FARM MANAGEMENT 109 



condition at least and, with proper attention, it can be made very at- 

 tractive. Uncut grass, decaying vegetables, weeds, and stagnant 

 water, to breed mosquitoes, are surely unnecessary. 



A climbing vine often adds much to the beauty of the porch, 

 furnishing an agreeable shade from the rays of the sun, yet for the 

 most perfect enjoyment the porch should have an unobstructed view 

 of all the surroundings. This view of the highway tends to lessen the 

 feeling of isolation that so frequently makes farm life monotonous. 

 The isolation of farm life has been one of the drawbacks to farming, 

 and has sent many sons and daughters of farmers from the country 

 to the city. Cheerful surroundings break this monotony, and the 

 family loses the sense of isolation, and there is nothing about the 

 house which more tends to give this air of cheerfulness, especially in 

 the summertime, than a broad, well shaded porch. 



The Windows. Wide windows were always preferable to nar- 

 row ones, even though there be fewer of them. Great care should be 

 exercised in placing the door and window cases to see that they fit 

 snugly and leave no spaces for rain or drafts to enter the walls or 

 rooms. The sash should be of the style known as check rail and 

 glazed with double-strength glass. 



In the colder parts of the country double or storm windows 

 should always be provided for winter use. The amount of fuel they 

 will save and the additional comfort they afford will amply pay for 

 them. They can, of course, be provided at such time subsequent to 

 building as convenience may dictate. For use in the country nothing 

 has been found that answers every purpose so well as outside blinds. 

 In preparing specifications wrought-iron hinges should be indicated. 

 They can now be bought practically as cheap as cast iron, which they 

 will outlast three to one. In exposed localities or where high winds 

 are frequent some form of fastenings to hold the blinds open in addi- 

 tion to the usual catch on the hinge will be required. A simple de- 

 vice is made to drive into the wall. It has a swivel end, which stands 

 upright by its own weight and holds the blind open except when 

 turned to permit of closing. In windy situations these catches will 

 save many hinges and possibly some glass. 



The Floors. In every case where it is at all possible, a double 

 first floor should be laid, at least in all but the mildest climates. The 

 first floor may be of comparatively rough stuff, but must be brought 

 to an even thickness and laid diagonally. If possible use 4-inch 

 matched flooring for this floor. It should be tight and smoothly laid, 

 butting well onto the sills, so that nothing can get between it and 

 them. It will prove a convenience if laid as soon as the sills and floor 

 joists are completed. In completing the building after the plasterers 

 have gotten through their work, this floor should be covered with a 

 layer of good building paper and 1 by 2 strips nailed on top of that 

 and immediately over the joists, and then a thoroughly dry 3-inch 

 matched floor laid on the strips, blind nailed and butting squarely 

 against the grounds. This method will give a thoroughly satisfactory 

 floor, and the extra expense will be soon saved in fuel, the amount of 

 cold excluded being almost beyond belief. Such a floor finished with 



