274 ELEMENTS OF FARM PRACTICE 



ning buildings, and it is as a rule real economy to employ 

 an experienced man to plan any buildings of importance. 

 His knowledge of available materials, their strength and 

 uses, and the proper arrangement of parts will often avoid 

 expensive mistakes in building and usually give greater 

 satisfaction and value for money expended than one can 

 get without a carefully worked out plan. 



Conveniences in the farm home, such as running water, 

 heat and light are now becoming quite common in the older, 

 better developed sections of the country. With the dis- 

 covery of the septic tank that will handle and dispose of 

 farm sewage with little cost and no danger to health, run- 

 ning water and plumbing may be had in country as well 

 as city homes, where sewer systems are provided. (Your 

 State University or the United States Department of Agri- 

 culture will furnish information regarding the construction 

 of a septic tank.) The windmill or gas engine, now found 

 on most farms, can pump water for the house as well as 

 for stock. There is much work to be done in a country 

 home, more on the ayerage than in the citjr home, and 

 modern convergences tha,t will lighten or make more pleasant 

 this work should be as freely provided as modern up-to- 

 date machinery is provided to lighten the work on the farm. 

 Hot and cold water, so piped that it will run into a sink or 

 bathtub when wanted and out again when one is through 

 with it, is as great a convenience in the country as in the 

 city, and may be provided just as easily. Electric or gas 

 lights, gas for cooking, also hot air, hot water or steam heat- 

 ing plants are all available for use in the country, and as 

 soon as finances permit should be provided. 



Maintenance. — Unless kept in repair, buildings rapidly 

 depreciate in usefulness, value, and appearance. It is well, 

 if possible, to have a definite time each year to look over 

 all the buildings on the farm and make any needed repairs. 

 Paint adds greatly to the looks of buildings. It also pro- 

 tects them from deterioration. Buildings do not need paint- 

 ing every year, but usually should be painted once in three 

 to five years. Window lights and loose hinges and boards 

 should be repaired or replaced as soon as out of repair, 

 likewise stalls, pens, floors and mangers should be looked 



