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In many a case careful planning has cut the labor of caring for the cows 

 squarely in half, at the same time keeping the stock cleaner, healthier, more 

 contented, and the barn in a more sanitary condition. 



How to Build Most Cheaply 



To secure these desirable results the cost of the barn need not be 

 extravagant; what the building will cost depends more than all else on the 

 care with which it is planned in advance and the thought that is given to the 

 actual construction. In our experience it has been no uncommon thing to see 

 one man with the "know how" build a barn ai 20 or 30 per cent less cost than 

 another, although the barn accommodates the same number of cows; and the 

 first gets a handsomer building, more convenient and better arranged. 



Regardless of who designs the barn, it is well to submit the final plans to 

 several contractors, getting bids from each. By having as many sets of blue 

 prints and specifications as there are contractors figuring on the barn, you can 

 safely let the contract to the lowest bidder, because the successful bidder must 

 follow directions as to workmanship, construction and material. 



The Site 



Even before plans are drawn, the exact location of the barn should be 

 decided, because the site chosen may alter the plans considerably. 



The barn should, if possible, run north and south, as this will permit 

 sunlight to reach all points within, at some time during the day. Sunlight is 

 the best of all disinfectants — the easiest and most certain method of destroying 

 germs of tuberculosis and other diseases. 



The barn should be so located that a sheltered yard may be provided to 

 the south of the building. 



Consideration must also be given to the appearance from the highways; 

 the position of surrounding buildings; and the location of hills, trees and 

 hedges for windbreaks. Where there is more than one barn the buildings 

 should be arranged as conveniently as possible, to lessen the labor of caring for 

 the stock. 



The location should be such that the yard will have natural drainage or 

 can be so graded that the surface water will run away from the barn. A cow 

 will keep herself fairly clean if given a chance, standing in filth only when 

 compelled to do so to secure food or water or protect herself from flies. If the 

 yard is kept dry and clean it will make much easier the task of keeping the 

 cows clean, as well as promote the health and comfort of the cattle. 



Many farmers are solving the barnyard problem by covering with six 

 inches of broken stone, placing cinders or gravel on top, a little slope being 



