CHAPTER XVI 

 FARM BUILDINGS 



FACTORS INFLUENCING LOCATION, ARRANGEMENT, AND 



STYLE OF BUILDINGS 



In the determination of the location and arrangement of 

 farm buildings several factors must be considered. Sani- 

 tation, expense, conservation of time, and distance from 

 markets all govern to a certain degree. In the early settle- 

 ment of the country natural water supply, timber, or prox- 

 imity to a road or trail frequently was the controlling influ- 

 ence. Pioneer buildings, constructed of such materials as 

 were available, were erected and added to from time to time, 

 and fields laid out in conformity to conditions as they then 

 existed. While later developments such as new roads, deep 

 wells, or the exhaustion of the lumber supply may have 

 deprived the old site of its superiority, it is seldom that a 

 complete reorganization is possible. Generally the develop- 

 ment of the farmstead has extended over a long period of 

 years, new improvements being built as the need occurred, 

 and to remove them all at one time would involve a pro- 

 hibitive expense and waste of material. 



The location and arrangement of the buildings depend to 

 a large extent on personal preference and individual condi- 

 tions. The ideal site would be one located on high land 

 where there is a sandy or gravelly subsoil. Flat or black 

 soils are likely to be damp and cold, making it difficult to 

 secure proper drainage. For convenience in reaching all 

 fields with stock for pasturage or for work, the center would 

 be the best location, but to reduce the distance from neigh- 

 bors, markets, and rural mail deliveries, a point on the pub- 

 lic road is desirable. High dry ground on a public road and 



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