ROOFING. 21 



We now come to the question of roof, and as 

 to whether it is better to have the forage -loft 

 over the stable or not. I consider that it is ; 

 but where such is not the case there should be a 

 ceiling, and (if in the country) a thatched roof. A 

 roof made of thatch, if well done, will last for many 

 years with but a very small annual outlay. The 

 only objection I have to its use is the possibility 

 of its catching fire. I therefore should not use it 

 in a town, but in the country the case is different. 

 As is well known, a thatched roof is warmer in 

 winter and cooler in summer, and an equable tem- 

 perature is more easily maintained. There is no 

 denying that its appearance is in its favour. A good 

 Dorsetshire thatcher (and the Dorset people under- 

 stand the business better than any other labourers) 

 can put on a roof which will last a lifetime, and 

 which is as regular and level as a roof of any other 

 material. I must, however, caution the reader 

 against using a thatched roof unless he can secure 

 the services of a really good thatcher. A bad 

 thatch is perhaps the worst roof in the world, 

 whereas a good one is amongst the very best. 

 Next to thatch, a stone or tiled roof is to be 

 preferred. Slate roofs are for ever getting out of 

 order, and their appearance is also against them, 

 and when they are loosened by heavy gales, etc., 



