698 THE COMPLETE GRAZIER. BOOK via. 



considered : first, the extent, and secondly, the kind of accommodation 

 required. 



The rule which has generally prevailed of making all cottages of 

 equal accommodation is evidently wrong. Families vary in number, 

 and houses should be built some suitable for large and others for small 

 families. If all the houses are of the same size, and adapted in extent 

 of accommodation for very large families, it is obvious that, where a 

 family with few members inhabits one of them, an excess of accommo- 

 dation is available, the cost of providing which is thrown away. There 

 are, however, certain features of accommodation which must not be 

 overlooked even in the smallest cottage, hence it is of importance to 

 know what these are. 



Mr. Roberts, an authority on all matters connected with dwellings 

 for the labouring classes, says, with reference to the kind and extent 

 of accommodation required in them, that this must vary with the 

 means and circumstances of the occupants ; but that the minimum of 

 a cottage for a country labourer having children of both sexes should 

 be "a small entrance lobby, a living room not less than 150 feet in 

 area, a scullery of from 60 to 80 feet area, in which there should be a 

 stove or fireplace for use in summer, as well as a copper and sink ; 

 there should also be a small pantry. Above should be a parents' bed- 

 room of not less than 100 feet superficial, and two sleeping-rooms for 

 the children, averaging from 70 feet to 80 feet superficial each, with a 

 distinct and independent access. Two of the sleeping-rooms at least 

 should have fireplaces. There should also be a ventilated and well- 

 drained closet (privy), and suitable receptacles for fuel and for dust. 

 The height of the rooms, in order to be healthy, should be scarcely 

 less than 8 feet, and even 9 feet would be desirable, but for the extra 

 expense. With a view to ventilation, the windows should reach nearly 

 to the ceiling, and the upper part be invariably made to open." It is 

 clear that a "hard and fast line" cannot be laid down in the case of 

 cottages. Some families require much, others little, sleeping accommo- 

 dation. Every cottage should have, however, a porch, 'to keep the 

 living-room warm, a scullery, a privy, coal-place and ash-place, and 

 cupboards as many as possible. 



In the choice of a site, where choice is at the disposal of the builder 

 not always the case, by the way the preference should be given to 

 that which is high and dry. Hollows, and plots at the foot of rising 

 ground, should be carefully avoided. The soil best adapted to secure 

 a healthy site is gravel ; heavy close clay is the worst. The sunniest 

 aspect is the best ; and this is obtained by having the front to face the 

 south. Light, and plenty of it, is an essential to a healthy cottage. 

 We have already alluded to the drainage of the site; this being 

 properly attended to, the sinking of the foundation should be carefully 

 effected. It will be well to dig out the whole area to be covered by 

 the cottage to a depth of a,t least 2 feet ; this will secure dry floors. 

 The dug-out area should be extended at least 24 inches beyond either 

 line of walls, the space being filled up and well rammed with clinkers 

 or dry smithy cinders, or, if these are not obtainable, small pieces of 



