CHAPTER XXV 

 FARM SANITATION 



Location of the Farmhouse. The farmhouse 

 should, if possible, be located near the center of the 

 farm so as to save the farmer's time in going to and 

 from his fields. But the health of the family must 

 have first consideration, and the home ought to be 

 on high, well-drained ground away from marshes, 

 swamps, and stagnant ponds. If the country is 

 hilly, the south slope may be chosen for the house, 

 because it is somewhat shielded from cold north 

 winds and because the south slope affords more 

 sunlight, which is the greatest friend of health and 

 the greatest enemy of germs. 



Dry Surroundings. The yard should be graded 

 in such a manner as to turn all surface water away 

 from the house, not only for health's sake, but for 

 cleanliness, as mud and dampness about the house 

 make the task of cleaning, fall heavily on the house- 

 wife. Farmers can easily learn to make cement 

 walks to connect the house with the other farm 

 buildings. Damp cellars cause mildew, and the 

 decay of vegetables stored there sends a moldy, dis- 

 agreeable odor over the whole house. The cellar 

 should be light and ventilated by open windows, 

 covered in summer by coarse netting to keep out 

 flies and mosquitoes. The mosquito that carries the 



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