72 THE CATTLE OF GREAT BRITAIN. 



difficult to burn. In some cases coal or wood will be required 

 to help the fires. These ashes, if placed in a yard, should be 

 laid so as to give a fall on all sides, and will require a small 

 quantity of straw on them to prevent the cattle sinking during 

 wet weather. 



We are no advocates for costly premises ; whilst advising that 

 good durable materials be employed, we would have the thing 

 that was necessary at the least cost, consistent with durability. 

 Bricks and slates and foreign timber will supply our wants in 

 most cases, but we may be able to wall with rough stone ; or, in 

 districts where coals are dear, we may be driven to use a substi- 

 tute for bricks. If the soil is a retentive clay, for instance, we 

 can use clay-clumps with advantage — the process is very simple. 

 The clay is spread on the ground and thoroughly puddled by 

 horse-treading ; short straw, couch grass, or any fibrous vegetable 

 matter being added in sufficient quantities to insure cohesiveness. 

 When sufficiently tempered, the clay is made into lumps in an 

 ordinary mould, and stacked up to dry, the stack being pro- 

 tected from rain by thatched hurdles. In this way it soon dries 

 and becomes fit for use. The lumps of clay are fastened together 

 with a mortar made of clay, and known as pug ; and, provided 

 the eaves are made to overhang, such buildings are sufficiently 

 durable. In chalk counties we have another substitute for 

 bricks : the lower beds are best for this purpose. Though quite 

 soft when first quarried, exposure for a few months causes the 

 surface to become hard, and, if protected from the action of 

 moisture by well-spouted overhanging roofs, such walls are 

 permanent, and when jointed with black mortar have a pleasing 

 effect. Lastly, where gravel abounds, we may make use of 

 concrete, which is probably the most durable material, next to 

 granite, that can be found. Moreover, the process is so simple, 

 and the knowledge of how to prepare the materials so easily 

 acquired, that ordinary labourers can execute the work, imder 

 the supervision of a carpenter, and the cost is not more than 

 half that of bricks. We commend Mr. Tail's lecture, delivered 

 before the Society of Architects, as worthy of careful perusal 

 by all who are about to erect farm premises. 



It is a great mistake to pinch ourselves for room, especially 

 in buildings intended for live stock. Several evils arise. The 



