and how cheap

House Plot.

terror of the

How prompt

How

It

rather to illustrate some of the ideas pre-

is

sented in this chapter, than as a pattern for exact imitation, that

we

give a plan of arrangement for a small village

posed to be level ground on the east side of the

seventy-five feet

in front, by one hundred and

larger than lots usually are in our

large

enough

street.

deep.

fifty

new suburban

It is sup-

lot.

It is

Though

villages, it is not

for satisfactory cultivation in a general way.

AVe suppose the house. Design 11,

to be placed in the centre

twenty-five feet from

The verandah and

of the

lot,

parlor front

its front.

windows look toward the west.

windows and the rear entrance

position which
year,

and

all

is

face the south

hall
;

and kitchen

this being the

best adapted for comfort at all seasons of the

hours of the day.

side of the lot runs a straight lane for

Along the northern

communication with the
a load of hay to pass,

is

land by a wire barrier.

railing, is trained

stable.

This, which

is

wide enough

for

turfed and separated from the rest of the

grape vine, protected by a bar or light

along the fence.

There are two gates in

and a half

The

the

feet wide,

front,

opening into paths about three

which bending with easy curvature, meet in

front of the verandah.

and thence by the well

continuation leads to the rear entrance,

to the stable.

Branches from

this diverge.

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

168

and reunite on the south

at

side of the garden.

in the lines of the front yard, as in

character of the house and

c

is

laid

down

its

verandah.

Piegularity

is

The

seniicircukir s})ace

to grass, with no obstructions

upon

it

but the

EEFBRENCES.

Walk.

a,
Z/,

Stable path.

c,

Lawn.

d, Sli rubbery,

Flov/er bed.

e,

Evergreen screen,

/,

Clothes yard.

A,

Fruit.

/,

Vegetables.

j,

Sunuiier house.

(/.

Weil.

A-,

Cow

/.

yard.

Poultry yard.

///,

n.

Piggery.

0,

Manure pit

T,

Verandah.

HOUSE.

II,

Hall.

V,

Parlor.

K, Kitchen.
15

R,

Bedroom.

s,

Sculler^v.

K,

1,

Tool room.

Wood

room.

6TAB1A

Scale 32 feet to an Inch.

aimed

good kee])ing with the

2,

Poultry room.

8,

Cow

4,

Feed room.

stall.

THE IMPROVEMENT OF GROUNDS.

The

Email flowering shrubs that skirt the fence.

may have

right of this

a choice shrub.

like,

walks,

it

lot,

next the

if

you

may

If preferred, a suitable shade tree

will be seen, allow

be

street.

one to traverse nearly the

whole ground, without returning on his

side is a small flower

portion on the

a few fruit trees^ with here and there,

planted at each corner of the

The

169

On

steps.

bed of fanciful shape.

Several

the northern
little

beds of

various form are cut in the grass near the principal walk, for the
cultivation of petunias, verbenas, portulaccas, violets, myrtles,

Each bed must be planted

other plants of similar character.

with but one

sort,

which must

The ground next

creeping vines

dah

post.

All

to the house

of which there

is

or garden seat, g.

and cover the entire

is

spot.

kept in grass, or devoted to

one at the foot of each veran-

shrub shades the bedroom window.

In a part somewhat secluded

ered.

and

The

is

w^ell-house,

placed the summer-house,

^,

is

small thicket of evergreens at

street a sight of the clothes-yard.

also partially

embow-

shuts off from the

Its hedge-like character is

disguised in front by the irregularity of the planting

The

plot,

ij

may

be devoted to berries, or

of currants, rasj)berries, etc., extend from the

fruits.

Borders

summer-house to

the south-east corner, and also hedge in the vegetable garden.

Trailing plants

which

is

may

be made to cover the stable-yard fence,

supposed to be a close one.

In the vegetable garden

choice roots

it

would be well to

raise only the

and plants of household use in summer.

It

were

better to obtain potatoes, and other winter supplies of vegetables,

from some cheaper ground.

The

clothes-yard

may be

used, if necessary, for the temporary deposit of wood, and the

space in

its

rear

is

a play-place for the children.

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

170

The

staLle

designed to be a square

is

and battened

roof

The upper

sides.

enough to contain a

sufficient

On

front for its reception.

LuilJiii:;, wiili

story

supply of hay, Avith a window in

the

first

floor

a large room for

is

The hen-house

the storage of tools, and for general purposes.

(2) has an opening into the yard,
for nests,

manger

tool- room.

hand

ridit

provided with boxes

is

There

is

a stall for

is

can be supplied

it

door in the same room opens at the

is

a feed-room, from which the

his rations.

yard,

slopes towards the

/,

a dry bed for the cow\

manure

This insures

pit, o.

She should also have the

shelter, in

nights and stormy winter days, of a low shed, wdiich

summer

may

and

so placed that

No. 4

of the cow.

hog receives

The

???,

which open from the tool-room.

the cow, and her

from the

liij)ped

be high

sliould

be built against the stable wall.

The

well

is

conveniently placed for supplying house, stable,

and garden.

