The barns are of grand masonry. Some of the stones, next above the 

 phnth-a feature that adds so much to the dignity of the building, and 

 by Its additional width, to its solidity-measure as much as four feet six 

 mches m length by twenty inches in height. In every fifth course is a 

 row of triangular holes for ventilation, such as every brick or stone-built 

 barn must have. They are cleverly arranged as to the detail of the 

 manner of their building, and though only intended for use have a 

 distinctly ornamental value. Where the walls rise at the gable ends 

 they are corbelled out at the eaves and carried up some two feet above 

 the hne of the rafters, finishing in a wrought stone capping, thus stop- 

 ping the thatch. For the buildings are, and always have been, thatched 

 with straw, the ground around being good corn-land, a rich calcareous 

 loam. 



There is a delightful sense of restfulness about these fine solid 

 buildings, built for the plainest needs of the community of the material 

 nearest to hand, in the simply right and therefore most beautiful way. 

 With no mtentional ornament, they have the beauty of sound, strong 

 structure and unconsciously right proportion. There is also a satisfaction 

 m the plain evidence of delight in good craftsmanship, and in the 

 unsparing use of both labour and material. 



73 



