110 MISCELLANEOUS FARM SUBJECTS 



some good filler and an oil finish need never be carpeted, will be 

 easily Kept clean, and will prove far warmer than the ordinary floor 

 with carpet and carpet lining. Under all circumstances rugs are to be 

 preferred to carpets. 



Hardwood floors are in the end more economical; in addition 

 they are more easily kept clean and in a sanitary condition. Car- 

 pets are now almost universally discarded, and hardwood floors 

 with an occasional coating of oil that can be readily applied with 

 a mop made for the purpose, are not only artistic but entirely 

 sanitary. 



Screens. Flies and other household insects not only make 

 work for the housekeeper, but are active agencies in the spread of 

 disease, and there is every reason why they should be kept out of 

 the house by screens at windows and doors. Much may also be done 

 to prevent the breeding of such insect pests. Proper drains and 

 other sanitary conveniences not only lighten the housekeeper's du- 

 ties, but are also of the utmost importance in the hygiene of the 

 home. 



One phase of sanitation very frequently neglected by farmers 

 is that of protecting the home from insects. Not only should the 

 dwelling be properly screened, but precautions should be taken to 

 avoid the formation of breeding places for flies and other insects. 

 Flies breed principally in stable and chicken manure, and the only 

 proper method is to keep the stable and poultry house clean. The 

 floors of the latter may be sprinkled with land plaster, or fine dust 

 from the roadway will answer. All pails and other utensils used 

 for handling milk should be promptly cleaned and all refuse should 

 be removed from about the dwelling to prevent flies finding suitable 

 food. Anything that will attract flies to the house is a menace to 

 health, for it has been found that wherever flies are abundant about 

 the doors they gradually find their way in despite precautions. 

 Mosquitoes breed in rain-water barrels, old tin cans, or any recep- 

 tacle that holds stagnant water, and the careful elimination of 

 breeding places will go a long way toward personal comfort in the 

 home. A slight film of kerosene or other light oil over the surface 

 of standing water will prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. 



The efficiency of window and door screens depends largely 

 upon their proper arrangement to prevent flies and other insects 

 being driven into the house as persons enter. A screen door should 

 always open outward, and should be so hinged that flies will not con- 

 gregate on an adjoining wall where they can easily enter as the 

 screen is opened ; the door should swing so that the flies will be be- 

 hind it when opened. Window screens should either cover the 

 entire window or fit tightly below the upper or outside sash. 



Painting. This is an extremely important portion of the work 

 of building the house, far more so than seems to be generally con- 

 sidered. Not only does the good appearance of the house depend 

 very largely upon the painting, but its durability and comfort as 

 well. The best siding manufactured will deteriorate rapidly if left 

 unpainted, posts and pillars will crack and check, and warping and 