The
to pay

Street.

Interest

and duty should

alike

prompt you

some attention to that part of the highway which ad-

joins your premises.

Do

not subject yourselves and others to

perpetual vexations, because the authorities of the place neglect

As

their duty.

tain a wide,

far as your

own

line extends,

make and main-

smooth, dry side-walk, with a gradually sloped

water-course between

it

and the carriage-way.

Let there be
Let no

against your ground no unsightly, or dangerous banks.

needless obstructions, or rubbish, ever deform your side of the

road.

The

outer edge of the side-walk

place for trees.

range of choice.
to set

them

Select

them

is

usually the proper

judiciously.

Plant them also judiciously.

There
It

is

is

thickly, with the idea of thinning out,

a Avide

a mistake

when they

THE IMPEOVEMENT OF GEOUNDS.

become

large.

uncrowded

full,

pruning knife.

At

process

is

and

light,

symmetrical, and beautiful.

Ornamental

Let the

and

its

top

Beware of the

trees are often spoiled in this way.

a proper distance from the gate, place a hitching post,

provided with a chain halter.

fence,

hardly ever performed.

tree spread itself in the air

become

will

The

I7l

and your young

trees

It will save your side-walk, your

from harm

and, perhaps,

it

will

save your own, or your neighbor's horse and carriage.

In regard to such improvements as these, do not wait

others to lead the way.

Your neighbors must be

resist

such teaching.

for

Set the examj)le, and say nothing.

different

from most men,

if

they long

CHAPTER

XVII.

THE GARDEN.
though

^,^,^pnB^

much

III

^and

has

it

increased in extent

from

favor, is still far

being an

ol)ject

attention

among us. With

of general

the majority of our rural and

lage population,

most

wholly

have every
ling

soil

it

is

a thing al-

neglected.

facility.

They

But the

untilled

lies

\dl-

at

cal-

their

very doors, while sunshine and

shower, with

and

all their fertihzing

fruit -producing powers, fall unavailingly

on the neglected

ground.

The
roots,

The

fruits,

is

wanting.

and

flowers,

The

culture of salads and

i:>ulse,

of

has not yet become the fashion.

material advantages, one Avould think, the saving and the

profits,
is,

taste

might induce many to have a good garden.

that they are content with a meagre board.

The truth
They

forego

altogether the cheap dainties of the garden, rather than take

the trouble to raise them.

THE GAKDEN.

To

say nothing of these,

kept garden

is

innocent luxuries,

its

The fragrance

a feast for the eye.

fruits regales the sense

and

and pleasing occupation

for

173

both youth and age.

well-

of its flowers

Its culture

of smell.

an easy

is

Portions of

its

care are well adapted to the quick eye and delicate hand of

The employment which

woman.

it

furnishes

is

healthy, as well

a pleasant resort, and an object of just pride,

As

as agreeable.

it

tends greatly to strengthen the ties of domestic attachment.

To sum
itself,

up,

neat, productive garden, tended

by the family

not only one of the most delightful things about a

is

homestead, but one of the best.

It is a

moral ]DOwer

pure,

wholesome, and conservative.

G-ardening

is

a pursuit which, once taken up,

in the love of its votaries.

practical horticulturist

ledge and

skill.

and tangible

more

The

is

There

is

constantly

good reason

making progress

results of his industry

He

results.

apt to grow

is

The

for this.

in

know-

and care are

visible

finds his experience growing yearly

profitable, as well as pleasing.

Of

necessity,

he becomes

attached to objects which he has aided in calHng into being,

and has tended with

him
its

like that

growth,

flowers

and

so

much

which he himself planted,

its

growing up with

other tree can interest

or grafted.

Its health,

annual putting forth of buds and leaves, and

fruits,

are

watched by him with a

whoUy unlike that which he

Do

No

care.

feels

for his

solicitude, not

children,

who

are

it.

not suppose that experience and knowledge are necessary

in order to

make

a beginning, nor think that unless you can

have a large and complete garden,

have any.

Many

err

it is

not worth your while to

from attempting too much.

sults are unsatisfactory,

The

and they give up the attempt

first re-

in dis-

TILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

174

No more ground

gust.

be set apart for this i)urpose

sliould

can be thoroughly attended

tlian

to.

large, neglected, slov-

enly garden, will yield neither pleasure nor profit.

moderately
crease

Begin, then,

but do not forget that your requirements

your experience and

Avith

Your

skill.

jjlans

in-

Avill

in

this

should have reference to the future, as well as the

respect
present.

Set out with a determination to cultivate only the best

plants, fruits, etc.

These occupy no more space, and require

no more care, than those of an

this

will be

Especially

inferior quality.

incumbent on those whose garden room

more of pleasure, and of

is

profit too, in the

is

There

small.

thorough and

successful culture of a few choice sorts, than in the production

of a great variety.

The few

hints which w^e venture to offer on the subject of

gardening will be mainly of a jireliminary and precautionary

AVe would point out certain steps

cliaracter.

taken at the outset.

