FARM BUILDINGS. G45 



artistic gables, cupolas, etc., and with an abundance of room for the non-essentials, but with 

 little room for the special purposes for which the barn was to be used. Ornamentation is 

 desirable to a certain extent, but it should be of minor consideration when compared with 

 subserving in the best manner the purposes of a building. 



On the other hand, we know of barns very convenient in every respect, with ample room 

 for the stabling of a large number of farm animals and the storage of fodder and roots, cost 

 ing but a small portion of the former structure referred to, but which, for utility and con 

 venience, was worth more than ten times the former. Good judgment and skill are highly 

 essential in planning a barn that will subserve the best purpose. The old system of placing 

 small buildings in a hollow square, has been gradually succeeded by that of placing as much 

 as practicable under one roof. This is not only more economic but more convenient. The 

 advantages thus gained are, greater height or depth of bays under the roof for the storage of 

 hay or other fodder, increase of storage, economy in constructing, and economy in labor by 

 having the animals and feed so nearly arranged together. . Greater warmth in winter is also 

 secured in this manner. One good, large barn conveniently-arranged, is far more convenient, 

 besides being much more economical in labor and money, than two or three smgll ones, the 

 combined capacity of which might exceed somewhat that of the former. 



The three accompanying plates are representations of different views of a barn located 

 in Connecticut, and which in many respects might very properly be termed a model barn, 

 with reference to the purposes for which it was designed, although subject to improvements, 

 perhaps, in some of the minor details. This barn is adapted to all sections east, west, or 

 south, and shows how space may be economized in planning a building for the various pur 

 poses to which a barn may be appropriated ; also how the health and comfort of stock should 

 be considered. It is probably a larger and more pretentious structure than many farmers 

 would require; however, it may furnish a model for a smaller and less expensive building, or 

 may suggest improvements upon other plans. The barn stands upon a side-hill which slopes 

 to the east. It has three distinct floors, the structure consisting of a main building and two 

 wings. The main building is 55 by 80 feet; the east wing, 56 feet long and 3l feet wide; 

 the south wing, 56 feet long and 35 feet wide, the total length from north to south being 

 136 feet. 



In constructing any building, it is well to see many models and study various plans, and 

 then select the best they contain for the desired purpose, and combine them into one, unless 

 a better combination can be originated. 



The southeast view of this building shows the cattle-yards, both wings, the cellar, etc. 

 Each yard is supplied with iron tanks, which are kept filled with constantly-flowing water 

 for the stock. 



The fence and gates which shut off the cellar from the yard are movable, the posts at 

 either end being stepped into sockets. By this means, they may be quickly and easily 

 removed, and the cellar and yard thrown together, thus giving the cattle while in the yard 

 shelter from the cold in winter and heat in summer. Any portion of the cellar may in the 

 same manner be fenced off or opened into the yard. 



The northeast view shows the east wing and the cellar or basement wall, with the d-oors 

 and windows connecting with the pig-pen, etc. The doors (D) are suspended on rollers upon 

 which they slide. The windows are suspended on hinges from the top, and swing open 

 inside. 



The northwest side of this building contains the principal embankment, which furnishes 

 facilities for reaching the second floor, with room for power for raising and carrying hay and 

 other feed; also, the horse-stable and entrances to two floors. The drive-ways to the hay or 

 storage floors rise gradually to the required height, and are walled up by substantial masonry. 

 The hay and grain lofts are furnished throughout with facilities for raising and carrying 

 loads, there being no less than six railways for the travelers carrying the forks to run upon. 



