ir- ) 16 THE GENESEE FAEMEE. ■ ( -^ 





daily feed of cows to elaborate milk or flesli, the system consumes it all to make the 

 vapor and gases that escape from the wind-pipe, and the excreta fi'om the skin, kidneys, 

 and intestines. In keeping dairy cows, and sheep, we have had occasion to investigate 

 grass, hay, roots, and corn, when eaten by these and other animals. 



RURAL HOMES, 



OR SKETCHES OF HOUSES SUITED TO AMERICAN COUNTRY LIFE. 



The above is the title of another book on rural subjects by Gervase Wheeler, the 

 very name of which makes one feel comfortable and invites a hearty perusal of its pages. 

 " Rural Homes " ! what an association of pleasant thoughts these words call forth — how 

 enchanting to those, who, with a heart full of the real and imaginary charms of the 

 country are doomed to the narrow, noisy limits of a street house m the city. Downing's 

 delightful works on Country Houses and Cottage Architecture, as well as on Landscape 

 Gardening, created a new era in the rural life of this country ; perhaps no man can look 

 abroad and witness more satisfactory evidences of the salutary influence of his labors. 

 From one end of this great country to the other, the traveler recognizes, at least, attempts 

 at the models he has given, showing conclusively that people have begim to read and 

 think upon the subject of architecture, and whatever concerns the comfort, convenience 

 and beauty of their homes. This is a great point gained, and we may count hencefor- 

 ward upon rapid and steady progress. Many eri'ors will no doubt be committed, until 

 more accurate knowledge is obtained, and taste more cultivated and refined. For the 

 attainment of these ends we must depend mainly upon the circulation of sound writings. 

 The character of Mr. Downing's works is now well known, and it is unnecessary to 

 recommend them to all who wish to read on the subject, to increase their knowledge or 

 refine their taste. The book before us now is one we can also recommend most heartily. 

 We hare given it a pretty thorough and careful perusal, and the pleasure and instruction 

 we have derived makes us feel grateful to the author, and bespeak for his book a place 

 in the library of every intelhgent person whoever expects to build or improve a suburban, 

 village, or country house. 



Mr. Wheeler is an experienced practical architect, and therefore not only treats of 

 style and construction in general, but takes up all the details from the foundation stone 

 to the chimney top, so that nothing is overlooked or forgotten. The subjects of water 

 conveniences, warming and ventilation, so important in dwellings, and so little under- 

 stood, are brought forward prominently and treated with great detail and simplicity. 

 Excellent advice is given in regard to choosing site^ for dwellings, in adapting the style 

 to the surrounding scenery and circumstances, the exterior and interior finish, in the 

 arrangement of fencing and grounds, disposition of outbuildings, and in fact, in whatever 

 concerns the Home, out-doors or in. The various branches or divisions of the subject are 

 treated of in separate chapters, and we give a synopsis of the first, and would do so of 

 others, did our space permit. Chapter firet treats of " The Excellencies of a House — 

 Choice of a Site^ Here the author points out the popular errors committed in building, 

 and epitomises the " Excellencies" of a Home thus : ^ 



1. Convenient Arrangement. 



2. Facility of Construction and Repair. 



3. Perfect Protection from Heat and Cold. 



4. Adequate Means of Warming and Ventilating. 



5. CONGRUITT with THE ScENERY AROUND. 



No matter what the style of a house, or what the size, these are the great points, and 

 deserve the prominence Mr. Wheeler has given them. In speaking of the general 



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