For the

experience

teacher like

details

wdiicli

should be

of practice, there

is

no

or if other aid be needed, there are

treatises in abundance.

For the substance of these suggestions,

designs, and lists of plants and fruits,

we

The

The

first

skill

and taste

in

'"

matter of importance

is

the preparation of the

soil.

aspect, grading, etc., must, of course, depend on the cir-

cumstances of each

den

flower-bed

are indebted to the

kindness of a gentleman well known for his

horticulture.

for the

case.

The ground, whether meant

for gar-

or lawn, should be

spaded from two to three feet down, and

Mead,

York Horticultural

* Peter B.

Esq., Secretary of the Noav

Corroj^ponding Secretary of the American Institute.

Society,

and

late

THE GAKDEN.
cleared of stones.

It

off a strip,

say

of

three feet wide.

remove the earth a spade's depth, throwing

this

it

on the

bottom of this trench another spade's depth,

Stir the

outside.

At one end

be done in this way.

dug mark

the ground to be

From

may

175

and pick out the

Now mark

stones.

second strip, and

off a

spade as before, throwing the earth into the trench just made.

Loosen the bottom of the second trench, and

whole

pay

The

dug.

is

used to

fill

well, to

the bottom

earth removed from the

the last one.

so proceed till the

first

throw out from each trench two

trench must be

but will generally

It will take longer,

spits deep, stirring

as before.

The importance
cal gardeners,

of this process

is

well understood by practi-

and can hardly be overrated.

for the roots to descend,

and by allowing

It gives a

air

chance

and moisture to

penetrate, furnishes not only nourishment, but warmth.

In this process of trenching,

thrown

many

small stones will be

These are of great value in making walks.

out.

ing marked out the path, excavate the whole of

of three feet.

Upon
of

FiU up one

the stones

soil,

j)lace

foot

with stones

it

to the

Havdepth

the largest below.

a layer of brush, or of sods

to be topped with gravel, slightly crowned.

then a foot

The bed

of stones and brush will not only keep the path dry and hard at
all times,

but will serve the valuable end of draining the ad-

joining ground.

make a good
down

Where

anthracite coal

is

burned, the ashes

covering for garden and other paths, treading

hard, and keeping out grass and weeds.

If the ground be naturally wet,

it

may need

additional

underdraining, which can be effected by other trenches of the

same kind,

How

or

little

by the use of

tile.

patches for flowers

may

be cut in the green turf^


VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

176

and how they should be planted^ we have aheady

also gave, in the

Two

Design

for

what may be done.

no limit

such

grounds, an ornamental flower bed.

They

are intended to

show

There

to the variety of

The

combinations.
are

figures

Two

We

other specimens of geometric figures for the same purpose,

by Mr. Mead, are here presented.

is

sliown.

formed.

easily

sharpened

sticks, con-

nected by a string, are the

only instruments required.

One

of the figures,

be seen,

it

may

numbered and

is

lettered.

of plants,

selection

Scale 16

proper for each spot, and

ft.

to an inch.

so arranged with reference to size, colors, etc., as to produce a

pleasing and harmonious effect, will be found in the following

instructions

In the middle of one of the outer borders plant Magnolia purpurea, and in the

middle of the corresponding borders, Rims cotinus, Euon\nnus Americanus, and Vibur-

num

opulus,

tetraptera,

all

large shrubs.

Midway between

these and the corners, plant Ilalesia

Rhododendron catawbiensc, Philadelphus

Clethra alnifulia, Kulmia

these last and

tlie

first

latifolia,

and Coronilla cmerus.

Chionanthus virginicus,

Between

named, plant Azalea Pontica, Styrax glabra, Forsythia

sima, Lonicora Tartarica,

Aucuba Japonica, Euon;)'mus Japonica, Mahonia

viridis-

aquifoHa,

In the central points of the same borders, plant an Azalea,

Mahonia

Spirasa callosa,

gracilis,

Hibiscus Syriacus, Weigela (Diervilla) rosea.

aquifolia.

and Fuonymus Japonica variogata.

In the four

corners, plant Syringa Josackii, Philadelphus coronarius, Ilalesia diptera, and Deutzia

scabra.

crowded;

There
this

will

still

be room enough for other plants, but they must not be

room may be occupied with Calycauthus

floridus, Berberis

purpurea,

THE GARDEN.
Yucca

177

gloriosa, Spirasa thalictroides, S. trilobata, S. Douglassii, Cotoneaster microphylla,

and some choice

Diel}-tra spectabilis, Crataegus p_^Tacantlia,

by the dotted

may

lines in the corners

The paths

roses.

hadicated

be omitted or opened, as desired.

In the middle of the centre piece plant the Spireea Keevesii, and in the centres of
the beds 2, 3, 4, and 5, plant roses
Albert, and Pius IX.

