XII 

 CROWS'-NESTS AND TREE HOUSES 



SECLUDED RETREATS IDEAL FOR SECURING 

 REST AND INSPIRATION 



ONE of the chief attractions of quaint houses, fur- 

 nished rooms, and open rustic retreats built in tree 

 tops lies in utilizing bark-covered building material. 

 The retreat then has the appearance of being a 

 part of the tree in which it is built. The harmony 

 of the structure with its surroundings will be a 

 source of unending satisfaction. Stout, durable 

 cedar posts and branches are best for this form of 

 building. To avoid the peeling of the bark, which 

 is often an aggravation in working with bark-covered 

 cedar, the building material should be gathered in 

 the autumn; for at this season the sap is going 

 down, and the bark is more tenacious. This and a 

 little care in nailing and wiring the ends of the 

 timbers will insure durability. 



Eustic open shelters are inexpensive. They are 

 not intended to serve as an ornamental feature of 

 the home surroundings, but are meant to provide de- 

 lightful seclusion up among the breezes in the shelter 

 of tree branches. As work rooms for an author, an 

 artist, or a musical composer, they are ideal. Amid 



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