FINE ARTS OF A COUNTRY HOME 247 



they should be allowed considerable freedom in the 

 way of inventing new styles and new methods. This 

 will develop esthetic taste and call out individual 

 powers of action. 



A concrete farmhouse insures coolness in summer 

 and warmth in winter, it needs no repairs, no wall 

 paper or mortar, is fire-proof, and can be kept sanitary 

 with the least possible attention. There is no better 

 material for barn and stable floors, or for troughs 

 and tanks. These can be kept easily disinfected, 

 while they never wear out. Concrete cisterns and 

 well curbs set well into the ground keep out surface 

 water, decreasing the danger of infection. A con- 

 crete barn can be made to retain its sweetness and 

 cleanliness, while thoroughly ventilated. Concrete 

 steps and sidewalks make an attractive approach to 

 your buildings and are far less perishable than brick 

 or common stone. I have no doubt that this new 

 art of house building, with home material by home 

 hands, is to be the rule over a large part of the coun- 

 try. 



Now install a gasoline engine, with a dynamo, and 

 you may lift water to a tank for irrigation, while at 

 the same time you light your house with generated 

 electricity. You may make it a two story and eight 

 room house at about double the cost. You will of 

 course include one or more fireplaces, and your whole 

 chimney as well as the walls of the house may be 

 made of concrete. Rat-proof foundations and mouse- 

 proof division walls are included. Here is a great 