Geant

des Battailles, CaroHne de Sansal,

from the edge, plant three of the following

foot

pentge,

Anemone

Sieboldii,

The

lar-

saxatile,

Convallaria majalis, Aquilegia glandulosa,

and Chelone barbata.

position of plants in each of the beds

ing to the letters shown on that marked 8

numbered
and the

an Antirrhinum

at h, a

Delphinium; at/. Lychnis

rubra, Pentstemon gentianoides,

and

6, 7, 8,

9, is to

sorts as follows

Hermosa, Mrs. Bosanquet, La Reine, and Aug-ustine Michelet

ate?,

Plumbago

Spirasa filipendula,

Japonica, Crucianella stylosa, Myosotis palustris, Hepatica trilobata.

Dodecatheon meadia, Alyssum

Sedum

Prmcc

In each of these beds, at equal distances apart, and about one

At
and

at

at ^,

oificinalis, Spirasa lobata,

c,

Roses

Phloxes

Valeriana rubra,

e,

Pentstemon atropur-

pureum, Lupinus polyphyllus, Aconitus napellus, and Aconitum speciosum

cocephalura speciosum, Valeriana

be accorda,

Chalcedonica, Dictamnus

and Campanula grandiflora

CEnothera Frazerii, Lychnis viscaria, and Veronica spicata

at

and

S.

at

b,

Dra-

Americana.

In addition, there should be distributed about the borders a good collection of

Chrysanthemums.
and Crocuses,

In the

may

fall,

Among

are indispensable.

clumps of Tulips, Hyacinths, Narcissuses, Jonquils,

be planted wherever room

niums, Nierembergias, Gaillardias,

may

be found for them.

etc.

Also Dahlias, Gladioluses,

similar arrangement of the

same

made

We
cially

to

for the

commend

etc.

plants, with such modifi-

cations as circumstances and good taste

readily

Bedding plants

the best are Verbenas, Petunias, Cupheas, Scarlet Gera-

may

dictate, will be

beds of the design on the next page.

this delightful task to the young,

young women.

The examples furnished

and espewill

soon

suggest others, and they will find occupation ever fresh and
pleasing, in devising

rangements of

The

fruit

new combinations

of figure,

and new

ar-

flowers.

and vegetaHe garden should be

squares, in order that no

laid out in large

room be needlessly occupied by walks.

Every inch of valuable ground should be devoted to some use12

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

178
fill

purpose.

Let these squares be edged with hox, kept always

neatly trimmed.

be planted on

Dwarf

(es[tecially the pear)

fruit trees

all sides of

these squares

about four

may
from

feet

the box edging, and from six

Between

to eight feet apart.

every two trees, a currant or

goosebeny bush may be planted.

part of one square

may

be

appropriated to an asparagus
bed, a portion of another

may

be set apart for strawberries.

Against the fences, raspberries

and blackberries may be plantAcross the middle of one

ed.

square, a row of rhubarb plants

may

be set

not

less

than four

feet apart.

Wherever the climate

They occupy but

by the

They

little

side of buildings,

will

cornice,

allows, every

ground.

They

body should
will

where nothing

grow

raise grapes.

in corners,

and

else of value could stand.

run up your verandah posts, and stretch along the

and adorn with their green drapery and purple

the otherwise blank and unsightly wall.

By no

clusters,

other culture,

with the same ground and the same care, can we obtain so

much

of gratification both for the eye

and the palate.

Grapes should be propagated from eyes and cuttings, and

not from layers.
posure.

The

They should have,

They may be grown

trellis is

to eight feet

by

far the best.

out of ground.

if possible,

a southern ex-

either on a trellis

For

this

Then

you

may

or

an

arbor.

set posts, six

tlirough holes in these,

THE GARDEN.

179

about two feet apart, run strong annealed wire, and wedge

it

Plant the vines from eight to ten feet apart, and prune

fast.

them annually and thoroughly on the cane system.

This

an

is

important operation, and he, who has had no experience, will

do well to employ,

Autumn,

the

for

first

as soon as the leaves

time, some practiced hand.

have

fallen, is the best

time for

pruning grape-vines.
Fruit trees should be planted in the

have

fallen.

tion

may

be deferred

Great care should be

early spring.

till

The

fibres.

enough to allow them to spread out

Many

after the leaves

If not covenient to plant at this time, the opera-

taken of the roots and small

holes should be large

in their natural position.

Fruit trees do not flourish un-

err in planting too deep.

less, like

fall,

other plants, they are cultivated.

them should be

The ground around

well worked, occasionally top-dressed, and kept

from grass and weeds.

free

The

which result from pruning

benefits

fruit

shrubs, are not appreciated as they ought to be.

so

much good

might ripen into

shown that

to

its

But long and

way can the

to lay

hasten

and quality
Fruit

fruit.

in no other

shape the tree

light

wood, or to destroy so

it

open

to cut

many buds

that

large experience have

best results be reached.

for the

and

Many seem

They cannot bear

and saw.

to be afraid of the knife

away

trees

To

admission of air and

bearing, and to improve its fruit in size

are the objects and results of judicious pruning.

trees

may

be pruned at any time during winter, or

early in spring, before the sap begins to run.

Summer

pruning

should be confined to repressing shoots of too luxuriant growth,

by pinching out the terminal

where they are too

thick.

