Fireplaces, Chimneys and Fireproofing 



133 



For the ordinary small and medium-sized country house, the precaution 

 of a coil of knotted rope in each chamber or second-story room is most 

 excellent and inex- 

 pensive. This rope 

 should be made fast 

 to the upper part of 

 the wall near the 

 most desirable win- 

 dow or, if possible, 

 between two win- 

 dows. A recess 

 about 16 inches 

 high can be made 

 between the stud- 

 ding, and the rope 

 secured to a large 

 screw eye inserted 

 firmly in the top. A 

 picture hinged at 

 the top will cover 

 the coil within the 

 recess, and a large 

 silk cord securely 

 fastened to the end 

 of the rope may be 

 allowed to hang in 

 full view below it. 

 If a tassel having a 

 metal ring engraved 

 with "Fire Rope" 

 be attached to the 

 end of the cord, the 

 unfamiliar guest will 

 soon understand its 

 meaning, even if not 

 told. This contri- 

 vance is easily 

 found in the dark, 

 and as easily 

 pulled from the 

 recess. If small children are about it may be advisable to shorten the cord. 



In larger houses, in addition to the above, it may be deemed advisable to 

 have a regular fire escape. Fig. 24 shows the best method, which is far from 

 being an ugly one. It is a staircase tower of brick (stone-faced if in a stone 

 house) which ha^ no connection with the house other than by the several balconies 

 at each story above the first. The exits from the house to the balconies should 



Mantel at Fairhaven, Mass. This design follows closely the better motives of the old 

 English woodwork. Charles Brigham, architect. 



