CHAPTER XXXI. 



BUILDING. 



" Fools build houses for wise men to live in " is an old 

 saying with much truth in it, and expresses in a few 

 words the experience of nearly every one who has 

 built houses : before completion they too often cost 

 nearly double the sum that was originally intended to be 

 spent. Whilst, when it comes to selling them, they very 

 rarely fetch anything like their cost. 



Before Ostrich-farming began, a farm with a good 

 house on it would scarcely let or sell at a higher figure 

 than one with only a mere shanty. But now this is 

 changed ; men know that good buildings, good sheds, 

 (fee, are essential to success, and they are quite ready, if 

 these are adapted to the requirements, to give the full 

 cost. In fact, it is hardly possible to let a farm to an 

 Ostrich farmer if there are no buildings on it, unless 

 some arrangement is made to allow the tenant for 

 building. 



Now, a young farmer is often in a fix. He knows 



he must have accommodation for his chicks if he would 



rear them — that slovenly, tumble-down buildings mean 



a slovenly farm in every way. In fact, the look of a 



p2 



