$4 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE FARM. 



the structural details; qualifications which can only he 

 attained hy observation and experience. And hefore 

 finally deciding upon the plans, it is essential that the 

 effects of local influences as affecting the permanent 

 character of the farming he well weighed. The quality of 

 the land, and whether it is old pasture, or tillage, or a mixed 

 occupation ; the general character of the climate ; the 

 distance from railways and good markets : All these 

 points should he carefully considered, as they indicate the 

 system of cultivation most likely to he profitably pursued. 

 Large sums have frequently been spent on buildings totally 

 unsuited to the locality : natural influences have been com- 

 pletely ignored ; the only consideration appearing to have 

 been the gratification of a whim of the passing moment. 

 On the best class of grazing lands the area under tillage is 

 very limited, hence the accommodation required for stock is 

 small ; it is on the mixed tillage and pasture farms where 

 the requirements are the greatest. 



To thoroughly equip a large estate with modern build- 

 ings entails a large expenditure of capital, and cannot be 

 effected, even by a rich man, without considerable self- 

 denial : and the power of a tenant for life to charge his 

 estate by means of a rent-charge, for a series of years, with 

 the cost of buildings, and of other permanent improvements 

 is a facility afforded by the Land Improvement Acts, which 

 is of the greatest agricultural importance. 



The Farmhouse. The accommodation for the farmer 

 and his family demands our first consideration. In ordinary 

 cases the size of the house is regulated by the extent of 

 the farm. In the designing and erection of the farmhouses 

 intended as permanent structures it is best to keep some- 