But

eye,

and thinning out branches

this

is

sometimes carried too

far.


VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

180
Leaves have an
is

injurious to

iiiipuriaut

ageucy in the

of i)ear and other trees

may

improvement of that which

and

il})eniiig process,

remove those which are near the

The

<Vuit.

it

fruit

often be thinned out, to the great

is left.

Currants and gooseberries should be grown to single stems

They may be propagated from

Lree-lbrni.

wood (not

so well

cuttings of the last

by suckers) before growth beghis

early in September.

Rub

out

in spring, or

the eyes exce})ting three or

all

four at the top.

For general purposes we conmiend the

Dutch

Others will be found in our

currant.

The

list.

large

w^ood of

currants should be thinned out and cut back.

been

It has

from

its

the gooseberry in this country,

difficult to raise

liability to

mildew.

There

an American variety

is

(Houghton's seedling) which, according to our experience,

oi)en to this objection.

of the hole

we

We

treat

place a mixture

parts of old rotten manure.

care, especially in

it

In the

fall

Gooseberries should be pruned late in the

As soon
down

to the

not

the bottom

one part of wood mould and two

we top

dry weather, to keep the

as the fruit of

At

as follows.

is

soil

ground the stems which bore

and take

open and porous.

or early in spring.

fall,

your raspberries

dress,

is all

it,

gathered, cut

that the suckers,

which are to be the fruit-bearers of the following year, may get

air

and

light.

These

also,

when numerous, should be thinned

In spring, the lateral, or side branches, should be shortened

out.

in about a third

Some

and

of tlieir length,

raspberries need

all

dead wood removed.

to be covered during winter.

For Asparagus, place about

bottom of the bed, with a

six inches of

light vegetable

manure

at the

mould above.

The

crown of the plant should not be more than three inches below
the surface

only that part which

is

above the ground

is fit

to


THE GARDEN.

An

eat.

occasional toiD-dressing of salt

manure

cover the beds with

The

ment.

181

for protection,

smallest family will need for this

There

sc[uare rod.

not

is beneficial.

but

them

In a small garden

many

kinds,

flavor,

and productiveness combined.

;

Hovey's Seedhng, (P.)

(P.)

and Burr's

The

may

Xew

summer heat burns them

Longworth's
(H.)

size,

Foreign varieties do not

be made from the following

Boston Pine,

Scott^s Seedling, (H.)

(H.)

our intense

good selection

Superior,

the

not well to grow

is

it

and these should be selected in reference to

succeed well with us

When

out, so as to stand a foot apart

the latter should be about 18 inches apart.

Strawberries.

up.

for enrich-

no better mode of forming an asparagus

is

plants are well up, thin

;

fall,

edible at least a

bed than to plant the seed at once in the bed.

in the rows

In

Prolific,
;

(H.)

Monroe

Moyamensing, (P.)

McAvoy's

Scarlet,

(P.)

Walker's Seedling,

Pine, (P.)

best soil for strawberries

is

a heavy loam, to which has

been added a good proportion of vegetable mould from the

woods.
best.

new

soil,

an inverted

thoroughly incorporated with the

two or three

and well

rotted,

occasional top-dressing of ashes

in various ways.

beginning at six inches from the "edge,

H. and P. denote respectively Hermaplirodite and

Pistillate.

the

this is

Hermaphrodites wiU fmit by themselves

Pistillates Avill not

and

sometimes see beds entirely miproduetive, no regard having been paid

Let

it

be

home

in

mind that

Pistillates will not

unless Hermaphi'odites are planted near them.

but near by.

is

each way in a

wide,

character.

and

which should be trenched

to place the plants a foot apart

is

letters

example,~suits them

of the best, for

bed three

feet

soil,

old

One

a small garden,

The

An

feet deep.

Beds are made

beneficial.

sod, for

The manure used should be

They need

The

why we

to their sexual

produce a crop of berries

not be in the same beds,

TILLAGE AND

182

FAR:^!

COTTAGES.

leaving a walk eiglitecn inches wide between the beds.

late variety

may

Beds may be made

another.

plant immediately

fair

done, a tolerable crop

rows.

fall,

lifted

and put a

be had from

cai'el'iilly

put out in early

hay

by repeated

or straw will prevent the plants

No

freezings.

runners must be

ground as soon as the

frost is out,

clean hay or straw on the ground to keep

little

berries clean.

})lants

If

give a top-dressing of nianure between the

Stir uj) the

allowed to grow.

It is better to

crop the following sjiring.

may

slight covering of

from being

dry.

Plants put out in September, and even in

seas<Mis.

In the

is

Septendjer and early spring; are

after a rain.

October, will yield a

spring.

j)islil-

any time, provided the

at almost

when the weather

plants are watered

the best

be planted in one bed, and an henna})hrodite in

the

bed carefully made, and well kept, ought to be

productive five or six years.

Whether

in

the vegetable,

fruit, or

flower garden, let

remembered that the ground cannot be

it

be

too frequently stirred,

especially in dry weather.

