88 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



at this work, however, can accomplish a great deal in a com- 

 paratively short time, so that in many cases it is cheaper 

 in the end to include the painting in the contract. 



In building a medium-sized, wooden range, or for the 

 same sized, simple, iron-frame house, it is, without doubt, 

 cheaper for the owner to build his. own house. When 

 contract work is to be done, specifications for the same 

 should be very clear and concise. They should state 

 definitely when the work is to be finished, the quality of 

 material to be used, and in general, every detail of con- 

 struction and heating should be so carefully worked out 

 before the contract is let, that no question can arise later 

 as to just what is required. 



70. Cost of equipment. The first cost of construction, 

 with the boilers, piping, and benching, is by no means the 

 only cost. Often this fact is overlooked by the inex- 

 perienced man. In construction there is, of course, a 

 demand for many tools, such as hammers, saws, squares, 

 planes, paint brushes, trowels, putty knives and articles 

 of a like nature ; and whether the work of construction is 

 done by contract or not, there is a constant demand for 

 these articles about the range. The first expense of 

 them is considerable. About most ranges there must 

 be horses, various plows and harrows for preparing the 

 soil, and carts, wheelbarrows, and the like, to transport 

 this soil to the benches or beds. 



Unless one has grown his own stock, the first expense of 

 plants for the houses is considerable. Fertilizers, both for 

 the compost and later for top-dressing, and for liquid 

 manure, are expensive, and there should be a sufficient sum 

 estimated in the first cost to cover the expense of this 

 fertilizing material. In rose houses, a manure tank is 

 essential, and an engine and pump should be provided for 



