512 liOARD OP AGRlCULTUiSE. 



latter are characterized by more of an absence of intelligent design and 

 convenience than for the possession of these qualities. The prevalent idea 

 seems to be that it is a useless expenditure to iitilize the artistic, or even 

 at times the convenient, in the construction and arrangement of the liuman 

 habitations on tlie farm. It seems as if it were thought useless to give 

 much attention to the home. Such should not be the case. A portion of 

 the dwellers in the counti-y spend all their time and laltor in the dwelling 

 wliile the remainder spend almost one-lialf of their time there. Should not. 

 therefore, more attention be given in idanniug and designing farm homes 

 than is now the case? 



Time and again has there lieen a discussion of the question of why 

 the young people desire to leave the farna and dwell in the city. Can not 

 an answer, in part, be found that they desire tlie comforts and con- 

 veniences found in many modern town homes, and which are rarely, if 

 ever, found in the country home? 



Were I to give any advice on this sul).iect, 1 would say that in the 

 farm dwelling should be found all the so-called modern comforts and con- 

 veniences that are claimed to be necessaries in the town or city home. I 

 see no reason Avhy the male workers on the farm should provide themselves 

 with improved machinery and appliances, and yet the women workers 

 be content to do their work with but few if any of the conveniences en- 

 joyed by their more fortunate sisters in tlie town. It should not be the 

 case. The farm house should have all the modern appliances. In fact, 

 I am of the opinion that it is more necessary there than otherwise. 



What constitutes a model farm house? In the first place I would have 

 it designed in conformity to two ideas: its iise and its surroundings. 

 Regarding its use, many things would enter into consideration. Con- 

 venience, economy, health and comfort of its inmates are qualities tliat 

 should not be lost sight of. Too often the idea seems to be that all that 

 is necessary is to provide a certain iinml)er of rooms and of a certain size, 

 leaving out of consideration the arrangement. Tlie result is that anotlier 

 element is omitted, that of economy. Economy in building and convenience 

 go hand in hand, and no house is comi)lete when wanting these qualities. 

 Regarding the health and comfort of the inmates there are a few essen- 

 tials tliat are too often omitted. The suli.jects of lieatiiig and ventilation, 

 of bath-rooms, of laundries, of kitchen sinks and water works, are almost 

 entirely eliminated from the design wlieii a farm house is built. These 

 points, though common enougli in the town dwelling are a source of wonder 

 and surprise when found in the country. This sliould not be. I was about 

 to say it should be the opposite. Kvery one l)uildiiig a home should provide 

 the best means of heating and ventilation. It is economy so to do; and 

 there is no better method of securing this result than ))y the use of a good 

 furnace properly and intelligently installed. T say properly and intelli- 

 gently installed, for this is a necessary condition. Proper heating can not 

 be done without proper ventilation. Ture air and plenty of it is the 



