GARDEN AND SUMMER HOUSES 19 



are generally far less objectionable, but yet capable of 

 great improvement. The five-pound note, which is a 

 doubtful exchange for one of these highly varnished 

 wooden sheds, would have covered the cost of a really 

 artistic structure, not only substantial but useful as well, 

 which could be made by any one with the slightest 

 knowledge of the use of tools. But before proceeding 

 to describe the simplest forms, which are suitable for 

 quite small gardens, there are more pretentious buildings 

 which deserve, at any rate, passing notice. 



A garden-house is a delightful feature in grounds of 

 some magnitude, and under circumstances where a con- 

 siderable outlay is not objected to, as it is of necessity a 

 somewhat costly structure. Costly, that is, by comparison 

 with the summer-house, but in reality very inexpensive 

 when its utility and charming appearance are fully taken 

 into account. A small garden-house is especially useful 

 where there are children, as it can be fitted up with a 

 small stove for experimental cookery, as well as with 

 shelves and cupboards to contain their books and collections 

 of birds' eggs and butterflies. On a wet day the children 

 can be banished here for hours at a time, and their delight 

 at having a little house of their own, where they can play 

 the part of owners, is only equalled by their parents' relief 

 at having them happily employed well out of hearing. A 

 good house of this description would contain a couple of 

 small rooms : one fitted as a miniature kitchen, where 

 cakes could be made for afternoon tea ; the other as a 

 sitting-room, supplied with comfortable rush chairs, a 

 good-sized table, and a few cupboards. A wide verandah 

 might run round two or even three of the sides, and the 

 whole should be well elevated, with a few steps leading 

 up to the door. Such a building could be designed by 

 any competent architect, and constructed of cheap but 

 durable materials, and, without any .attempt at needless 

 decorations, would really cost comparatively little. It 



