THE ARCHITECTURE OF TOWN-HOUSES. 379 



illustrate what is meant — an archseological museum that makes the 

 flint implements of the United States its specialty. Its aim is to bring 

 together every type, form, variety, and size of objects fashioned by 

 flaking or chipping, of every material used, and in a general way from 

 every locality in the country. But, as it is not possible practically to 

 collect exclusively in one line, other objects will necessarily find their 

 way into the museum at the same time. In exploring, or in acquiring 

 at first hands, a variety of specimens is always obtained. An impor- 

 tant source of increase are gifts, and gifts are taken as they come. 

 It is a common thing to acquire collections already formed, and al- 

 most invariably they comprise a miscellaneous assortment. The same 

 condition of things will exist, no matter to what objects the museum 

 is devoted or what its specialty may be. Thus, the museum, however 

 rigidly the specialty is kept paramount, in spite of the fact, will also 

 increase in other subdivisions and classes. 



What is done by rule and systematically is likely, in the long run, 

 to be well done. But, in order to establish system and prescribe rule, 

 it is requisite first to determine what can and what can not be done, 

 and then what should be done for a reason apparently sufficient, hav- 

 ing due regard to the limitations of circumstances and the necessities 

 of the case. This has been my aim, and if I have failed to express 

 myself with all the precision and clearness and fullness that could be 

 desired, there is, nevertheless, I think, a strong, true meaning at bot- 

 tom in what I have presented, that will approve itself to the thought- 

 ful mind. This much I venture to insist upon, that whether what is 

 advocated be accepted or not, it is, at least, a safe guide to orderly 

 and systematic progress, and to completeness in one or more classes 

 or subdivisions of a museum. 



■♦«» 



THE AECHITECTUEE OF TOWN-HOUSES. 



By EOBEET W. EDIS, F. S. A. 



^1 



IN choosing as my subject "The Building of Town-Houses," it 

 seemed to me that I might, from the experience gained during 

 the past five-and-twenty years in my professional career as an archi- 

 tect, give some information and suggestions on the various points 

 which should be specially observed and insisted upon in any building 

 wherein sound construction, healthy arrangement, common-sense treat- 

 ment of the rooms, and practical knowledge in their general fitting 

 up, are all -important, where health, cleanliness, and comfort, and econ- 

 omy of service and labor, are considered necessary. 



The speculative builders have too long had their way without con- 

 trol of any kind, save that which is provided for under the Metro- 

 politan Building and other local acts, which simply permit of the dis- 



