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The Country House 



be off a common passage and away from the general stairways. The balconies 

 should not cross in front of other openings in the interval between the main exit 

 and the tower, although they may extend beyond to include chambers if desired. 



The doors into the tower from the bal- 

 conies should not have locks. The 

 simple catch is sufficient, and the doors 

 themselves should be armoured with 

 heavy tin on both sides. The exit door 

 at the bottom should likewise be fire- 

 proof and without a lock; a simple bolt 

 on the inside is its best fastening; never 

 use a key. It might be wise to provide 

 a small sledge, which could be tied to 

 the handle of the door by a 4-foot cord. 



In case the door or bolt should stick this could be used. The door should swing 

 outward. All windows in the tower should be on the side farthest from the 

 building, small, and heavily glazed. It might not be a bad idea to screen the exit 

 door with ivy or some other climbing growth. This will effectively hide it from 

 the prying eye. 



An alternative form of the above might be made by substituting a sliding 

 pole for the stairs, after the manner of fire houses. The size of the tower would 

 be much reduced, and even the women, after a trial trip, would have no trouble 

 or hesitancy in using it. 



Fig. 24. Showing an effective form of fire escape 



Fireplace in t Bohemian cottage at Media, Pa. Bailey & Truscott, architects 



