648 Journal of Agriculture. [10 Oct., 1910 



BUILDING HINTS FOR SETTLERS. 



XII. FARxM SANITATION. 



C . H . WrigJii. Instructor in Plumbing, Eastern Suburbs Teclmical 



C allege. 



The climatic conclition.s of Victoria are sucli that, naturally, no un- 

 healthy district exi.sts throughout the whole State. Seventy years ago- 

 our rivers antl creeks were of pure running water, while the earth's sur- 

 face was undisturbed by miners, woodmen, farmers, manufacturers, and 

 others. Generally speaking, such is the case now, but not everywhere; for 

 to-day one can visit many farms and country dwellings, where the occu- 

 pants, instead of enjoying the best of God's good gifts, are placed, 

 through their own neglect and ignorance, in a condition of life far worse 

 than the city^ dwellers. For in towns and cities, puVjlic bodies look after 

 matters relating to water supply, sewage, and garbage disposal ; whereas 

 the farm and country dweller has to do the best he can, and, in many 

 cases, it is among his least concerns. 



Pure air, pure .soil, and pure food are necessary to a healthy life. in 

 choosing a site for a home, avoid a clay soil. Build on gravel or porous, 

 light .soil, which will allow water to filter through; clay always retains 

 a certain amount of water. Dampness in the air is caused by evaporation 

 of moisture, and damp surroundings have a bad effect on the occupants 

 of a house so situated. 



Let the .source of the domestic water supply be pure — a spring or deep 

 well for preference. Contaminated rivers, creeks, and shallow wells 

 should be avoided. Each room should be ventilated, and a free current 

 of air allowed to pass through the house, while the maxim that " Sunshine 

 is God's scavenger '" must not be held too lightly. 



The following points should be remembered : — 



That it is quite possible for a thinking man, with limited means at 

 his disposal, to build a house high enough to allow the air to pass under- 

 neath. 



That domestic conveniences, such as sinks, wash-troughs, bath. cScc, 

 may be fitted up for domestic use. 



That a scullery sink with a waste-pipe is a great improvement on the 

 habit of throwing waste water just outside the door. 



That to be able to turn on a tap over these fittings is far more con- 

 venient than to carry buckets of water from the tank or pump. 



That to have a decent bath at one's disposal is often appreciable. 



That a drainage system free from smells is a guard against ill-health. 



That the closet .should not be an abomination. 



Physicians may cure di-sease ; but perfect sanitary conditions will pre- 

 vent it. As sanitary science has now reached a stage that provides the 

 same domestic comforts for country residents as for town folk, the follow- 

 ing instructions will enable readers to effect improvements them.selves, or 

 encourage them to design, in a simple and complete manner, what they 

 require, and supervise the work should it be done by others. 



Sculler V Sink. — Sinks may be purchased in cast iron, enamelled 

 stamped steel, or fire-clay. They may also be made in sheet copper or 

 galvanized iron. Illustration No. 15 shows a pattern for one with tlie 

 sizes marked. If thinking of making one of these, and you are not used 

 to the work, first set it out on paper as shown; if correct, mark it on a 



