THE FARM HOMESTEAD. 115 



There can be no real economy where inferior materials 

 or workmanship are tolerated. On all large properties 

 bricks should be made on the estate ; and where the 

 work is of sufficient magnitude to warrant the outlay, 

 the various kinds of woodworking and other machinery 

 may be properly used with a staff of mechanics under 

 good supervision. Most of the work can even then be 

 done at piece prices ; and the labour on roofs, and other 

 details of new work, can readily be let at per foot or yard ; 

 whilst on small estates the joinery can all be purchased 

 ready made. We do all our new brickwork, paving, slating, 

 tiling, plastering, &c., at per yard; the landlord finding the 

 materials and building plant. 



The value of labour and materials and the measuring of 

 artificers' work might be more closely studied than they are 

 by men in the land agency profession. On some estates 

 the buildings are let by contract ; and in this case the pro- 

 fessional architect is generally called in, or a clerk of works 

 employed. Agricultural architecture and engineering clearly 

 belong to the higher branches of the land agent's profession. 

 The time and study required even to arrive at mediocrity 

 should not deter young men from endeavouring to gain a 

 practical knowledge of them. 



To those intrusted with the designing and erection of 

 farm buildings, a perfect knowledge of the practical wants 

 of the farm and a complete mastery of detail are of prime 

 importance. Important hints and suggestions may some- 

 times be received, for the tenantry should be carefully con- 

 sidered; but, in effecting improvements of a permanent 

 and costly character, the probable capabilities of the land 

 should be studied rather than the whims and fancies of one 

 who may throw the farm up the next year and be sue- 



i 2 



