16 CONSTRUCTION OF A FARM-HOUSE AND OFFICES. 



ther in the evening. Hence a double house of two stories, 

 with a back jamb, (or lean-to, as it is called in England) 

 and wings attached to the house, is preferred by many 

 farmers.* 



In regard to the expence of erecting new farm-steads, it 

 cannot be properly estimated, as the price of building, and 

 the expence of materials, vary in every district. In some 

 publications it is stated at from two and a half to three 

 years' rent of the farm. It is evident, that this can only 

 refer to farms of a small size. In larger occupations, when 

 the landlord receives a considerable rent, the allowance 

 must be higher. 



As to farm-houses and offices, the following princi- 



* Opinions vary much regarding the proper construction of farm- 

 offices. Mr Stewart of Billhead is of opinion, that farmers who occupy 

 from 200 to 300 acres, or who have capitals from 1000 to 2000, 

 ought to be satisfied with a double house of one story, with garrets for 

 various apartments ; which will afford convenient accommodation at a 

 moderate expence. Captain Henderson of Aimster, in Caithness, on the 

 other hand, recommends a lean-to, back-jamb, or to-fall, as it is called 

 in some parts of Scotland, which furnishes as much accommodation, in 

 the two lower flats, as a double house, and at less expence. But Mr 

 Wight of Ormiston greatly prefers Mr Walker's plan of three stories, 

 as better than a house with a wing and back-jamb, which is neither so 

 neat nor handsome, besides requiring a greater extent of building and 

 roofing in the first erection, and a greater extent of roofing to keep up 

 ever after. In the half-sunk story, dampness can certainly be excluded, 

 and the noise of the kitchen can also be shut out, either by proper deaf- 

 ening, or by removing the kitchen to that end of the house least occu- 

 pied by the family. Mr Walker of Mellendean is decidedly of opinion, 

 that in a dry situation, the same conveniences can be had at a much less 

 expence, in a house with a sunk story, than in one with wings, and he 

 has accordingly erected of that construction one on his farm at Ruther- 

 ford. 



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