468 



Readixg-Ojukse 1-UU I'aK-MEKS. 



veniencc. It would be intersting to make a computation as to how 

 much lime and labor are wasted each year in doing chores in separated 

 buildings. It would seem that good executive management would try 

 to concentrate one's activities. Often the hay is in one barn, the horses 

 in another, the cows in another, the wagons in another, and the corn 

 in an isolated crib. It would, no doubt, be cheaper to build many of 

 tliese departments together as compartments in a single structure ; or, 

 if these departments arise after the main barn is built, it is often possible 

 to join some of them to the main structure rather than to make wholly 

 separate units. The cost of maintenance of buildings is increased with 

 several small separate structures; and the lack of organization of time 

 and effort entails a still greater loss. The mere protection from the 

 weather in doing chores is no inconsiderable advantage of a centralized 



Fig. 290. — A schoolhouse, on ths square weaivrn plan. Colorado Springs. 



lav-out in this climate. An argument acainst the consolidation of the 

 departments is the greater likelihood that a fire would destroy the entire 

 ])Iant ; but, as a matter of fact, it is difficult to save the separate build- 

 ings as they are usually placed. Moreover, th.e buildings are generally 

 protected by insurance, and one can carry a relatively larger protection 

 on one good building than on several poor ones; and the chance of fire 

 is probably less in the one building than in several. 



It is surprising what little attention is given to the making of walks 

 about farm buildings. Perh.aps no single accessory coimts so much for 

 convenience, and for the saving of time and strength; yet it is com- 

 mon to see farmers making their way through nuiddy yards year after 

 year, and spending more time in i)icking circuitous trails in order that 

 they may go dry shod than woull be require 1 to make good cement or 



