116 THE EQUIPMENT OF THE FARM. 



ceeded by another whose views are diametrically opposite. 

 It is seldom that the farm architect has the opportunity of 

 erecting a completely new homestead his efforts are more 

 generally directed to alterations and additions to existing 

 buildings. Here a grasp of practical detail is invaluable ; 

 old buildings have to be repaired, re-roofed, and rearranged, 

 and additions made when required. And let us repeat it : 

 whether in the erection of new, or in the rearrangement 

 of old buildings, one of the chief points to be considered 

 is the economy of labour. From this cause alone the cost 

 of attending the stock may vary 50 per cent. Those parts 

 of a homestead connected in use should be connected in 

 position, so as to diminish the labour of carrying food and 

 litter, and of removing manure ; so as indeed to diminish 

 the labour of attendance on stock. The root and chaff barn 

 and the straw barns must be near the cattle stalls and 

 stables. And, though of less importance, the stables must 

 be near the implement shed and waggon-house. 



The health of the animals is of the greatest impor- 

 tance ; well ventilated buildings, which insure a circu- 

 lation of pure air without being subject to oppressive 

 currents, are conducive to health. All open sheds should 

 have a southern aspect. Covered drains should on no- 

 pretence be tolerated inside well-constructed farm build- 

 ings ; they are constantly liable to obstructions from 

 whence arise odours of the most offensive and pestilential 

 character. Surface channels are readily cleansed; any 

 collection of superfluous matter meets the eye and is at 

 once removed. All the buildings should be well lighted 

 and ventilated ; the light should invariably be admitted 

 from behind instead of at the head of the stock. The 

 ingress of atmospheric air should be on the floor line. 



