FREESTONE COTTAGE. 



lar is paved with choice large flagging of the best quality, and laid in water-proof cement, 

 so as to be dry in all seasons. The walls are laid five feet below ground, two and a 

 half feet above. The courses are of single stones, those at the bottom weighing half a 

 ton or more., each. The upper course, two and a half feet above ground, is of single 

 stones, each weighing nearly a ton, hewn and polished in the best manner. Their size 

 may be inferred from the fact, tha't five only are required to extend from corner to corner 

 across one end of the building, a distance of 31 feet 8 inches. On this course is the water 

 table, which, like the courses below, is laid in cement and lime-mortar, thus effectually 

 preventing any dampness from arising from the walls under it. Above the water table, 

 the stones of the main walls are each one foot wide and thick, by various lengths from two 

 to twelve feet, according to the place they occupy, each stone having been cut and marked 

 for its place. Twelve courses of one foot each, complete the first story, on which is laid 

 a belting course which passes entirely around the building. Above this belt the walls 

 are not so thick, being set back one inch from a line perpendicular with the walls below. 

 The entire walls are laid with the closest possible joints, in a fine grout of lime-mortar 

 and cement, with an outer edge of stone putty, which has hardened like the stone itself, 

 and is perfectly impervious to the weather. All the stones which form the corners are cut 

 in the shape of the letter L, thus locking them together with great strength. Wherever 

 beauty or strength seemed to require it, single blocks of a large size have been used. The 

 arches of the pointed windows are cut from single blocks. The whole of the projection in 

 the second story, over the front entrance, is composed of four pieces, the sill, the sides and 

 the arched top. From this window, as indeed from all the front windows, the view of the 

 city, of the windings of the river, of Portland, and the Strait hills in the distance, is un- 

 surpassed. 



The timber, joists, &c., are of first quality chestnut; the joists large, and thickly plac- 

 ed. The floors are of well seasoned lumber, closely laid; the principal one is of one and a 

 quarter inch narrow cypress plank. Thereof is covered with first quality shingles, dipped 

 in boiling oil and whiting. They were selected and cut in a semi-circular form, so as to 

 lay like the scales of a fish. All the first floor rooms are wainscoted three and a half feet 

 high. The doors are of black walnut, two inches thick, with mahogany panels. All the 

 wood-work of the first story corresponds with the outward style of the building, the pan- 

 eling of the doors, wainscoting, casements, &c., being finished with the trefoil or quatre- 

 foil mouldings. No unseasoned or second quality of lumber has been used in the building, 

 and the builder, Mr. E. Rockwell of Middletown, has shown himself a most accomplish- 

 ed joiner. 



The design for the ornamental tracery at the gables is original. It is a vine running up- 

 ward to the peak, with carved leaves and clusters. All the hangings for the doors and 

 windows, and other trimmings, are of the best quality. 



The labor has not been done by the job, but by thorough craftsmen who understood 

 their business, and were paid the wages such men arc entitled to; and there has been, 

 probably, less waste of material than is common in the erection of buildings of half its 

 value. 



This cottage is not yet entirely completed, but will probably be finished in a couple of 

 months. The proprietor, Mr. Barnes, I understand, will then offer it for sale to any per- 

 son whose taste and means would lead him to desire so charming a residence, in one of the 

 most healthful and beautiful towns in New-England. Yours, A Subscriber 



Middletown, Ct., Jan., 1S51. 