There should be
about four feet wide,

in

the vegetable garden a central walk,

the passage of a wheelbarrow.

for

For

the other walks, a width of two and a half to three feet will
suffice.

rose trellis, or an evergreen hedge,

screen between the flower

0\'er the

makes an appropriate

and the vegetable gardens.

summer-house,

if

there be one, train the monthly

honeysuckle.

For piazza columns and

houses,

cornice,

and

for the corner-posts of

the Wistaria sinensis, the Bignonia radicans, and the

Bignonia grandiflora, are suitable and beautiful ornaments.

also are

some of the running

roses.

So

183

THE GARDEN.
While you

They

are building for yourself, build also for the birds.

are the natural friends of

man,

Lis best protectors against

the ravages of insect tribes.

From

the almost

boundless catalogue of

number comparatively

selected a

Yet even

small.

copious for the gardener on a moderate scale

for

this list is too

we must repeat

the injunction, that excellence, rather than variety,

to be

aimed

at.

Among

it is

We

is

the object

the pears, we have marked with a star

those to which we give the preference.

limited,

we have

fruits,

Where

the ground

is

better to duplicate these, than to take the others.

give but a short

of apples

list

the tree not being so

suitable for gardens as the pear.

From
and

the uncertainty which attends the raising of nectarines

apricots,

each sort

we do not

advise the planting of more than one of

and that should be

DWARF PEAES.

in

some sheltered

situation.

Oswego Beurr6,

* Rostiezer,
* Bartlett,

* Seckel,

* Dearborn's Seedling,

* Sheldon,

Boston,

Ott,

* Stevens's Genesee,

Beurre Clairgeau,
* Beurre Diel,

Tyson,
* Beurre d'Aremberg,

* Livingston Pear,

* Easter Beurre,

Dix,

Beurre Langlier,

Doyenne Boussock,

Doyenne Goubalt,

Doyenne Blanc

Duchesse d'Angouleme,

Fondante d'Antomne,

* Lawrence,

(Yirgalien),

* Fulton,
* Louise

Bonne de

Jersey,

Glout Morceau,

Winter

HoweU.

Nelis,

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

184
DWAUF

AI'l'LES.

THE GAEDEN.

185

CURRANTS.

EASPBEERIES.

Large Eed Dutch,

Red Antwerp,

Large White Dutch,

Yellow Antwerp,

Knight's Early Red,

Brinckle's Orange,

Bang-up (black),

Franconia,

White Grape,

Gushing.

Red Grape.

The
ii

garden,

)wer

The

following

list

comprises a good collection of plants for a

list

from 40 to 50

feet square,

might be greatly extended

improved

in

The

quality.

addition

or of equal

area.

number, but not much

in

of

some choice bedding

plants and annuals (indispensable in every garden) will furnish

a supply of flowers during the whole season.

We

and common names, time of bloom-

give the botanical

ing, height of plants,

and

color of the flower.

DECIDUOUS AND EVERGREEN SHRUBS.

Magnolia pui-purea, Purple Magnolia,
"

Rhus

May

and June, 8

Soulangeana, Soulange's 3Iagnolia,

cotinus, Venetian

Fringe

Sumach

tree,

May and
July to

Euonymus Americanus, American Burning Bush,

in fall

to

10

purple.

feet,

June, 8 to 10

Sept., 8 to

5 to 8 feet

10

feet,

pur. and white.

feet, light

purple.

covered with scarlet

bemes

and early winter.

YA\onYmViS,\iitUo\mi,Broad-leaved Burning Bush, 6 feet; red berries in Sept. and Oct.

Rhododendi-on Catawbiense, Catawla Rosehay, July, 8 to 10

Halesia tetraptera,

"

STiou-drop, July,

10

feet, purple.

feet, white.

diptera, Snoiodrap, July, 10 feet, white.

Viburnum

Guelder
June and July, 6
8
Moch Orange, June and July, 4 6
coronarius, Sgringo 3Ioch Orange, June and July, 4

opulus, Snoichall

Rose,

to

Philadelphus graciUs, Sijringo

"

feet,

to

white.

feet,

white.

to 6 feet, white.

Crataegus oxycantha rosea

Spiia Reevesii,

fl.

pi.,

Double Red Hawthorn, June, 6 to 8

Reeves's Spircea, June,

feet,

white.

"

prunifolia pleno. Double White Spircea, June, 4 feet, white.

"

trilubata. Three-label Spircea, June,

feet,

white.

feet, red.

VILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

186

Spiraea Doucjlassii, DwigUus Sjj'iraa, August, 4 feet, rose.

"

cratirgit'olia, Thoi-n-leaced Spircea,

"

callosa, a

"

thalictroides,

new Spinca

July, 4

white.

feet,

in the style of Reeves's, red.

Meadow

rue-leaved

June and

Wreaih,

Peters

St.

July,

4 to 6

foet, white.

Sj-ringa-Tosickxa,

Deutzia gracilis, Graceful

"

and June, G

/o.s-/fA:'sZ,//ar, ]\ray

Persica, Perdan Lilac,

*'

May and

Deiiizia,

June, 6

June, 3

purple.

feet,

purple.

feet,

white.

feet,

scubra, Roufjh-leaved Deu/zia, June, 6 feet, white.

