154 The Farmstead 



then be required instead of six. The longer and 

 fewer the steps within the limits of the square, 

 the better. 



If it is desired to cut a brace 3x4 feet run, 

 3 steps, using the lengths 12 and 16, will give 

 both the length of the brace and the bevels 

 (Fig. 65). Take a rafter which has a projec- 

 tion requiring a notch to be cut in the lower 

 side, and the same rule will apply. The line 

 A, Fig. QQ^ is horizontal and the face of the 

 plate is perpendicular ; therefore, the line B 

 must be at right angles to A. The only 

 thing now to be determined is how deep the 

 notch shall be, for it is evident that if the 

 line A represents the long end of the square 

 and B the short end of the square, the notch 

 will fit the plate. 



That part of the rafter which extends over 

 the building may be reduced in size, but usu- 

 ally it is well to leave it entire (as in Fig. 

 67) if the house is large. If the lower end of 

 the rafter should appear too heavy, it may be 

 treated as in Fig. 68. The bevels at the ends 

 of the rafters are the same as at A and B 

 (Fig. m). 



The outlines of a story -and- a -half house, 

 which form is most undesirable for various 

 reasons, are shown in Fig. 69. The chambers 

 cannot be well lighted or aired. The outlines 



