1891.] ESSAYS. 93 



bors'? A dry wall of flat surface stone is almost universally 

 used in the construction of foundations in the country ; such a 

 wall is subject to displacement occasioning an uneven settling of 

 the building. In a brief paper of this kind, intended simply to 

 head a discussion, we cannot mention all the various materials 

 used in the construction of buildings that pertain to the modern 

 system ; should we attempt it, it would immediately grow to a 

 volume. 



The old-fashioned lath and plaster walls, to be covered with 

 cheap paper made bright with poisonous minerals, has given 

 way to more solid walls, painted or tinted, or made to look still 

 more solid by the use of that sceptre of feminine authority, a 

 house broom. The cheap flooring to be covered with an expen- 

 sive carpet, has given way to a handsome substantial floor, 

 whose beauty and healthfulness cannot be questioned. The nar- 

 row window screened with blinds on the outside, and heavily 

 screened with curtains within, has gone, I hope, no more to 

 return ; the modern window is broad and ample, oftentimes of 

 tinted glass which softens the rays of the too ardent sun, yet 

 robs them of none of the life-givinof influences. What is more 

 comfortable than such a window slightly projecting from the 

 room and furnished with easy chair or stationary seat? 



I am not a builder, if T was I should be an enthusiast in this 

 modern art of house construction, with all its details of work- 

 manship and finish, the decorative castings for hinges and locks 

 of doors, the various styles of ornamental wood-turning, carv- 

 ing, and stamping, which are now being used, and are so rich 

 and tasty and withal so cheap. In fact, while it has assumed 

 a more artistic form, giving a house an air of almost regal luxu- 

 riousness, it has actually cheapened the cost thereof, from one- 

 fifth to one-quarter according to location. 



The architecture of a country home is its chief consideration. 

 I have but one word to say about that. Do not follow the present 

 style and sacrifice the comfort of the interior for the appearance 

 of the exterior. A friend told rae a short time ago of an artist 

 friend who had bought a country house and refitted it. In de- 

 scribing it to her he said " From every window I can look out 



