THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



Chimneys. The hearth-stone, around which our forefathers gathered, is now only 

 known in poetry and song ; and the mammoth chimney up which the bright flames leaped and 

 roared, while the hours were beguiled with pleasant household chats or neighborly sociability, 

 interspersed with such refreshments as corn popped in the ashes, rosy-cheeked apples, and 

 sweet cider, is among the obsolete things. 



Instead of the old-fashioned fire-place, we new have the steam radiator, the furnace- 

 register, the air-tight stove, and kitchen-range, while the only suggestion that is furnished us 

 of the cheeriness of that old time-honored institution is the open grate, at present too rarely 

 seen, and typical of the past. Instead of one large chimney for the house, as was formerly the 

 custom, we now have smaller ones and more of them in number. These should always be 

 conveniently located, of small size, and well built. By such arrangement, a better draught is 

 secured, much less stove-pipe is required, and the general appearance of the house improved, 

 while there is also much less danger from fire, owing to less pipe being required. In build 

 ing, the utmost care should be taken to have the chimneys properly constructed, and the 

 foundations substantial. Defective flues are the frequent cause of destructive fires, and only 

 the most skilled workmen should be employed on this part of the building. The danger from 

 falling sparks is diminished, and a better draught secured, by having the chimneys built to a 

 good height above the roof. 



Mantels. Mantels add much to the appearance and convenience of the interior 

 arrangement of a house. They impart a more cozy and better finished look to a room, 

 while they are very useful for arranging the ornamental, as well as some of the more 

 useful things pertaining to the house. Marble is, of course, the nicest material for this 

 purpose, but it is quite expensive in some sections. Very pretty mantels may be made of 

 wood, and, when tasteful in design and neatly finished, look quite as suitable for a farm-house 

 as those of more expensive material. 



Closets. In building a house, we would recommend by all means that there be plenty of 

 &amp;gt; closet-room. Closets and cupboards can scarcely be too numerous, and only those housekeepers 

 who have been limited in such conveniences can realize the great inconvenience caused by a 

 lack in this respect. Places of storage for small things, such as closets, cupboards, and 

 drawers, will always be found useful, and save many needless steps daily, in the performance 

 of -the house-work, that would otherwise have to be taken. In planning a house, there should 

 be a closet qr clothes-press in every chamber, and at least one on the lower floor for general 

 use in hanging coats, hats, etc. Besides these, there should be a china-closet in the dining- 

 room, with drawers underneath the shelves for the table-linen, and another closet for the 

 storage of various things for table use. If, in completing the plan for a house, any little nooks 

 or space can be found, aside from the closets already planned, finish them into a closet or 

 cupboard; they will never come amiss, but will all be utilized. 



Piazzas. Porches and piazzas add much to the attractive appearance of dwellings 

 externally, and render them more pleasant to live in. A good piazza, will make the rooms of 

 a house that adjoin it more oool in summer by its shade, while it will be a comfortable and 

 pleasant place in which, to spend leisure hours, such as the noon time and evenings, in warm 

 and pleasant weather. There is an objection to their being so built as to exclude the sunlight 

 from the house too much; still, a narrow piazza, is not as convenient, neither does it look as 

 well as a wide one. To avoid this difficulty, an awning is frequently used instead of a roof 

 for covering or extending a piazza located on the south side of a building. By this means 

 shade may be had when needed, and, by its removal, the sunlight admitted at other times. 

 A veranda located on the north side of the house furnishes a most cool and comfortable place 

 in hot weather, while the objection that might be raised respecting a southern location, of 

 excluding the sunlight in cooler weather, would be obviated. 



