626 The Journal of Forestry. 



and experienced contributors to give us a few remarics on something 

 foreign to arboriculture in the literal sense of the term, and yet 

 within the limits of estate management, they would lend a degree of 

 variety to the pages of the Journal which would, I am sure, be much 

 appreciated. For instance, an article on the erection of farm buildings, 

 cottages, &c., could not fail to be deeply interesting to many of your 

 readers, especially those on whom the expense and superintendence 

 of such occasionally devolve. The rapid advance of agriculture, and 

 the requirements of the age, demand for the farmer more extensive 

 and much more convenient accommodation for himself and family, as 

 well as for the labourers whom he employs, to say nothing of the highly 

 bred stock, and expensive machinery and implements, for which he 

 must find proper accommodation if he expects to succeed in modern 

 farming. 



The improvement of farmhouses and buildings, and the often half- 

 ruinous and uncomfortable cottages inhabited by estate and farm 

 labourers, have for many years engaged the earnest attention of proprie- 

 tors, and those acting for them ; so much so that in some counties of 

 Scotland a sort of rivalry seems to exist among the proprietors as to who 

 shall have the best farm buildings suited to the size and requirements 

 of the farm, and the neatest and most comfortable dwellings for those 

 whom they employ. I am sure the Editor would endeavour to 

 find space for a plan, on a small scale, of a farmhouse, offices, or 

 cottages, which might be accompanied with a short but concise speci- 

 fication for the same. This would afford considerable scope for 

 discussion, which would prove of mutual advantage, and thus a large 

 amount of useful information would be elicited. It may be argued, 

 as architecture is a distinct profession by itself, that every man 

 ought to be allowed to live by his profession. 



While to some extent admitting that argument, we at the same 

 time cannot ignore the fact that some of us are expected by our 

 employers to be able to prepare plans and specifications for farm 

 buildings, cottages, &c.; in fact, this is now considered an indipensable 

 qualification in any man who aspires to the management of landed 

 property, whether it be as agent, land-steward, or overseer. 



The push and competition of the times necessitate the adoption of 

 every legitimate means to attain and hold a position in the world, 

 even though they may trench on the occupation or professions of 

 others. At the same time, architects, as a body, do not view our 

 encroachments with much concern, our efforts being chiefly directed 

 to that class of work which is not altogether the special delight of 

 the members of that honourable body. 



Articles on draining of arable and waste land, on laying down 

 of permanent and other pasture, or, indeed, any of the numerous 



