HOW TO BUILD 197 



not outside, so as to conserve heat and fuel, serves as chimney 

 and fireplace. A Franklin stove, practically an open fire- 

 place set out entirely inside the house, is a practical device, 

 though it costs from $18 to $30. It gives a cheerful open 

 fire to burn wood or coal and has a flat top to keep things 

 hot, a dutch oven of sheet iron, and a hob can be attached 

 to the front of the grate. 



But remember that though you may have trees or fallen 

 wood for the cutting it takes a lot of time to cut it. A 

 cylindrical self-feeding coal burner is most economical for 

 heating and a lined sheet iron cooking stove for the kitchen. 



A fireless cooker, which retains the heat all day by means 

 of soapstone or insulation and slowly cooks the food without 

 losing the juices, is an economical device. It can be made 

 at home by copying what you see in the stores or by getting 

 directions from the U. S. Department of Agriculture. 



Don't forget double windows at least toward the north; 

 and on all windows have heavy holland shades which make 

 an air space between the cold windowpanes and the atmos- 

 phere of the room. 



Portable houses sound attractive, but they do not pay 

 unless you will need to move them. Manifestly it costs 

 more to make a house like a trunk than like a shed. The 

 houses shipped ready made of the "Aladdin" type, with all 

 the parts ready marked to be nailed together by unskilled 

 labor are a much better investment and are not shaky. 



It is true that living is expensive in the train suburbs, 

 when almost all that is eaten comes from the city, with 

 freight and monopoly rates added. But one can raise most 

 of what the family eats, and save besides in car fares and 

 doctor's bills. 



The rent, perhaps a quarter of the income, that was paid 



