134 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Another building which I had occasion to erect within four 

 or five years, of larger size, is of the same general character, 

 though the stones — still ordinary field stones — have been culled 

 with more care, and the pointing more considered. In this 

 case, a second story, of wood construction, overhangs the first 

 story of stone, and the chambers, thus being inclosed by 

 wooden walls, are, I observe, very satisfying to those who 

 cannot get rid of the old-fashioned prejudice, that stone 

 houses are, of necessity, damp. I have ventured to bring 

 before you this record of personal experience, in order to show 

 what may be done practically with very much of the rude 

 material which is lying about our fields. Those who insist 

 upon extreme nicety — which I think a very needless thing in 

 the exterior of a country homestead — might not be satisfied 

 with the result. But the work is strong ; the walls will endure ; 

 they mate well with any landscape ; they involve no constantly 

 renewing bills to the painters ; age will mellow them ; the 

 vines take kindly to them. 



As for architectural style, whether of this name or that, I 

 think the less we worry about it the better. If we build for 

 good light, good air, good room, with windows where we 

 need them, chimneys where we need them, and porches 

 where they will be of real service, and if we could resolutely 

 do this, without cramping our wants to an architect's whim, 

 or to what he or we consider "style," I think we should come 

 to an honester and a better architecture. A broad, well- 

 pitched roof, and generous-sized chimneys, are full of homely, 

 hospitable expression, and are commended by the best of 

 practical reasons : such a roof disposing easily of snows and 

 moisture, thus lasting well, and offering security against 

 heated chambers ; and generous chimneys admitting of those 

 multiplied flues, which, with their fireplaces in all the chief 

 rooms, provide for the best of ventilation. 



I know there is a sort of economy which suggests adherence 

 to conventional forms. Your builder has drawings (such as 

 they are) of your neighbor's house ; he engages to build one 

 like it, with a few minor changes, and you have no bother 

 Avith plans and their costs. But in a home where we and our 

 children are to be established, and to form habits for life, and 

 to put in shape our ideas of order and propriety and con- 



