450 THE HOME, FARM AND BUSINESS CYCLOPAEDIA. 



a greater. Should the buildings be placed, in consequence, at the extreme 

 angle of the farm, such a sacrifice would be made. We know several 

 which are thus inconveniently placed, for the sake of a good road and the 

 command of water power ; but these advantages were obtained at the ad- 

 ditional expense of maintaining extra labour to work the most distant 

 fields of the farm. Better make a good farm road to the leading one from 

 the centre of a farm, then place the buildings at its upmost corner. 



Good shelter induces the placing of buildings in it. A warm and com- 

 fortable situation in winter conduces much to the well-being of all con- 

 cerned. But this desideratum alone should not induce the placing of the 

 building at a point whence the farm would have to be worked at increas- 

 ed cost. 



A pleasant view from the farm-house may naturally induce the placing 

 of a steading a short distance away from the centre of a farm. 



There are particular spots which should be avoided as sites for build- 

 ings. A rocky knoll presents difficulties in making a foundation and 

 cellar for buildings, and it is unsuited to proper drainage. Close to a river 

 or lake, on a level with its banks, renders drainage impracticable, and 

 should be avoided on account of the dampness of such a situation. A bed 

 of dry loose sand is unsuitable for a secure foundation, though the diffi- 

 culty might be overcome by artificial means. There is no necessit} T , how- 

 ever, of incurring an obviously unnecessary expense in forming a founda- 

 tion for farm buildings. A clayey substratum in front of a rising ground 

 is not an eligible position for a site, inasmuch as it will always retain 

 dampness, whatever may be the drainage. A very exposed spot in a gap 

 between two hills, is an uncomfortable position both for man and beast. 



It is a question whether or not it is more economical to place the build- 

 ings at the higher or lower part of an inclining arable farm. If situate at 

 the higher part, all the produce of grain, turnips, and potatoes has to be 

 carried up-hill; and if on the lower, the manure is subject to the same in 

 convenience. Where the surface of a farm forms a round-backed ridge 

 sloping both ways, the apex of the ridge is the most economical site, and 

 the case is the same when the buildings are placed in the centre of a long 

 slope of land. It should not be forgotten that loads have to be carried 

 both to and from home, so that the high or low position will answer, pro- 

 vided there be no steep ascent or descent immediately at the buildings. 

 When both high and low situations are equally circumstanced, reason and 

 experience would prefer the low. 



One essential consideration should be given to all sites, which is, whe- 

 ther pump water is obtainable or not. Where it is abundant, some incon- 