Pyrus Japonica, Japan

Weigela (fMervilla)

Quince, June, 4 feet, scarlet.

Chionanthas Virginicus, Virginia Fringe

Clethra

alnifolia, Alder-h-aved Clefhra,

Kalniia

latifolia.

Amygdalus pumila,

"

Aug. and

ilicifolia,

feet,

Daphne mezcreum.

Douhle-Jloicenng Almond,

May

May, 4

Sweet-scented Daphne,

Styrax glabra, July, 6

feet,

white.

white.

feet,

feet, red.

and June, 4

feet, red.

May, 3

May, 3

and the single red and white.

pink.

yellow.

feet,

The double

Louicera Tartarica, Upright Honeysuckle,

I\Iay,

Azalea,

May

feet,

the variegated leaved

worth growing.

feet, various.

feet,

purple.

and June, 3

feet, various.

Gold-dust Shrub, 3 feet, a beautifully

aquifolia. Holly-leaved Berberry,

various

varieties are not

Paeonia moutan, Tree Pivony, ^lay and June, 3

Hardy

yellow.

feet,

Hibiscus Syriacus, Rose of Sharon, Aug. to Oct., 6

(in varieties',

yellow.

feet,

feet,

white.

Coronilla emerus, Scorpion Senna,

Aucuba Japonica,

feet, rose.

Holly-leaved Berberry, July, 4 feet, yellow.

purpurea, Purple-leaved Berberry, June, 4

Mahonia

Sept.,

10

Sueet-sccnted Shrub, June, 4 feet, brown.

Forsji;hia viridissima, Green Forsythia,

A2alea

and June, 4

Tree, June, 8 to

Broad-leaved Kalmia, or SJieep Laurel, June, 4

Qii[\i:SiU\\\\.\&?iov\'\\i&

Berberis

May

rosea, Pose-colored Weigela,

May and

Cotoneaster micropliylla. Small-leaved Cotoneaster,

marked evergreen

June, 3
1 foot,

white

plant.

yellow.

feet,

bears brilliant scarlet

berries.

Euonymus Japonicus, Japan Fuonymus,

4 feet.

Crataegus pyracanthus, Evergreen Thorn, 2 feet

hears reddish yellow berries.

IIERUACEOCS PLANTS.

Dictamnus rubra, Red-fowering Dictamnm,

"

alba, White-flowering Dictamnus,

May

and June, 2

May and

June, 2

feet, red.
feet,

white.

THE GARDEN.
Lychnis chalcedonica,

"

viscaria,

Delphinium

June

Scarlet DjcJinis.

to Aug., 2 feet, scarlet.

Pink Lychnis, June to Aug., 2

(in varieties), Perennial Larlcqmr,

Phlox

"

"

Perennial Phlox,

Pgeonia

"

"

Herbaceous Poeony,

Campanula

Plumbago

Anemone

June

to Oct., 2 to

May

June

Larpentse, LarpenCs Plmnbago, July to Oct.,

Japonica, Japan Anemone, July to Sept.,

1 to

pink.

Convallaria majalis, Lily of the

feet, red.

4-

foot, blue.

May and

May,

Jime, 1 foot, red.

1 foot, yellow.

Valley, ilay, 1 foot, white.

Aquilegia glandulosa. Columbine, June to Aug., 1 to 2

"

Canadensis,

etc.,

grandiflorus. Perennial Li'pin,

Pyrethrum parthenium

feet,

deep blue.

Columbine, Jiine to Aug., 1 to 2 feet, various.

Lupinus poh^hyllus, Perermid Lupin, June to July, 2

"

deep blue.

foot, pink.

Coicslip,

saxatile. Golden Alyssum,

to Oct., 2 to 4 feet, various.

\ foot,

feet, white.

Myosotis palustris. Forget-me-not, June to Sept.,

Dodecatheon meadia, American

to 3 feet, blue.

June and July, 2

June

(pleno), Double Feverfew,

to 3 feet, blue.

to Oct., 1 to 2 feet,

Digitalis purpurea, Foxglove, July to Sept., 2 to 3 feet, purple.

"

alba, Foxglove

July

2 to 3

to Sept.,

feet,

white.

Lobelia cardinalis, Cardinal Flower, July to Sept., 2 to 3

Yucca
*'

filamentosa, Adam's l^hread,

glorioba,

June and July, 2

Funkia Japonica, Day

Lily,

June

feet,

August, 2

whitish green.
feet,

whitish green.
f:.ot,

yellow.

Frazerii, etc., July, 2 to 3 feet, yellow.

Stoke sia cyanea, Blue

July. 2 feet, blue.

StoJcesia,

Spiraa Americana, Herbaceous

"

feet, scarlet.

to July, 2 feet, white.

(Enothera macrocarpa. Evening Primrose, June to Sept., 1

"

filipendula,

June

to

Sjnrcea,

August,

July to Aug.,

1 to

"

lobata,

"

Japonica, July to August, 1 to 3

June

to

various.

feet, scarlet.

