2 FARM BUILDINGS IN SOUTH AFRICA 



American conditions, since the latter must be strong enough to sustain 

 heavy snow loads in addition to weighty roof-coverings such as slates 

 or tiles. Roofs in South Africa, on the other hand, are seldom or 

 never subjected to snow loads, and usually carry light corrugated iron 

 as a roof-covering. 



The influence of climate is again apparent in the provisions necessary 

 to secure good ventilation. In South Africa ventilation is compara- 

 tively simple, there being no necessity for elaborate systems such as 

 the " King " system or the " Rutherford " system employed in cold 

 parts of North America where, in winter, efficient ventilation has to be 

 provided for while a very low temperature prevails outside of the byre 

 or stable. 



In the parts of America mentioned, it often happens that animals 

 cannot be taken outside to drink, and therefore a water service is 

 commonly laid on to each stall in the cow-byre, and the same arrange- 

 ment is usually provided in the horse stable as well. In South Africa, 

 however, all that is really necessary in the way of drinking facilities 

 is a watering trough outside, preferably situated in a yard into which 

 the animals can be turned when they require to be watered. 



In laying out a steading there are many desirable features to be 

 aimed at. In any one particular case some of these features may be 

 unattainable, and some contradictory, so that each case must be con- 

 sidered on its own merits in order to take advantage of as many good 

 features as possible. 



If a main road runs through the farm, the house and steading might 

 be situated sufficiently near it for convenience, provided this position 

 is also suitable from the points of view of the general working of the 

 farm, healthiness, water-supply, etc. The homestead, however, should 

 not be right on the highway, but should stand a little back from it so 

 as to avoid dust, risk of infection from live-stock passing along the 

 road, etc. A good approach drive should lead from the highway to 

 the house. This drive should be laid out as tastefully as possible; 

 for example it is not desirable to have it pass close to the piggery. 

 The dwelling-house should be situated conveniently near to the 

 steading, but yet far enough off to minimise nuisances, such as flies, 

 bad odours, etc. The steading should be placed, relatively to the 

 house, so that the prevailing winds carry stable odours away from the 

 latter. It is advisable that the windows at one side of the house, 



