Construction of Labourers Cottages. 495 



Report (p. 263), offers further confirmation of the foregoing 

 views. 



After speaking of poverty, misery, and degradation as con- 

 comitants with the wretched hovels of the poor in that neighbour- 

 hood, the writer draws the following contrast of the state of the iu- 

 bitants of improved dwellings : — 



" On the contrary, on entering an improved cottage, consisting on the ground- 

 floor of a room for the family, a washhouse and a pantry, and three sleeping- 

 rooms over, with a neat and well-cultivated garden, in which the leisure hours 

 of the hushand heing hoth pleasantly and profitahly employed, he has no desire 

 to frequent the beershop or spend his evenings from home ; the children are 

 trained to labour, to habits and feelings, of independence, and taught to connect 

 happiness with industry and to shrink from idleness and immorality." 



These are but two of many opinions expressed by individuals 

 whose pursuits enable them to form correct conclusions on this 

 subject. Their collective judgment appears to be, that the first 

 and most effectual method of elevating the labourer, is to provide 

 him a comfortable home at a moderate rent. 



To offer a few hints and suggestions for the provision of a 

 better dwelling for the labourer is the object of this paper. 



General Vieics as regards the character of a Labourer s Cottage. 

 — Before proceeding to the arrangements and details connected 

 with this subject, we would state our general views as regards the 

 character of a labourer's residence. Although many benevolent 

 persons have erected cottages and let them at sums that scarcely 

 pay 2t per cent, on their outlay, yet, as a general rule, Ave may be 

 sure there will be no lasting improvement in dwellings of this 

 class, unless they yield a remunerative interest. 



We have been guided by this principle in preparing the accom- 

 panying plans. We believe that no labourer can afford more than 

 5Z. a year for his house ; and we consider investments of this 

 character should bear a gross interest of G/. per cent. We, there- 

 fore, have curtailed our design, so that the cost shall not exceed 

 85/. a cottage.* 



To the eye of taste our elevations may not appear sufficiently 

 ornamental ; but it should be remembered that we have not sought 

 for architectural effect, but have endeavoured to combine comfort 

 with economy. 



Tlie introduction of gotliic gables, verge boards, and gable 

 windows, would, we are aware, have been productive of a far more 

 agreeable elevation. But, at the same time, we fear that these 

 advantages would be dearly purchased when we consider that by 

 such an arrangement the comfort of the inmates would be lessened 



♦ It will be obser\'ed that the plan does not include the usual appendage of a 

 pigstye, so generally thought desirable for agricultural labourers. — V.\y. 



2 l2 