Valeriana rubra, Garden Valerian, June and July, 2

Hepatica trilobata, Liverwort, May, 1

feet,

1 foot, rose.

foot,

June and July, 2

feet, various.

to July, 2 to 3 feet, various.

grandiflora, carpatica, etc., Belljloicer,

officinalis,

to Oct., 2 to

Chelone barbata, Bearded Chelone, June,

Alyssum

pink.

I'eet,

June

Crucianella stylosa, Crucianella, June, ^

"

187

August,

1 to

feet,

1 to

feet, red.

white.

3 feet, white.

Adonis vemalis. Spring Adonis, April,

feet,

1 foot,

white.

yellow.

Aconitus napellus, Monlcs-hood, June to August, 3 to 4

feet, blue.

white.

TILLAGE AND FARM COTTAGES.

188

Aconitus spcciosus, Juno to August, 3 to 4

Monarda didyma, June and

"

June and July, 2

gracilis,

feet,

Lilium candidum,
"

feet, blue.

July, 2 feet, scarlet.

purple.

"^

testaceum.
,

spcciosum, rub rum et album,

"

longiflorum,

Dianthus

/i/y,

June

to Oct., 2 to 4 feet, various,

'

etc.,

(in varieties). Sweet Williams, Pinks, etc.,

June

to Sept., 1 to 2 feet, various.

Statice hybrida, etc.. Sea Lavender, Thrift, June, 1 foot, various.

AntiiTbinura (in varieties), Smpdracjon, June to Oct.,

Dielytra spectabilis, Dielytra, June to Sept., 2 to 3

Cbrysanthemums

(in varieties), Artemesia, Sept.

Iris

and

Oct.,

"

Primrose, ^May and June,

"

"

Iris,

May

feet,

various.

pink.

"

Primula

1 to

feet,

to 4 feet, various.

1 foot,

various.

to July, 1 to 2 feet, various.

Asclepias tuberosa. Milk Weed, July and August, 2 to 3

feet,

orange red.

Baptisia australis, Line Brqjtisia, June and July, 2 feet, blue.

Lathyrus

Papaver

latiiblius,

climber,

July to

orientale, Perennial Poppy,

Sept.,

4 to G

Pentstemon atropurpureum, Pentstemon, July

"

Potentilla

"

Hopwoodiana,

feet, scarlet.

Valerian, June, 1 to 2 feet, blue.

Potentilla,

June and July,

1 to 2 feet, yellowish red.

atrosanguinea, June and July, 1 foot, red.

Sieboldii, Siehold's Stonecrop, Sept.

and

Oct.,

Veronica spicata, Speedwell, June to Oct., 1 to 2

Dracocephalum speciosum. Dragon's Head, June

Mnca

reddish yellow.

feet,

to Sept., 2 to 3 feet, purple.

gentianoides, Pentstemxm, July to Sept., 2 to 3

Polcmonium cceraleum, Greek

Sedum

feet, purple.

June and July, 3

minor, Running Myrtle, July to Sept., ^

CLIMBERS.

foot, red.

feet, blue.

to Oct., 2 to 3 feet, pink.

foot, blue.

Hedera

helix,

Jasminum humile,
Aristolochia sipho,

Lonicera in

Ampelopsis hederacea,

Menispermum Cauadense,

Bignonia radicans,

Periploca Gnrca,

"

grandiflora.

Clematis in var.,

var.,

Wistaria sinensis.

THE GARDEN.
CLniBIXG ROSES.

La

189

Peine, rosy

Mrs. Elliott,

Queen

lilac.

rosij

purple.

Marquise Bocella, Hush

of tlie Prairies,

rose.

Baltimore Belle,

Madame Trudeaux,

Princess Adelaide Moss,

]\Iadame Lafifay, rosy crimson.

Elegans,

Prince Albert, red.

Pride of "Washington.

RiTci"Sj crimson.

Triumphant.

Bouquet de Flore,

light

criimon.

rosy carmine,.

Dupetit Thouars, crimson.

Henry

HARDY PERPETUAT.

Clay, bright

Hermosa,

ROSES.

Madame
Geaut des

Pierre de

'BattaUles, crimson.

Antigone, deep

Baronne Prevost, deep

liffht

red.

rose.

Cyr, pale

rose.

rose.

red.

Agrippina,

velvety crimson.

Mrs. Bosanquet, /e5^

color.

color.

bright rose.

Dr. Marx, carmine.

Persian Yellow.

Duchess of Sutherland, pale

Standard of

St.

]\Ialmaison, Jhsh color

ctimson.

Caroline de Sansal, flesh

Comte de Derby,

Pius IX.,

rose.

Augustine Michelet, deep

Baronne Hallez,

Aude,

Bourbon Queen,

rose.

rose.

blush.

]\Iicrophylla alba.

rose.

Herbemont's

Lilacee, rose.

'A' rV

]\Iusk Cluster, ichite.

p!PSE^>.v:,;,,.AV::,

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