220 



The Country House 



BASIN 



Fig. 38. Section of 

 basin showing how 

 "trap" prevents the es- 

 cape of sewer gas 



is excellent for the kitchen, and a recognised favourite. It absorbs neither 

 moisture nor grease, nor is it affected by acids. Its colour is also in its favour. 

 The ordinary cast-iron sink, if properly cared for, is as good as any. It 

 requires oiling occasionally, and with this precaution gives much satisfaction. The 

 galvanised one, although supposed to be superior to the iron, is apt to show 



spots, and is not on the whole absolutely 

 rust proof, although it is much used and 

 seems to give satisfaction. The vege- 

 table sink is a handy accessory to a 

 large kitchen. It is usually of porcelain 

 and consequently easy to keep clean. 



The best manner of arranging the 

 sink is to make it perfectly free, without 

 any closets under it. It should stand 

 on iron legs or brackets, as the case may 

 require, and the closed-in closet may 

 come under the dish drainer and slabs 

 on either side of it if desired. Even 

 this last may be objected to by the ex- 

 tremist, and perhaps with reason, but 

 there must be a place to stow away some 

 of the necessary kitchen miscellany (un- 

 less we adopt the French system), even if the bold and saucy cockroach hies 

 himself to its inviting depths, much to our annoyance and discomfort. 



It would be well to insist that the place for the laundry is not in the kitchen. 

 When it becomes a mix-up between the soiled clothing and the lunch we draw 

 the line for self-protection. The laundry is best and most convenient if located 

 on the same floor as the kitchen, but conditions more frequently relegate it 

 to the depths of an ill-lighted cellar. 



Naturally the soapstone tub suggests itself first, as it has been long on the 

 market and has given evident satisfaction. Its advantages are the' same as those 

 of the soapstone sink. They usually come in twos and threes made up together, 

 and are set on iron legs. 



The porcelain tub is perhaps better than the above for several reasons. It 

 is made singly; thus as many as one wishes can be set up side by side. It also has 

 rounded corners and interior angles another advantage. All tubs should h;m- 

 waste and overflow pipes, as the principle is that of the lavatory or basin. The 

 old-style bathtub, of wood and copper lining, has long ago passed into oblivion, 

 and the afore-mentioned lining made to line the pockets of many a small boy, 

 doubly glad that he was alive. We now have the porcelain and enamelled iron 

 to choose from, and of the two there is probably very little difference as far as 

 general utility is concerned. Manufacturers of the best enamelled ware claim that 

 their product is better than porcelain for several reasons: Its cost is about one half 

 that of the latter, besides being about one half the weight. It will not cracic or chip 

 with ordinary use. The porcelain tub absorbs heat and hence requires hotter water. 

 Bathtubs are made in many patterns and sizes; some set on legs and some 



