88 RURAL CONVENIENCES 



In this last case, an elevated tank for the storage of the 

 water must be built. The tank may be placed in the 

 attic, the barn, or an outside tower. Water weighs 62.5 

 pounds per cubic foot, and a large tank in the attic would 

 hardly be safe. A description of the details of construc- 

 tion and operation of such a tank (or of the air-pressure 

 tank that is also used for this purpose) can be obtained 

 readily from dealers in windmills and in farm water sys- 

 tems. The windmill and tank, and especially the air- 

 pressure water system, are somewhat costly to install. 

 But, like all permanent improvements, they add to the 

 selling value of the property; and if the first cost can be 

 afforded, the subsequent running expense is very small. 

 In any case, the farmer who provides a windmill for his 

 cattle has no excuse for not extending its use to his wife. 



b. Furnace. A furnace in the cellar will heat the en- 

 tire house. In a large house it does the work of many 

 stoves. Evenness of temperature is desirable in all the 

 rooms that are commonly used. Otherwise the entire 

 family will be likely to live in the warmest room, usually 

 the kitchen. This is not sanitary. 



Steam, hot-air, and hot- water heating systems have each 

 their advocates. For a large building with a good flue, 

 steam is generally preferred. Steam heating requires a 

 good fire constantly. Hot air and hot water as carriers 

 of heat are more economical in small houses than steam. 

 Whatever system is used, it should be accompanied by an 

 adequate system of ventilation. Fresh air within the house 

 is strangely neglected in many country houses. 



c. The kitchen is the workshop of the home. It may 

 be called the center of farm activities. It should be well 

 planned, having a convenient pantry, ice box, modern 

 range, and a convenient arrangement of necessary articles 

 in constant use, such as pots and pans. 



