HINTS ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF FARM-HOUSES 



Any one may see that a decided taste is beginning to manifest it^ 

 self at the present moment in rural architecture. Every where, in 

 the middle and eastern StateSj one sees that the newly built cottages 

 and villas are no longer in those clumsy and unmeaning forms that 

 ten years ago so generally prevailed. 



This is a most hopeful and encouraging symptom. It tells us very 

 plainly that our country proprietors have begun to give some thought 

 to the construction of their own houses ; that they aire no longer con-^ 

 tent with what the nearest carpenter or mason may have to offer as 

 the latest style ; that they have at least a desire for something fit for 

 their own wants, the beauty of which is* of a kind becoming and suit- 

 able to the purpose in view-. 



In this aspect of things, nothing is more to be desired, than the 

 general prevalence of correct principles of taste among our agricul- 

 turists of intelligence. 



The Farm-House in this country is not the hovel of a serf. It is 

 not the hut of a peasant. It is the cottage of a freeman^— the pro- 

 prietor of the soil he cultivates. It is the home of the best virtues 

 and the soundest hearts. It must necessarily-^if it be true to itself — 

 give a character of moral and physical beauty to the whole rural 

 scenery of the Union. Let us not deny, therefore^ the importance 

 of the farm-house. It seems to us to be w^orthy of the attention of 

 every one who would render our country life expressive of its true 

 usefulness and beauty. 



We should be glad in this brief space, to say a few words about 

 farm-houses ; our limits will, however, only permit us to point out a 

 few errors into which our country builders have hitherto fallen. 

 Something may perhaps be gained even by considering the mistakes 

 into which those most commonly fall, who have built with little re* 

 flection. 



