246 



THE BOOK OF THE LANDED ESTATE. 



ments above laid with timber. I have often seen the sleeping-rooms of 

 cottages either paved with stone or bricks this is more especially the 

 case in Scotland. Wooden floors for bedrooms in cottages are more 

 healthy and comfortable for the inmates. Stone and bricks gather 

 damp, whereas boards, being kept from the soil by the joists, remain per- 

 fectly dry. Brick and other tile paving are sometimes used in kitchens, 

 but do not last long in any room where children and heavy-booted 

 labourers live. Bedroom fireplaces should be fitted in with the com- 

 mon Sham register grates, which are now very cheap ; and the kitchen 

 fireplace should receive a range with oven and hot-water boiler. These 

 are in common use in England, but not so in Scotland. Ovens and 

 boilers are not given to Scotch labourers, because it is not thought 

 necessary, as bread is usually bought from a public baker ; but I am 

 aware that it would add much to the comfort and economy of Scotch 

 labourers if each cottage were provided with both hot-water boiler and 

 oven. Fig. 91 gives an idea of what is commonly used in Yorkshire 

 for labourers' cottages. 



FIG. 91. 



The chief point to be kept in view in erecting cottages is to give 

 ample space and accommodation, combined with comfort, and at the 



