HOW TO MAKE A COUNTRY PLACE 



of a falling ceiling, but if plastered with wood pulp they rarely loosen. 

 A barrel ceiling is unique in a long hall. 



Cement can be used instead of plaster in many cases. In building 

 walls in damp ground it should be water-proofed by mixing with 

 crude oil. The addition of salt and lime makes possible its use in 

 freezing weather, but at the risk of the salt whitening the bricks. 



Plumbing. 



In piping for plumbing, right angles must be avoided. Main 

 pipes should go perpendicularly to the cellar, then at draining angles 

 to the sewer. As far as feasible, lateral pipes extending any distance 

 should be ceiling hung in the cellar in plain view. Condensation 

 on pipes in a large house is about a quart of water a day in summer, 

 and any crossing the house in a horizontal direction are liable to drip 

 and stain ceilings and furnishings. Pipes should be placed before 

 floors are laid, and kept close to chimneys and away from exterior 

 walls wherever possible. They can be concealed in wooden pockets 

 in closets, kitchen, and back halls. Breaking plaster to reach them 

 when out of order is thus rendered unnecessary. All fixtures should 

 be provided with free outlets, otherwise annoying overflow may occur 

 in basement fixtures. Galvanized iron pipes should be painted. Brass 

 piping under laundry tubs is the most satisfactory aside from raising 

 cupidity in the tramp. 



There should be extra faucets and sill-cocks on porches, as well 

 as on the grounds, and at least one non-freezing outdoor sill-cock, 

 beside a number of cleanouts in and outside the cellar, w T ith accessible 

 hand and manholes. 



Water pipes passing through or near outer walls should be 

 wrapped in mineral wool or some suitable substitute, as protection 

 against frost. Dripping from condensation is also thus checkmated. 



Shower Jog. 



In planning a bathroom, lay out a shower jog. A space about 

 five feet square between two closets, one in bathroom, the other in 

 adjoining bedroom or hall gives a perfect shower and needle bath 

 alcove, the three sides and floor being tiled or cemented, and inex- 

 pensively solves the knotty problem of installing a shower. 



When glass traps are a mechanical possibility, one can tell at 

 a glance if air bubbles, downward suction, or evaporation have 

 destroyed the vital though insignificant looking water seal that holds 

 in leash, except under undue pressure, sewer gas, that most virulent 

 poison, one danger from our modern conveniences. 



The latest toilet fixtures are nearly noiseless and non-siphoning. 

 A safeguard shut-off close to a toilet is a wise precaution. 



Four inch soil pipe in the ordinary house flushes more easily 

 than five inch, narrowing to a swifter current, and makes a better 



